Samuel "Sam" Dale Neely

Samuel “Sam” Dale Neely

A True Family Man -

Samuel “Sam” Dale Neely, age 80, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Leetsdale, PA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 22, 2021.  Sam was born on Thursday, October 30, 1941, in Sewickley, PA to the late Samuel Foliart Neely and Marie Augusta (Wolgemuth) Neely.  Sam was the widower of Patricia “Pat” Jean (Sechler) Neely, whom he married on June 12, 1965, and who died on December 2, 2015.

Sam’s survivors include his two children: Melissa “Missy” B. Neely of Mechanicsburg, Samuel “Sam” R. Neely and wife, Laura, and their three children: Nick, Andrea, and Ryan, all of Mechanicsburg; his two sisters: Linda Neely and Ellen Kaelin; his dear long-time friend, John “Jack” Kudrna; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved canine companion, Pickles.

Sam graduated from Quaker Valley High School and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from Grove City University, then acquired his Master’s Degree from St. Francis University.  He retired in 2007 from the Naval Sea Logistics Center in Mechanicsburg, after over 30 years of service.  At his retirement, Sam was a director of the computer technology and development.  Previously, he served as the supervisor of the engineering support team for the engineering support team for navy logistics.  As a senior engineer, he was instrumental in providing logical support to US Navy warfare ships and submarines.  Following his retirement, Sam worked as a private contractor for Target Systems for an additional five years.

Sam met the young lady that would eventually become his wife for the first time on a city bus when he was 7 and she was 5 years old.  He just couldn’t help but think about how she was the prettiest girl he’d ever seen.  Sam always tried to be happy, and wanted his legacy to be that he left the world happier than it was.  He adored his grandchildren, and was very proud and actively involved with them.  Sam called his grandkids frequently to make sure that they were working hard and having fun.  He was known to be the life of the party, knew all of his children’s friends, and loved his coffee and Coors Light.  Sam was the sole provider for his family and worked a part time job as a janitor, often running to work so that his wife could use the family’s only car.  He was a truly dedicated and loving man that worried more about everyone else than he did himself.  Sam always made sure that he got his wife and kids back to Pittsburgh for the holidays to be with family, and when Pat became ill, Sam cared for her around the clock.  After Pat passed, Sam started having dinner with his daughter Missy every evening, and enjoyed watching every episode of “The Black List” together with her.  When he wasn’t at the gym, Sam could be found walking his Yorkshire terrier, Pickles, whom he greatly enjoyed having as a companion.

All are welcome to join Sam’s family at his gathering of family and friends on Friday, January 7, 2022, from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. with a service beginning at 12:15 p.m., all at Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; and his virtual gathering of family and friends and service via video chat or telephone beginning at 12:00 p.m.; with Celebrant Patti Vogl officiating.  Sam’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at Buhrig’s Gathering Place (next to the funeral home) immediately following the service.  Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the "Buhrig" parking signs in all of our parking lots. Private interment in Mechanicsburg Cemetery will be at the family’s convenience.  Cremation was private.

Contributions in celebration of Sam’s life can be made to Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111, www.HumaneSocietyHbg.org.

Sam’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Sam’s full obituary, view his memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign his official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.
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Virtual Gathering via Video Chat

Family and friends are welcome to join Sam's family via video chat or telephone on Friday, January 7, 2022, beginning at approximately 12:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

We use Zoom for internet video chat and telephone conference calling.  There is no charge for you to participate.  Simply click on the link below or dial the telephone number below to be connected to the event.

Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85974923889? with passcode 3421

Join by telephone:   415-762-9988   or   646-568-7788   and enter meeting number 859 7492 3889 with passcode 3421

By participating in this chat you agree to our “Internet Video Chat & Telephone Chat Policies” which can be found at www.Buhrig.com/Privacy-Policy.
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