John Francis “Johnny” Neville, 78, formerly of Demarest, New Jersey, passed away on May 4, 2025, at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in Florida, surrounded by love.
Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Johnny was the beloved son of the late Timothy and Helen Neville. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he served, with honor, in Vietnam.
After returning home, he graduated from St. John’s University and later owned and operated a landscaping business, employing his son and several nephews — many of whom carry fond memories of working by his side. John married Maureen King, and together they built a family in Demarest, NJ. Though they later divorced, they always shared pride in their children and the legacy they created.
John was a tall, quiet man with a deep love for his family and the New York Yankees. He cherished his large Irish family and relished the good times, laughter, and stories shared over the years. To his many nieces and nephews, he was more than an uncle — he was a friend, a source of joy, and often brought light and laughter to every gathering.
In his later years, John found a second home in Sarasota, Florida, where he built a close-knit circle of friends who became like family. Their companionship and care brought him great joy, and their friendship meant the world to him.
He is survived by his loving children, Mark Neville and Janice Kurys; his devoted children-in-law, Anne Marie Neville and Peter V. Kurys; and his grandchildren, Caitlin Neville, Peter T. Kurys, and Matthew Neville.
Johnny also leaves behind his siblings Mary Horrocks, Michael Neville, Timothy B. Neville Jr., Helen Ecckensburg, and Steven Neville; his sister-in-law Eileen Neville; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
He is reunited in peace with his parents and siblings — Anne (Nancy), Patrick (Joseph), Theodore (Teddy), Margaret (Peggy) Bitts, and Patricia (Patsy) Sullivan — as well as his beloved niece Julia Wetmore, nephews Kevin Neville, and Keith Neville, and many others.
A wake for John will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 2 PM to 7 PM at Frech McKnight Funeral Home in Dumont, New Jersey. The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 19th at 10AM at St. Therese Church, Cresskill, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VA Fisher House Foundation, an organization close to the family’s heart.
Johnny’s legacy is one of laughter and love — and the deep pride he carried for his children, his family, his country, and all those lucky enough to know him.