Neal Joseph Bear

Neal Joseph Bear, 68, of Carmel, died peacefully surrounded by family after a courageous 2 ½ year battle with cancer, February 28, 2017. He was born April 25, 1948 in Toledo, Ohio to the late Neal E. and Delphine (Adams) Bear. Neal graduated from Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He was an accountant for 30 years, retiring in 2010, from U. S. Customs. Neal was a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church. He enjoyed putting together family music cd’s for special family events. Neal had a wonderful sense of humor that endeared him to everyone, friends and family alike. He loved music and was an avid keyboard player and he loved to travel. Neal enjoyed researching the horses and playfully picking the winners of the races. The most important thing to Neal was his family. He loved and adored them and tried to show them through his laughter and kind, caring gestures. Neal proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. Visitation will be held Friday, March 3, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel, 9900 Allisonville Rd. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, 10655 Haverstick Rd. Carmel. Neal is survived by his loving wife, Linda Jean (Reilly) Bear; son, Jeff Dwigans (Tammy); daughter, Jennifer Bear; grandchildren, Keegan and Corbin Dwigans, Donovan and Darren Pirtle, and Amaya Davis; sisters, Patricia Thomas, Deborah Dangel (Robert) and Delphine Wist (Duane); brothers, Douglas Bear (Liz), Donald Bear, Charles Bear and Darrin Bear; sisters-in-law, Joyce Eaton (Lyman), Susan White, Elaine Cunningham (Ronald) and Eileen Wieczorek (Frank); brother-in-law, Dennis Reilly (Kristy); father-in law, Gerold Reilly; and many nieces and nephews. Neal was preceded in death by his brother, Barton Bear; brothers-in-law, Jack Thomas and Michael White; and mother-in-law, Margaret Reilly. Memorial contributions may be made in Neal’s honor to Little Sisters of the Poor St. Augustine Home for the Aged, 2345 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, 46260. www.littlesistersofthepoor.org The family would like to thank the doctors of Community North, Dr. Bhatia, Megan Weaver N.P. and Dr. Large, for their kind and compassionate care given to Neal.

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Neal Joseph Bear

April 25, 1948 - February 28, 2017