Richard Neily

Senior Chief Engineman Richard Mervyn Neily, USN (Retired) passed away on Friday the 28th of May, 2010 in Billings, Montana, at the age of 82 years, 5 months and 26 days. Know to everyone as either “Dick” or “Chief”, he was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on 2 December 1927, the only child of Vaughn Hardwick Neily, of Haverhill, Massachusetts and Edna Pearl Carter, of Newton, New Hampshire. Richard was the son of a shipbuilder and he inherited a deep love of the sea and the Naval Service. Dick graduated from High School ahead of schedule in order to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War Two. After the war ended, Dick remained in the Navy and served more than 22 years until his retirement in 1971, having achieved the second highest enlisted rank possible. During his naval service he became an expert on diesel engines and went on to earn numerous awards, commendations and campaign medals. He was particularly proud of his service during the Second World War and the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War he served side-by-side on the same ship with his son, continuing a family tradition going back to 1722 when his 5th great-grandfather served alongside his son in the same Massachusetts Militia Company fighting Indians on the Maine frontier. Following his military service, the Chief began a second career, working more than 20 years for the State of California operating water treatment plants. After his second retirement, he enjoyed a quiet life in Sunnyvale, California, spending much of his time serving as a volunteer driver for the local hospital and participating in the activities of fraternal organizations. His life took a major turn in 2005 when he suffered a debilitating stroke. At that time he moved to St. Johns Lutheran Home in Billings, Montana, where he could be near his devoted daughter and son-in-law, Sandy and Nick Patton.Dick married Iris Marion McCullough on November 4th, 1950 at the home of her parents at Wild Rose Farm in Andover, Massachusetts. They remained a devoted couple for more than 58 years until 2009, when Iris passed away in Billings, Montana following a long struggle with cancer.Dick was a Master Mason, and an Elk and was President of Branch 101 of the Fleet Reserve Association. In his younger days, the Chief was an avid bowler and had a career high game of 287. His favorite pastimes were collecting coins and following the stock market. The Chief was always fascinated with anything mechanical and had an intense interest in military history. Richard is survived by two sons, two daughters, 9 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren.A funeral service for Dick will be at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, 2010. Dick will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel.