Obituary of Arthur Frank Neff

Arthur Frank Neff – October 19, 1943 – October 16, 2023

Arthur “Art” Neff was called home to God on October 16, 2023, just 3 days shy of his 80th birthday. Art was born in Bergen County, NJ to the late Frank E. Neff and Mary Cowie Neff. Art is also preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ann Holder, and his late wife of 53 years, Patricia McNamara Neff. Artie attended Bergenfield High School in Bergenfield, NJ and later served in the United States Navy. He entered the US Navy in February 1961. He attended “Radioman” school in Bainbridge, MA and upon completion of that program he was sent to Morocco to provide communications for the Mediterranean fleet. Moving up in the ranks, Art was then sent to submarine school in New London, CT. He was then a Second Class Petty Officer (E5) and reported aboard the USS Cutlass SS-478. He served aboard Cutlass until February 1966. While home in NJ on leave that year, he met the love of his life, his Patty, and decided to retire from the Navy. He was hired by NJ Bell Telephone Co, utilizing his many skills that were learned during his “radioman” days. He had a long spanning career with NJ Bell which then became Verizon. He was a Manager responsible for both inside and outside maintenance and installation forces in Northern NJ. While he loved his Verizon co -workers very much, his love for serving his country in uniform during his Navy days were some of his most proud moments. Artie was a patriot through and through and proudly flew his American and Navy flags every day. Artie was a friend to everyone and everyone’s friend. He had a deep voice, a hearty laugh, and a huge heart. He was extremely proud of his three children and their families. Michael and Beth Neff of Montville, NJ, Tracy & Michael Meyler of Chatham, NJ, and Ryan & Amy Neff of Rumson, NJ. He was loved by so many, but especially by his 9 grandchildren, Brandon, Mikayla, Alyssa, Sarah, Deanna, Tommy, Collin, Carson & Brady. You could always find Artie rooting for the NY Giants, the Yankees and his WVU Mountaineers, no matter how bad they were – he remained fiercely loyal. He was a music lover and without fail had Elvis Presley or Buddy Holly playing throughout the house. In his later years, he spent most of his time on the golf course of his beloved Venice Golf and Country Club. He loved living on the 16th hole with his flags flying for all to see as they rounded the bend. Artie’s presence on this earth will be greatly missed but he is now eternally resting with his beloved wife whom he had missed so deeply over the last 2 years. A memorial service will be planned for November and private burial will take place at Gates of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover, NJ.