C. Richard Neff, 97

October 09, 2024

C. Richard Neff, age 97, World War II Veteran, passed away on October 9, 2024 at Lancaster General Hospital surrounded by his family. Born and raised on the family farm in Manor Township, he was the son of the late Christian K. and Blanche E. (Wiggins) Neff.

Growing up on the family farm, Richard met the love of his life, Mary Frey, who lived on a neighboring farm. Thanks to his horse, Richard would ride over to Mary’s family farm to court her. In 1945, the visits stopped as he enlisted in the United States Army to serve in Europe at the end of WWII. Upon returning home from his military service in 1947, Richard and Mary were reunited and married on April 6, 1947 and the union lasted for 77 years upon her passing in May of 2024.

Richard and his brother, Robert, farmed together on the family land. His passion for farming extended into his membership in the Young Farmers Association where he focused on progressive farming techniques. He attended and was an usher at Stehman Church. In his spare time, Richard loved to hunt and fish, providing meals for his family. His most treasured vacation spot was Red Shingle Cabin in Sullivan County. Richard was a life long avid Philadelphia sports fan. He had a great and deep love for his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his children: Nancy Burkholder (wife of James) of Millersville, Tina Burkholder (wife of Sherman) of Millersville, Jay Neff (husband of Rosalind) of Lancaster and Jere Neff (husband of Daniele) of Wrightsville; his grandchildren: Lisa Sellers (wife of Dale), Eric Burkholder (husband of Luan), Carol Hershey (wife of Mark), Melissa Garner (wife of Blaine), Andrew Burkholder (husband of Stacy), Diana Nguyen, Christopher Neff (husband of Kayla), Meghan Minich (wife of Stephan), Carson Neff (husband of Kate), and Dylan Neff (husband of Kathleen); his great grandchildren: Jacie, Lindsey, Skylah, Madison, Paige, Elise, Ella, Mitchell, Morgan, Alaina, Evan, Gabrielle, Lezlie, Olivia, Zach, Damian, Kenzea, Jaylee, Oliver, Jensen Richard and Eleanor who is coming soon; and one great-great grandchild: Adriana.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, Richard is preceded in death by his siblings: Nelson Neff, Dorothy Neff and Robert Neff.

Family will receive friends Thursday, October 17, 2024 at Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA. 17584 from 10am to 11am with a celebration of life to begin at 11am. Burial to follow at Greenfield Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/.