Obituary of J. Norman Neff

J. Norman Neff, 83, passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at Akron City Hospital. Norman was born August 8, 1931 to Samuel and Sarah May Neff in Akron. He served in the US Army as a chef during the Korean Conflict. Norman married his beloved wife Mary Ellen Whisler in 1957. He worked for Bridgestone-Firestone as a design draftsman, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls where he sang in the choir. He was an avid runner. Norman was a proud and loving father and grandfather; his bright smile will be missed by all who knew him. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Sarah May; and sister Maggi Mains. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ellen; children Steven, Amy (Doug) Smith, and William (Lisa); grandchildren Ashley, Kaitlyn, Zach & Mikayla; and sister Mary (Kenneth) Tunstall. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday September 24 at the First United Methodist Church, 245 Portage Trail in Cuyahoga Falls, where the family will receive friends starting at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Northlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church music ministry. (Anthony, 330-928-1313, anthonyfh.com)