William Leo “George Benson” Neff, age 81, of Chicora, passed away in the comfort of his home on Friday, January 8, 2021.
Bill beat pancreatic cancer in 2007 with the wonderful support of his family; his awesome physician Dr. Moser; and his great faith. He had 13 exceptional years with his family until the cancer returned, resulting in his death.
Born in Butler on February 8, 1939, he was a son of the late Charles and Regina Ritzert Neff.
He was a 1956 graduate of Butler High School.
Bill retired from Armco in 1995 after 37 years as a crane operator.
He was a member of Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church, Butler.
He belonged to the NRA.
Bill enjoyed spoiling his wife, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed gardening, and he especially took pride in his crop of garlic and in teaching future generations of gardeners. He truly loved the weekly get-togethers with his grown children and their spouses.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Diane Kusner Neff, whom he married May 14, 1960; four children, Edward Leo Neff and his wife, Trina, of Fenelton, Randolph Charles Neff and his wife, Virginia, of Chicora, Rickie Lee Neff and his wife, Shawnee, of Petrolia, and Lisa Diana Metrick and her husband, Michael, of Chicora; nine grandchildren, Charles “Chaz” Neff, Brandy Kaiser and her husband, B.J., Amber Cook and her husband, Deryk, Autumn Schreiber and her husband, Zach, Allison Hibner and her husband, Chris, Alyssa Neff, Austin Neff and his wife, Alyssa, Raegen Neff, and Emerson Neff; six great-grandchildren, Shaelynn, Paxton, Arkin, Alexander, Owen, and Laura; and three siblings, Anthony Neff and his wife, Roberta, Jack Neff and his wife, Bonnie, and Marcella Desmond and her husband, Raymond and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by 12 siblings, Elmer Neff, Harry Neff, George Neff. Josephine Neff, Paul Neff, Stephen Neff, Clare Marie Neff, Morris J. Neff, David Neff, Joseph Neff, Richard Neff and Elizabeth Mulligan.
There will be no public visitation, and a Mass of Christian Burial, with Bill’s nephew, Rev. Steven V. Neff, as celebrant, will be private.
Donations in Bill’s memory may be sent to: Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund, 451 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15238.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care of Martin Funeral Home, Inc., 429 Center Avenue, Butler.