Neil F Anderson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Neil Fredric Anderson, who passed away unexpectedly from a cerebral aneurysm on February 10, 2024 at the age of 72 years old. He passed away surrounded by his loved ones.

Neil Fredric Anderson was born on March 7, 1951 in San Jose, California, to Wilfred Ira Anderson and Gloria Belle Anderson. He spent most of his formative years in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, where his father worked for Aramco. The family moved back to the United Sates, and settled in Winter Park, Florida. Neil attended Winter Park High School, graduating in 1969. He attended the University of Florida, graduating in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.

He went on to pursue a career in Field Engineering with JA Jones Construction Co. in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1974. In 1976 he relocated to Boston, Massachusetts as a Scheduling Engineer for Stone & Webster Engineering. He was transferred by them to Tampa in 1983. In 1985, Neil began his employment with Tampa Electric Company as a Senior Engineer, and ended his employ in 2003 as a Director of Project Management. He dedicated 19 years to Tampa Electric Company and TECO Power Services, responsible for the startup and commissioning of major power plants.

In 2004, Neil began a new career in the wind and solar industry, responsible for the construction of renewable energy projects. He worked for Zilkha Renewable Energy, Horizon Wind Energy, and EDP Renewables until 2016. In those 12 years, as Director of Construction, he was responsible for more than 18 wind farm projects across the United States. He was recognized for his hard work, passion, and dedication.

As a young child, Neil F. Anderson, was in the Little League. In high school, he played the standup bass, carting it to school in modified golf bag cart. He played the guitar and the harmonica. Neil became a certified scuba diver, wind surfer, and was an accomplished skier. Neil worked in the family’s millshop after high school, where he developed a true passion for the craft of woodworking. After he retired, he spent much time in his workshop, building whatever struck his fancy. He was also a passionate cook and gardener. He enjoyed watching old Western movies and British mystery shows.

Neil was an avid fisherman and boater. He watched the weather and fishing reports, and took his boat out deep-sea fishing whenever possible. There were plenty of conversations with his friends about where he had been fishing, what he caught, what baits, lures or rigs were used, and when he was going fishing next. Those conversations were followed with how those fish were going to be cooked and eaten, or used in a dip. Fishing was his biggest passion.

Neil Fredric Anderson was a loving and devoted husband to Kathleen “Kathy” Anderson, and together they shared 29 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. They were best friends, soul mates, and each other’s confidants.

Neil always put his family first, and was a dedicated husband. Neil was a strong, loving, and supportive father. His knowledge and guidance was the foundation of his family. He had a generous heart, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He faced every challenge in life with admirable strength and courage, including his battle with cancer.

Neil was preceded in death by his father, Wilfred I. Anderson, and Mother, Gloria Belle Anderson.

Neil is survived by his spouse, Kathy, of Tampa, Florida, his daughter, Christina Elizabeth Anderson of Tampa, Florida, his daughter, Allison Ann Begley of Tampa, Florida, and his daughter Diana Danielle Begley of Tampa Florida; his siblings, Geoffrey Anderson (Deborah MacArthur Anderson) of Crystal River, Florida; Julia Myers (Merrill Myers) of Lutz, Florida; Anabelle Frink (Jon Frink, daughter Erica Frink) of Livingston, Tennessee; his nephew, Neil Christopher Anderson (Anya Anderson, sons Ethan and Austin) of Greenwich, Connecticut; his niece, Elizabeth Belle Anderson of Gainesville, Florida; and many other close family members and close friends.

Neil will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was a role model who we will always look up to.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 2, 2024 starting at 11:00 a.m. at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33609. Family and friends are invited to attend and pay their respects to honor the life of Neil F. Anderson. A reception will immediately follow the celebration.

Fishing shirts are suggested, but please no shorts, sandals, or flip flops.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to American Cancer Society, or to your own favorite charity, in Neil F. Anderson's memory.