Dr. James John Neil, a resident for one month at 1330 Kimberly Rd., Juniper Village at the Shenango Inn, Sharon; formerly of Hermitage and 930 Forest Lane, Sharpsville; and Marco Island, FL, passed away at 2:14 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2008, in the hospital of the Sharon Regional Health System, following a lengthy illness. He was 83.
Dr. Neil was born September 19, 1925 in Pittsburgh a son of the late James J. and Esther Johnson Neil.
He moved to Sharon in 1937 and was a graduate of Sharon High School. He attended the University of Pittsburgh and its School of Dental Medicine, graduating in 1952 with a DDS.
Dr. Neil had a private practice in Sharon and Hermitage for 42 years, retiring in 1993.
Dr. Neil was a former active member of St. John's Episcopal Church, Sharon. A Free and Accepted Mason he was a member of the Mercer County Shriner's Club. Dr. Neil was a longtime member of the Sharon Social Fishing Club on Lake Muskoka, Ontario, Canada; and a member and past president of the Mercer County Dental Society and the former Sharon Country Club.
A veteran, he served with the US Army Air Force and was a member of the American Legion, Post 299, Sharon.
A humble man, Dr. Neil was known for his great sense of humor and love of life. He enjoyed many pastimes, including wood carving, golf, fishing, tennis and had a wonderful talent for art.
His wife, the former Alice Stanton, whom he married August 29, 1948, passed away December 3, 2004. They enjoyed winters at Marco Island, Florida for nearly twenty years.
Surviving are: three children, Pamela Yambrovich and her husband Edward, Hartford, Ohio; James J. Neil and his wife Leanna, Sharpsville; and Patricia Soley, Santa Monica, CA; and five grandchildren, Zack Neil, Rachael Neil, Emily Neil; and Ben Soley and Claire Soley.
Besides his parents and wife, Dr. Neil was preceded in death by a brother, John Neil; and two sons-in-law, Dennis Mastroianni and Terry Soley.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Shenango Valley Foundation, 33 Chestnut Ave., Sharon, PA 16146.
Calling hours are private.
Private funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2008, in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon, with the Rev. Douglas K. Dayton, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, Sharon, officiating.
Interment: Oakwood Cemetery, Hermitage.