John Joseph Neer Sr. ... career Navy man; at 72

ROCHESTER - John Joseph Neer Sr., 72, of Rochester, died on Saturday, March 12, 2022, surrounded by loved ones after a fierce battle with brain cancer. John was born on December 31, 1949, in Columbus, Ohio, to Marjorie Claudia (Hood) and Emmet Eugene Neer.

Raised in the country where farm work was plentiful, John learned a steadfast work ethic early in life. This proved beneficial to him when he joined the Navy right out of high school. During his 30 year career in the Navy Submarine Force, he advanced in rank at a rapid pace. He became a Master Chief Petty Officer, the highest enlisted rank, after only 11 years of service. He spent the next 19 years training his reliefs and taking care of his Sailors. His devotion to not only the Navy, but the individuals well being, made him stand out from his peers. His quick wit and hilarious sense of humor, coupled with his sincere concern for his shipmates, made it very easy to call him a friend. As Chief of the Boat (COB) for a majority of his sea duty, he was responsible for training the junior officers and making sure the communications between enlisted personnel and officers remained effective and fair. John retired from the Navy in January 2000.

From there he remained in close contact with his Naval roots as he worked at Pearl Harbor and Portsmouth Naval Shipyards where he continued to help and befriend everyone he came in contact with, whether it was a Sailor, fellow Shipyard worker or outside contractor. His thought process was that we're all on the same team reaching for the same outcome, so let's work together and get this done. John touched many lives over the years in a positive way and will be remembered as the COB who took the time.

John, with the exception of driving a bus occasionally, retired from work in 2016. He spent his retired time working on his 18 acre "Estate" in Rochester, turning it into a vacation place he didn't have to travel to. Here he enjoyed having family and friends visit, cooking for them and making sure they enjoyed their time while visiting. His humor will never be forgotten, as he could easily turn your worst day into a delightful event, making all the worry just disappear.

John is survived by his wife of 18 years, Elizabeth Ann (Beth Hodil) Neer, his brothers Army Colonel (Ret) Michael (Mike) Neer and his wife June, of Overland Park, Kansas, Emmet Leonard Neer, his family Steven and wife Jennifer, John Joseph Neer Jr., Preston MacDonald Wales Jr., Matthew Neer, Julie Neer Walther and Colleen Neer Sabo, many grand children, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Emmet and Marjorie, his older brother Lawrence Neer, his sister Jane (Neer) Danison and his stepson Robert (Bobby) Wales.