Obituaries
Rev. Leo M. Neff, 77
October 31, 2020
Rev. Leo M. Neff, 77, of Lancaster, went Home to be with The Lord on Saturday, October 31, 2020.
He was the loving husband of Kathleen Rice Neff, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage this past February 4th. Born in Red Bank, NJ, he was the son of the late Joseph L. and Maude E. Campbell Neff.
Leo served many churches in his 35 years of ministry, including The Worship Center, Lighthouse Community Church, Church of The Word International and he had currently been attending Victory Church Online and Ephrata campus. He loved His God, family, and people, and his greatest love was caring for people and missionaries.
He enjoyed traveling and was a true Mr Fix It. He had also worked part time for Fisher Paints in Ephrata and Kinzers.
In addition to his wife, Leo is survived by his children: Mark E. of Mechanicsburg, Matthew T. married to Callie Neff of Brickerville, and Nancy M. Hertzog of Lititz, and by his 8 grandchildren: Marlinda, Avery, Delaney, Owen, Kenton, Aurora, Maddie, and Thomas. He was preceded in death by a grandchild, his brother Thomas J. Neff and his cousin, Margaret “Peg” Scully.
Friends will be received by his family at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz,PA on Friday, November 20, 2020 from 6-8PM, and again on Saturday, November 21, 2020 from 1:30-3:30PM, with a Memorial Service to follow at 3:30PM. Masks will be required to attend and capacity limits will be observed. The service will be livestreamed beginning at 3:25PM and viewed on Rev. Neff’s obituary page on the funeral home website at SnyderFuneralHome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to a place close to Leo’s heart, CrossRoads Ministries, 1801 Fruitville Pike, Suite 201, Lancaster, PA 17601.
The Livestream video will appear on this page on Sat. Nov. 21 at 3:25PM, just prior to the start of the services.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
November 28, 2020
Dear Kathy. I am so sorry for the loss of you dear husband Leo. I kow we haven’t seen each other for many years, but I remember all of the good ties we had when we went to church together, for a short time. My eepest sympathy to you and your family. I am sorry I couldn’t be there fr the viewing or the service. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Dawn Spang
November 25, 2020
Dear Kathy, Mark, Matt, Nancy and Families,
While we share your loss, though certainly to a lesser degree, and we are thankful for the years of our friendship with Leo, your husband and dad, and have always thought highly of him, enjoying our times together with you all as a family and rejoicing with the comfort that he is now in the arms of Jesus and with his Heavenly Father!!
We were thankful we could see the memorial service via live-stream, since we have been quarantined due to Covid exposure since 11/18, though we rejoice in good health and have no symptoms and could not get tested until Monday, the 23rd! No results yet, though!
Kathy, your memories were sweet and very special, but who were the two younger women who stood – then sat nearby – with you up front?
Mark, we enjoyed your telling of your season of incarceration by Lititz Police (c/o your parents); what a hoot!! We probably had heard of that incident many years ago but had totally forgotten it.
Matt, I’m sorry to say that your voice didn’t carry well and we didn’t catch much of your contribution, so eventually, if/when you can, write a few of your memories for us, please.
And Nancy, Jim thinks one of the women who accompanied your mother up front may have been you, but I didn’t recognize you, I’m sorry to say, so I wasn’t sure if you were seated across the aisle from your mother, or was that someone else?
We continue to hold each of you close in our hearts and continue keeping you in prayers, especially as holidays are upon us. Many blessings and lots of love, (Jim &) Jean Bednar
November 21, 2020
Dearest Kathy and all your family,
There are not enough people in the world like Leo, someone said, and we say a hearty “Amen” to that. Such a dear heart, so kind and gentle and a wonderful father figure to so many. How he will be missed.
This morning I read the verse in Luke 12: “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God”, and the thought came to me that Leo–of the many people I know–was “rich toward God”… His faith was what mattered, and he wanted you to have it too. Jim is forever changed by his mission trips with Leo years ago, and the gentle way Leo would help to educate him, direct him, lead him.
(And maybe I shouldn’t linger…but, oh, how Leo and you helped us in our marriage, and helped send two of our children off on their married lives together with a good foundation and meaningful spiritual input. To this day, I quote something Leo said at the rehearsal dinner that still makes us laugh; he really understood human nature!)
What sweet memories we all have. May God continue to be your Rock and your Comfort in this process.
Love to you always! Thank you for the livestream.
Jim & Sharon Day
November 21, 2020
Condolences to my Uncle Leo’s family and friends from his niece Carol Steele-Weiss.
November 21, 2020
To God be the glory!
Josephine Rice
November 21, 2020
Dear Kathy, We were so sad to hear of Leo’s sudden passing. His unconditional, kind, caring and loving heart was special and so comforting! I know that Leo had a great influence for Jesus to so many people. You have an awesome testimony!!! We watched the live stream service.
May you and the family be comforted from this time forward. Say hello to the children. God bless you as your days continue! Love in Jesus!!Kay and Tim Weber
November 21, 2020
Sending our love to the entire Neff family. Please know we are thinking of you and praying for all of you.
Love,
Sarah Schwarz and family
November 21, 2020
Aunt Kathy, Matthew, Mark and Nancy,
I just want to let you know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers often since the passing of your husband and father, Uncle Leo. I will always remember him fondly as a wonderful, caring, and loving uncle. As many have said, his hugs were epic and just a token of his love & care! He will be missed but held in our hearts forever!! ❤️ Love,
Josh Rice & Family
November 21, 2020
So sorry we can’t be with you for this time of remembering Leo. What a gentle “giant” of a man. We always saw how supportive he was of everyone he met, so encouraging and loving. We especially enjoyed our visit together in Israel back in 2014. We know that in the Kingdom of Elohim there will be a great assignment for this great man. May you all be comforted in the knowledge and hope of eternity together with him.
Blessings, Ron and Rebecca Hazelton
November 21, 2020
Much love to you Kathy. You and Leo were so loving and helpful to me in the early days of my faith. I will never forget that. I can imagine the joy Leo is experiencing in heaven – he was always so full of joy when I knew him. Much love to you…Joe & JoEllen Castronova
November 21, 2020
November 21
Dear Kathy,
I’ve been thinking a lot about Leo, our friendship, & the great memories that I have about him. As you know, they go back to 1965. We both became employed by Sears in NJ, Leo—about a month before me –fitting! Because as I reminded him at every opportunity, he was almost a month older than me! I also remember when he met you Kathy, & he was always looking for an excuse to go to your office to make sure his books were correct, yeah right!! Leo was a gentleman in every way & was always a good influence on me. So many memories I have of both of you. A better friend No man could have than Leo. I will always remember him as a kind, sincere & caring man. Leo always had a smile & a pleasant greeting for everyone .
Yours & his Loving Friends,
Chris & Mary
November 20, 2020
Dear Cathy,
No one is as loving and caring as Leo was. He was one of a kind. His ministry had touched many near and far. His prayers were always were a great blessing. He was a special man. His delight was to serve God and His people. Very hard to imagine that Leo is no more. If friends miss him so much how much more the family. Cathy! Our heart felt condolences for your loss. We loose but he gains. His life on earth ended but he lives eternally. There was no struggle or battle but a crown is an ultimate gain. May God’s goodness and comfort of the Holy Spirit be with you and your family. we love you Cathy,
your friends
Benyehuda and Mrudula
and family.
November 20, 2020
Dear Kathy & families & friends of Leo Neff.
I met Leo Neff as a fellow student at Worship Center Bible School , a 2 year course, class of 1995. It was there , where all of us desired to learn more of God , in a deeper way, mpre then head knowledge which is important, but also a true deep relationship with our Lord.
I’ll never forget, we had times of sharing talent if we wanted, The first time I played the piano, I was so incredibly nervous, felt like all eyes were judging me, it went Ok, the second time, I played maybe a year after the first, was different, Instead of worrying about the ears & eyes being on me, I played as if Jesus was the only one there, the reason I’m sharing this is, after our class, Leo came up to me & said , Linda , this time was better, because you gave to the Lord, & this blessed me, so much more then when you were playing for us. There were many times , this type of encouragement came from Leo, to many of us.
There were times , he prayed for our family , especially when going thru a difficult season with our daughter, when our daughter was released from earth , & Heaven bound,[12/2017] In line for the visitation was Leo & Kathy , he wasn’t feeling the greatest , but there he was. So Leo, I know you can’t read this, but please give Lila, one of your gentle hug & smile.
I’ll never forget when we ate lunch with Leo & Kathy after church one Sunday, we had one of his favorites[ at least then, something I never heard of ” Pork Roll” , he told me/us, that it’s a New Jersey thing. …………….:) & gave us a smile as he started to eat.
Leo had such a gentle spirit, but yet really got good points across, had a welcoming smile & terrific hug We will miss Leo Neff, for sure.
We were very surprised & so saddened when our friend Jan, left a message, couldn’t believe this. Prayers to Kathy, we love you & also to his children & grandchildren , who he truly loved.
Earth loss, Heaven’s gain. This is the hard part of life, yet , we can rejoice knowing that Leo is with Jesus.
Shalom & Emmanuel
Linda & Paul Swearingen
November 20, 2020
So many memories of Uncle “Yeo” as I would say as a toddler. From the paint shop, to the house on General Sutter … always a hug, always a supportive word of encouragement.Thank You Uncle Leo, you were and are loved by many. – Alison Lewis
November 16, 2020
Lindsey and I send our deepest sorrows to you Kathy. Leo was an amazing man. The line in heaven is long to receive a patented hug. We love you Kathy!
Chris Lautsbaugh
November 14, 2020
We met Leo in the Poconos. What a great guy he is. We see how he was very busy being a selfless and kind person. His work was and is very important to Jesus. We never know what missions the Lord has for us, but we know Jesus had a very important mission for Leo in heaven. We are sure Leo is happy. We hope Leo can be one of our Angels, we will pray to him. His selflessness, his positive attitude, his kindness and generosity should be an inspiration for us all. Kathy, you and Leo are to be commended for the examples you both show on this planet. Jesus is very proud of you both. Our best to Leo’s family. Sincerely, Molly, Errol, Petty Officer 2nd class Errol II Hoogendoorn
November 14, 2020
We cannot tell you how sorry we were to hear about Leo’s transition into Heavan. We are so happy for him that he is with his Lord and saviour, but it is those who will need to continue without him on this earth that is difficult. Kathy we are sooo sorry. I know there were other health challenges doing this time as well. We are praying for the peace of God and his comfort for all of you. We will never forget the smile that Leo would great you with, his firm and loving hugs. Even if you did not see Leo for a while, you would instancy know that your friendship was life long when we would see each other. We love you and are praying for you and the family. Daryl & Dianna Stoltzfus
November 11, 2020
There aren’t enough people in the world that are like Leo. He had such pure and unwavering love for his friends, family and of people in general. I’m really gonna miss him and his hugs. I never witnessed a negative moment with Leo, he was always the most joyful person in the room. He meant a lot to me and my family and he will be sorely missed. I wish the best for all his family. God bless.
Matthew Crout
November 11, 2020
The loss of Leo is still raw at times, but the thought of him with Jesus makes me smile. He was a mentor, a father and my best friend. He was willing to says the things I may not have wanted to hear, but needed to. He will missed by many and my prayers are for Kathy and all the children. Peter
November 10, 2020
Kathy & Family,
I am so sad to hear of Leo’s passing. Man, he was such a Wonderful, Loving, Caring person. When I first came to church with my nephews, he loved on them like they were his own grandchildren. He loved everyone!!! He did not care who you were. He was there with arms open wide loving on people. He will be greatly missed.
Celines Guerrero Wiggins
November 09, 2020
Kathy & family,
Cindy and I want to express our condolences in your time of great loss. Fond memories our ours when we remember the times we were together – both your family and ours. We pray God’s grace will bring comfort, peace, and strength to you and your extended family.
Blessings,
Dennis & Cindy Andrew
November 09, 2020
God Love You Leo, I will always remember you as a wonderful man who enjoyed serving the Lord and others around him. I am an old friend of the Rice family and I want to send my condolences to you all in your time of sorrow. May God Shine His Light Down Upon You All
God Bless You All Today and Always,
Carol O’Donnell
November 08, 2020
Dear Kathy, Was so sad to hear about your loss,so was such aoving person. Will always remember the times we shared so many years ago. I know the pain and grief you are feeling, I have and will be praying for you as you go through this most difficult time! Big hugs from me to you, Laura
November 08, 2020
Kat,
I Will always remember the times the Neff’s and Eppig’s have had together camping ,birthdays weddings ,anniversaries .
yes ,even death in our families
oh yes who can forget the paint shop😊
Leo was a big part of our lives in every way
I thank God he brought the Neff’s and Eppig’s together 45 years ago
Leo will be missed by all !
I will continue to pray for all of you
Jo
November 08, 2020
We remember with love the friendship and times of ministry we shared with Leo. He had a heart of love for all people and always worked to direct people to God. He was a generous loving and kind man full of wisdom and the word. Our prayers are with Kathy and the family
Dan and Cindy Nolt, Haines City Florida
November 07, 2020
May God bless the Neff family and loved ones. I haven’t seen Leo in years, but I still remember his smile.
Kristy Mellott Hirtzel
November 07, 2020
No one gave hugs like Leo. When he hugged you you knew no matter what you were loved. He lived out his relationship with Jesus and he loved much. Our deepest sympathy to you ,Kathy and family. Our hearts hurt for you, but we also rejoice that Leo is experiencing a life so full we can only say “come Lord Jesus, cone.”
Deepest Peace,
Vance and Vicki Stewart
November 07, 2020
Leo, you will be truly missed. Brother in Law, you were the Kindess, caring & endearing Man. You will be in my Heart forever. Love: Debbie
November 07, 2020
I truly enjoyed being able to spend time with your family and see your father preach when I was a teen. Prayers to your family.
Barb Sanborn (Byrne)
November 07, 2020
He was such a great soul. He will be greatly missed by everyone. We love you and keep a watch over us in Heaven.
Joyce Calmon
November 07, 2020
Prayers and healing thoughts are being sent to you Kathy and the family. I remember the early days in Keyport when you and Leo would visit. Always keep the memories alive in your heart. Rest In Peace Leo. Harry Norman
November 07, 2020
Our hearts and those of our whole family are with kathy and their children we know leo is getting a special crown for he and kathy and the family as they all gave tons of time to our family since the 80s to make a us a whole connected family tears and rejoicing for he was a gift that gave us a priceless gift Glenn sherry chad and family and shawna and family. Redcays
November 07, 2020
My brother-in-law Leo Neff was an amazing godly man he was always there if we needed help on a home project his excellence and knowledge was awesome he was always supportive kind loving and the most giving of himself always my hubby and I and our children and grandchildren are devastated at the sudden loss is so heartbreaking he is always in our hearts he was so loved by us all. Hugs in heaven love Pattie and Joe Calmon 😘😘😘
- Visitation
- Friday, November 20, 2020
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Visitation
- Saturday, November 21, 2020
- 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Saturday, November 21, 2020
- 3:30 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
