Obituary of Neil A. Stuart

Neil A. Stuart

November 12, 1935-October 19, 2024

Neil A. Stuart died on October 19, 2024 in the company of his loving family.

Neil was born in Jersey City, NJ to Neil and Pearl (Frazer) Stuart.  He attended Montclair Academy (now Montclair Kimberley Academy) in Montclair, NJ and Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ.  He earned a Master’s Degree in Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology and a Master’s Degree in Economics from the University of Maryland.  Neil was married to Janeann Kathryn Prout on November 19, 1966.  Neil and Janeann raised their family in Allendale, NJ in the Butternut Road home that they built and treasured.

His family – and the St. Louis Cardinals – were his joy.  Neil taught his children math (ask about multiplication tables in the car) and cultivated in them a passion for the New York Rangers (which was not his favorite team, but he was a season ticket holder).  When their children were older, Neil and Janeann enjoyed vacationing several times per year including making annual trips to Hawaii.  As part of their travels, they followed the St. Louis Cardinals throughout many states and Canada to watch the team play.  Neil excelled at playing contract bridge and earned the distinction of Bronze Life Master by the American Contract Bridge League.   

Neil’s entire career was dedicated to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from which he retired in 1994 as Chief of Planning, North Atlantic Division.  Over the years, he was awarded several commendations for his civil service.  Neil’s work with waterways led to many family vacations in Cape May, NJ and Raystown Lake, PA where he and Janeann taught their children to water ski.  Neil also served in the United States Army.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, Neil and Pearl Stuart and his sister, Mary Helen Stuart.

Neil is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 58 years, Janeann Stuart and their children and spouses: Elizabeth (Stuart) and Jeff Zeigler of Cranford, NJ; Carolyn (Stuart) and Neil Benz of Severna Park, MD; and Neil and Allison Stuart of Hopewell Junction, NY as well as his extended family and dear friends.  He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Kathryn Zeigler, Ty, Kylie, Colby and Brady Benz, and Sean Stuart.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home in Freehold, NJ starting at 9:00 am and including a service at 12:30 pm.  Neil will be inurned at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Arneytown, NJ.  Doyle Cemetery is a state shrine that honors the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to support the family of Wendy Benz, Carolyn (Stuart) Benz’s sister-in-law, who passed away last week after a fierce battle with sarcoma. Click here to securely make a gift to support the family of Wendy Benz.