Erin and Ryan,
I'm unsure if either of you will remember me, but I'm Neil's cousin, Jim Kalasky (Jeannie's son) also formerly of both Scranton and Lancaster County PA (Denver specifically) however for the last 13 years or so living outside Portland Oregon. 
Please accept my heartfelt condolences with your loss your husband and father.  I had the extreme good fortune of catching up on so many years at the Hartnett family reunion in Louisville last summer.  I was surprised by hearing the health challenges he's had over the last several years, but in awe of his attitude, and outlook on life.  Being thankful for everything and taking nothing for granted.  He clearly, and mentioned with pride the strength he drew for the love you both demonstrated, with some level of humor as only Neil could.
Please be assured you will all be in my prayers.  God bless you.
Jim Kalasky      

I worked with Neil 15 years ago at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg East.  I was a bellman over the summers while I was in college.  I would be there standing at the bell stand and would see Neil in the morning make his way across the lobby to his office with that energetic, athletic fast pace..."Hey Neil, how ya' doin' this morning?"  "Varo, I am ABSOLUUUUTELY...WONDERFUL...just WONDERFUL!!!"  he'd say with a mouth full of mustache as he'd clench his fists and spread his stocky wings wide open - pumpin' the air in enthusiasm.  There I was all of 21 years old and feeling like a lazy slug next to that guy!  It was hard to not feel compelled to move around Neil and impossible to not smile.  I know that when someone passes, folks always seem to recall only then all that they meant to them, but I can tell you that in my 15 years of working in the "real world" when I think of someone with positive spirit, especially at the workplace, there are less than a handful of faces and images that come to mind and that keep me motivated - and Neil was one of them.  I figured he either had read every book on positive thinking, or he was writing the next NYTimes bestseller on the subject.  Either way, now, years later, and many "motivational speakers" later, do I now see how misplaced Neil was...he should have been a motivational speaker all along!  He'd have made a million $$$ doing it because he did and lead by example.  He gave me a great gift, and I never had the chance to thank him for it.  Not that our loved ones in Heaven need inspiration or motivation, but if they do, I am sure that Neil is leading the seminars and has finally found his calling.  Wherever he is, he is telling someone at this moment how WONDERFUL!!! he is doing.  My best wishes and deepest condolences to your family.  Neil was one of the greats!
Varo L. Duffins
Lancaster, PA

Erin and Ryan,
As you know it is hard not to think of Neil and not smile.  I've known Neil since High School and have been lucky to have seen him over these many years (the last time at Tom Snyder's Dad's Funeral) and at Bill Dougherty's Wedding.  Spending any time with Neil was always a great time...to say he was the life of the party would be an understatement.  But more then that he was just a great person.  I don't know why God chooses to take the good ones...far too early...but Heaven will surely know he has arrived.  Nancy and I will hold you in our thoughts and prayers.
Wayne and Nancy Evans
Scranton, Pa.

To Neil's Family:
I went to high school with Neil, at Scranton Central.  I also worked with him during his time at Ponderosa Steakhouse.  Neil was fantastic to work with, because he made you laugh all day.  And he was funniest, when he was just being himself.

I remember once we were getting an inspection by our VP and Exec VP at the Dickson City restaurant.  As part of their inspection, they were examining the dumpster to see if the dish help was throwing out any china or silverware with the trash, by accident.  Neil came out and looked at both of them and told them they were an inspiration to him.  He said "If I work really hard and get to the top of this company, I can rummage through dumpsters like you.".  And then he just walked away.

Along with that was his business side.  When it came to providing for our customers, there was no joking.  He worked hard at delivering quality and had respect for them.

There are a lot of things like that I remember.  Most of all, he was good person and I enjoyed my time with him very much. 

My heart goes out to all of you at this time.  He's way too young to leave.  God must have really needed him and couldn't wait.

I just learned about this, as I don't live in Scranton anymore.  Unfortunately, I won't be able to make the services tonight or tomorrow.  Please know I will hold Neil and you, his beloved family, close to my heart and in my thoughts and prayers.

May God Bless,
Don Carroll
Mountain Top, Pa
doncar52@hazleton.net

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