In Loving Memory
Hugh J. Neary

VISITATION
Monday, July 11, 2016
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
10:30 A.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CELEBRANT
Rev. Richard Ries

SOLOIST
Shawn Neary

MUSIC
Holy Family Funeral Choir

CASKET BEARERS
Hugh's Grandchildren

HONORARY BEARERS
Hugh's Golf and Coffee Groups

INTERMENT
St. John's Catholic Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa

MILITARY GRAVESIDE RITES
V.F.W. Post #2295
Emmetsburg, Iowa

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to: Emmetsburg Catholic School or American Cancer Society

Hugh Joseph Neary, son of James W. and Helen (Mulroney) Neary, was born April 5, 1926 in Emmetsburg, Iowa. He began his education at St. Mary's Academy, graduating from Emmetsburg Catholic High School in 1944. While in high School, Hugh excelled in athletics, and was honored as 1st Team All State in football. He also exhibited great talent on the baseball diamond. Following graduation, Hugh enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps, serving stateside until his honorable discharge. Upon his return, he continued his education at Emmetsburg Community College.

Before leaving for the service, Hugh struck up a friendship with a classmate, Lois Lorig. They maintained correspondence during his service and the relationship deepened upon his return home. Hugh and Lois exchanged wedding vows on the 16th of August, 1949. Their marriage lasted 66 years.

Hugh worked with his parents at their furniture store, Neary Furniture, and began serving as a substitute rural mail carrier. He continued working for the United States Postal Service throughout his career, retiring as Post Master of the Emmetsburg Post Office in 1990 after forty years of employment.

He was a devoted member of Holy Family Parish and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a past member of Rotary International.

Hugh and Lois traveled extensively, and enjoyed many winters with friends in Arizona and Texas. They visited Ireland on two separate occasions, where they were able to connect with relatives. The families of both Hugh and Lois were related to the original Irish settlers in Emmetsburg, and their heritage continues to be of central importance. Hugh was an avid golfer and active in the Emmetsburg Country Club.

Hugh was honored as Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick's celebration. He enjoyed collecting stamps and decorative whisky bottles. He had an enduring love of Big Band music and will be remembered by his family and friends for his rendition of "Happy Days Are Here Again". Hugh was kind and supportive, there for both his family and community. He wanted the best for both and was willing to put forth the effort to help any cause that he could.

Hugh passed away Saturday, July 9, 2016 at PARC Hall in Emmetsburg, Iowa at the age of 90. He was surrounded by those who love him. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Anne; his son, John; and his brother, James.

He is survived by his wife; Lois of Emmetsburg; his two sons and daughters-in-law, H. Michael and Jeannine Neary of Urbandale, Iowa, Mark J. and Johnna Neary of Iowa City, Iowa, and Claudia Neary of Spencer, Iowa; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Shawn Neary, Meghan Neary, Melissa and Andrew Blegen and their children, Brody and Brock, Kylie Neary and Brian and Katlyn Neary; his brother Robert Neary of Long Beach, California; nieces and nephews; as well as other relatives and many friends. He was an extraordinary man who will be missed in the same fashion.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home