Neil H. Prothers

Neil H. Prothers, 79, of Toms River, passed away on Thursday, July 5, 2012, at Kimball Medical Center, Lakewood, after 18 years battling Parkinson's Disease. Neil was born in New York City and raised in Westchester County, NY, where he attended Scarsdale High School before earning a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Yale University. He enjoyed summers in Seaside Park, New Jersey. After 28 years as a passenger pilot for Pan American, Neil flew cargo planes for Air International Airways. He learned to fly during a 5-year career in the U.S. Navy, when he took off from the U.S.S. Intrepid and U.S.S. Ranger. He served another five years for the New Jersey Air National Guard, as a fighter pilot in the Berlin Crisis and as weekend warrior and aeronautical engineer at Lakehurst Naval Air Base. An avid yachtsman, Neil was a former owner of Bat, one of the Barnegat Bay A-Cats. He sailed competitively in the BBYRA and enjoyed over 40 years of membership at Toms River Yacht Club. He also pursued his passion for wooden boats by building several of his own. After retirement, he joined his wife, Ellen as a frequent bridge player at TRYC and Toms River Country Club.

Neil was predeceased by his parents, Harold V. Prothers and Dorthy A. Prothers; and his sister, Joy P. Barrett. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Ellen Southall Prothers; his daughter, Lisa Prothers; his son, Craig Prothers and his wife Michele; and two grandchildren, Jesse McNeil and Ruby Jeanne.

A memorial celebration will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 16, 2012 at Toms River Yacht Club, 1464 Riviera Ave., Toms River. Contributions can be made in Neil's honor to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation at www.pdf.org.