Neal Alan Edmonson

Neal Alan Edmonson, the son of the late Glenwood Marvin Edmonson and Gloria Grace Edmonson (née Graham), was born on April 17, 1959, at former Providence Hospital in Washington, D.C. He departed this life on July 31, 2026, and was found deceased in his home in Washington, D.C., on August 3, 2026, after an extended illness. He was 67 years old.

Neal grew up in Washington, D.C., shortly before and during the Civil Rights Era of the 1960s. As a child, he was friendly, outgoing, and active. He had a great sense of humor, loved music, and enjoyed spending time with friends. Neal had a gift for writing. When young, he wrote lyrics, songs, and poetry. In junior high school, he won a major prize in a citywide poetry contest. He played trumpet in school bands. Neal later switched to playing electric bass guitar, performing with bands in local venues and jam sessions with friends. He loved sports. Neal biked and roller skated. He was a lifeguard during summers out of school. Neal surfed in Hawaii. He played in youth football leagues and local basketball games. He rode his bicycle all over the city, making frequent trips with friends through Rock Creek Park and to and from Hains Point.

Neal attended D.C. Public primary and middle schools. He attended Archbishop Carroll Catholic High School in northeast D.C., graduating in June 1977. For two years, Neal attended Lincoln University in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania. He returned to D.C. and began working as a computer systems operator and programmer for private companies.

In the early 1990s, Neal moved to San Francisco, California, where he joined his lifelong friend, the late David Allen, a fellow musician. David moved to San Francisco a few years earlier to seek recovery from substance abuse. He was successful. Neal also battled addition. Seeing David’s success, Neal decided to join him. He also found success with substance abuse and turned his life around.

Neal made more friends after he arrived in California. He continued biking all over the city. One of his favorite memories during these trips was meeting and speaking a few times with comedian and actor, Robin Williams. Neal also became close friends with actor, writer, director, producer and leader of the San Francisco Recovery Theatre, Geoffrey Grier, and his late wife, Kristi. The couple introduced him to new friends, many of whom are actors and celebrities. These include Geoffrey’s brother, actor, comedian, writer and producer David Alan Grier. Neal also formed a close bond with Geoffrey and Kristi’s son Gillian, loving him like a nephew.

In California, Neal worked as a Systems Engineer, Information Programmer and Associate Programmer for the California State Automobile Association. He was a Systems Operations Mainframe and Midrange Senior Analyst for the Bank of America. As technology shifts occurred in that field, Neal expanded into other types of work. He was an Indirect Account Representative for Nextel/T-Storm Communications, a Senior Inside Sales Representative for Research Data Group, and a Regional Inside Sales Executive for Reply Inc!. He also worked as an Inside Sales Account Executive for HomeGain, an Inside Sales Executive for Intuit Demandforce, Inc., and as a Business Development Executive for Research Data Group.

When America experienced an economic depression in 2008, the job market in California began to collapse. To improve his employment prospects, Neal returned to D.C. to complete his bachelor’s degree. He earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration degree in Finance at the University of the District of Columbia in May 2014. While completing his education, and for many years afterwards, Neal, along with his sister Eileen, cared for his aging parents until they passed. Shortly after graduating, Neal’s health started to deteriorate.

Neal loved the Lord. He often prayed for the health and welfare of his friends and relatives. His religious journey took him to many churches in D.C., including Christian Reformed Church of Washington, D.C., during his youth and young adulthood, but he never settled on one.

Neal is survived by his sister, Eileen; his cousins Bernadette Richardson, Owen Brian Richardson, Phillip Hamilton (Rose), Barry Batten, Darryl Batten (Cathy), Derek Edmonson (Rina), Pamela Edmonson, Sherry Seibles (Derrick), Michelle Henson, Bernard “Buddy” Hill, Darren Hill (Shelley), Robin Hill, Ava Tanner Brooks, Mary Elizabeth “Lib” Smith, Dorothy Norman Douglas, Edith Alberta “Bert” Weedon, Rosemarie Harris Carey, Marva June Ambush (Edward), Linda C. Harris, Russell Robbins, Jr. (Darlene); close friends Isaac Stroy and Joanne Calore; and many other beloved cousins, relatives and friends.