An eternal child, inquisitive, adventurous, and hopeful, Neal Eric Merkley, moved on to the great unknown April 18, 2022. He is predeceased by his parents Margaret and Stanley and his beloved sister “Bo”. He is survived by a multitude of newly sprung plant seedlings, as well as his daughter Asa Shutts, his son Chris Merkley, 3 grandchildren: Dagan, Cyrus and Echo, former partner Jo, stepson Jason, sister Sharon, and many dear close friends too numerous to name. Born May 20, 1944, he grew up in Buffalo, “settled” down in Truxton and worked the rails as a freight train engineer in Syracuse for 42 years. He was a proud father, huge supporter of his children’s endeavors and champion of the blue collar worker. To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. And a garden he did plant. May Neal’s spirit live on in us all. May we all continue to wonder about the unknown, inquire within ourselves, strive to embrace truth, and share peace and love with one another. A celebration of Neal’s life will take place at Chris’s residence, 3336 Rte 215 Cortland NY, on May 20th at 6pm.
Arrangements under the direction of Riccardi Funeral Home, Cortland, NY
www.riccardifuneralhome.com
