Obituary of Jeffrey S. Neely

Jeffery S. Neely, 37, of Freehold passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer on March 7, 2024 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.  Jeff was born in Jersey City and was a lifelong resident of Freehold.  He was a graduate of Colts Neck High School.  Jeff then graduated as a chef at Johnson and Wales University, North Miami and was also a member of their paintball club.  He then received his master’s degree in linguistics from Montclair State University engulfing himself in the Japanese language as well as the culture.  Jeff had a passion for riding his Enduro Motorcycle and scuba diving.  He was also a member of the woodworking club in Farmingdale. 

With empathy for helping others, most recently he worked as an EMT for Spotswood Emergency Medical Services and volunteered as an EMT for the Farmingdale-Howell First Aid Squad.  Jeff’s call to service was recognized throughout his whole life with his commitment to the Boy Scouts.  Starting with Troop 13 in Farmingdale, then becoming an Eagle Scout, and working at Quail Hill Scout Reservation since being a teen to becoming the aquatic director there, the Scouts were a profound part of his life.  Qual Hill is where he affectionately became known as “El Jeffe”.

Jeff was predeceased by his father, Neil Carroll Neely.  He is survived by his mother, Kathleen Neely; aunts and uncles, Maryann Grabley, Janis and Dominick Labarbiera, Edward Dyas, Steven and Lisa Dyas, Sharon and Joseph Croteau, Naomi and Paul Astorita; and cousins, David Astorita, Lisa Dyas, Margaret Dyas, Jimmy Dyas, Jason Dyas, Jennifer Labarbiera, Dominick Labarbiera, Carrie Koralja, Christeen Littmas, Katie Littman, William Littman, Marc Dyas, Kelly Figueora, Susan Kries, Carmine Iemma, William Reeves, Nicole Reeves, Steven Dyas, Matthew Dyas, Julianna Horan, and JT Garcia.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.  For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Quail Hill Scout Reservation, 56 La Valley Drive, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726.  For information, directions, or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.