WILLIAM RICHARD NEALE

William was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Sept. 26, 1925, the son of the late Paul and Kathryn (Starr) Neale. He married Marian Elizabeth VanVranken on June 12, 1947, in Galesburg, Michigan.

William was preceded in death by his wife Marian Neale on April 7, 2019, after 71 beautiful years of marriage and brother David Starr Neale. William is survived by his son Stephen Neale and his wife Nitaya.

William was a retired Major in the United States Air Force Reserve. William trained as a bombardier in the B-24 aircraft and was discharged from the Army Air Force after the end of WWII. After serving in the Air Force, William graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in mechanical engineering and took a job with Central Specialty, Division of King-Seeley Corporation in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

On Dec. 13, 1950, William and Marian had a son Stephen Douglas Neale. William ended his working career as Quality Manager for Motor Wheel, Division of Goodyear in Ypsilanti. After retiring, they moved to Presque Isle, Michigan, where they spent their retirement years. Before Marian’s passing, they wintered for many years in Sun City West, Arizona, to be close to their son.

William will be dearly missed by his family and many friends and his memory will be forever in our hearts.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Avondale, Arizona with Pastor Ellis officiating. Internment will follow. Arrangements are by Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions may be directed to First Presbyterian Church, Alpena, Michigan. alpenapresbyterian.com.