William H. Neary

November 10, 1941 - January 28, 2019

COLUMBIA — William H. Neary, 77, walked softly into the Light in the early hours of January 28, 2019, at his home in Columbia with his wife at his side as his children journeyed home. Bill was born Nov. 10, 1941, in West Stewartstown, NH, the first born of Dean W. and Elvada B. (Greer) Neary. He attended Colebrook schools, graduating from the Academy in 1961. He then attended Manchester Technical School before entering the U.S. Army in October of 1963. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, then AIT at Southeast Signal School at Fort Gordon, GA. During his military career, Bill was stationed in Pirmasens, Germany; Taegu, Korea; Fort Ritchie, MD; Cam Rahn Bay, VietNam; Fort Gordon, GA; Augsburg, Germany; Arlington Hall Station and the Pentagon, VA; and Frankfurt, Germany; and he retired from Fort Ritchie, MD in 1987 after serving twenty-four years, three months, and twelve days, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant. In February of 1967 he married Marlyn Lucille Mason at St. Francis Xavier Church in Groveton and they began an adventure that lasted fifty-one years, eleven months, and three days. They traveled the eastern seaboard and parts of western Europe with their children, William Arnold Neary and Cheryl-Leigh Neary who survive him. Upon return to Colebrook, Bill worked briefly for Peter Nugent before beginning a twenty year tour as a custodian at Colebrook Elementary School, retiring from that job in June, 2008. He also served on the Colebrook Volunteer Fire Department for twenty-five years, retiring in 2013. He was active in Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Scout Leader, as a ‘mascot’ and tent builder for his daughter’s Blue Bird/Campfire and Girl Scout Troops while his children were active in those organizations. He served on the Vestry of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Augusta, GA, and as treasurer for St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Colebrook. He enjoyed picking blueberries, brook fishing, and hunting, and loved the North Country. He is survived by his wife, Maryln, and children, Bill and Cheryl (and fiancé Robert Normandin), and by his siblings: Arlene (Leonard) Martel, Wilbur (MaryAnn) Neary, all of Colebrook, Melvin (Norma) Neary of Marlborough, NH; and Alma Neary of Colebrook. Also surviving him are nephews Paul (Patricia) and Mark (Tracy) Martel; Dean and Scott Neary; great-nephews Todd and Troy Martel, and great grand-niece Tegan Martel, two aunts, and many cousins. A Celebration of Life and Eucharist will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. with The Rev. Timothy Brooks officiating. There will be no calling hours at Bill’s request. Also at Bill’s request, and in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made directly to the Colebrook Fire Department, P.O. Box 273, Colebrook, NH 03576, for the specific purpose of maintaining, acquiring and training in the use of SCBA breathing apparatus. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.