Philip (Phil) B. Neff, 70, of Mechanicsburg, PA died Saturday, June 19, 2004, at the Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill.
He was born May 16, 1934, in Potter Township, Centre County, PA, a son of the late John and Elizabeth Bitner Neff.
On June 19, 1955, he married Leah Leitzell, who survives at Bethany Village, mechanicsburg.
Mr. Neff was a 1951 graduate of Centre Hall-Potter High School. He served in the U. S. Air Force from 1954 to 1958.
He worked for National Weather service in Harrisburg, from 1953 until his retirement as chief meteorologist.
Mr. Neff was an active member of Hope United Methodist Church in Mechanicsburg where he served as a conference lay leader, a Sunday school teacher and a lay speaker. In addition he served in almost every position within the church at sometime in his life.
He enjoyed gardening and golfing, and was a ham radio operator. He was devoted to his church, but more significantly, he was devoted to his wife of 49 years, Leah, as her companion, friend, partner and fellow traveler in their life's journey - and for the past five years, following her stroke, serving as her daily caregiver.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by 2 sisters, Minerva E. Tate of Rural Spring Mills and Lucille Klostermeyer of LaVista, Nebraska; and 1 brother, Paul H. Neff of Bellefonte.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Helen Heckert and Janet Irwin; and 2 brothers, W. Russell and H. Dean Neff.
A memorial service will be held at Hope United Methodist Church, 6260 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, at 10:00 a. m., Thursday, June 24, 2004, with the Rev. Dr. James A. Houck officiating. Friends will be received immediately following the memorial services in the fellowship hall of the church. A graveside service will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran and Reformed Cemetery, Tusseyville, on Neff Road just off Rte. 322, midway between Potters Mills and Boalsburg, at 12:30 p. m. Friday, June 25, 2004.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope United Methodist Church, 6260 Carlisle Pike, mechanicsburg, PA 17050.
Arrangements are under the direction of Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral Service, 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave. Centre Hall, PA.
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com