Raymond F. 'Ray' Nealon

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Raymond F. "Ray" Nealon, 80, of Greencastle, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011.

He was born in Binghamton, N.Y. on March 27, 1931 to Raymond and Margaret O'Shea Nealon.

After graduating from St. Lawrence University, Ray served in the Army as a First Lieutenant in Germany. After the Army, he joined the IBM Corporation, where he worked for 33 years in Owego, N.Y., San Antonio, Texas, Huntsville, Ala. and most recently in Greencastle. He particularly enjoyed working on a joint IBM and NASA initiative for both the Apollo and Saturn Space Missions in Huntsville.

Always passionate about education, Ray worked on an IBM college assistance program at Indiana State University and continued as business division chairperson at Ivy Tech State College in Indianapolis.

In addition to a successful career of 46 years, Ray always made time for his family. He was a very caring, humble and engaging person and known for his story telling. A natural athlete, Ray excelled in both baseball and basketball throughout high school and college -- and received an offer from the Pittsburgh Pirates. He remained an avid sports fan his entire life.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Bonnie; children Bob Nealon (Jen), Ray Nealon, Carrie Nealon and Kelly Nealon (John Sussman); two grandchildren (Eden and Eli Sussman) and two brothers, Bob and Don Nealon. He was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who brought great joy to his life.

A visitation will be held at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home in Greencastle on Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 5-8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul The Apostle Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Putnam County Public Library or The Humane Society of Putnam County.