Thomas H. Neville

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas H. Neville, who left us on August 13, 2023 at the age of 78. Tom was born on January 26, 1945 in Detroit, MI., to John and Anne Neville. He is survived by his wife Sandy; his children Shannon (and Kelly) Transit, Tom (and Hallie) Neville, and Mike Neville; and his grandchildren Kiley (and Nick) Metcalfe, Jake Transit, Ryan Transit, Jim Roland and Shea Neville. Tom and Sandy married in 1969 and built a life for themselves and their children in Royal Oak, Michigan, where Tom began his career as a physical education teacher at Barton Junior High School. Tom spent the next 30 years of his life as an administrator in the Royal Oak School District. He was nominated and won Michigan Principal of the Year in 2001, a distinction for which he was very proud. Tom's passion was working for the schools, he was always present for the sporting events, the dances, all of it. He enjoyed mentoring and partnering with teachers. His motto was always, "Hire good people, and get out of their way". He got to know hundreds of parents over the years. But, more than anything, Tom loved working with the students. He was the principal that knew all the students' names, he was present in the hallways and always with a smile or a joke. He shined most at listening to students' concerns and problems. He would do whatever he could to help a student in trouble or hurting in some way. He was a beloved member of the Royal Oak community, and the broader educational community within Michigan. In 2006, Tom retired from the schools after completing the merge of the two former high schools (Dondero and Kimball) into one Royal Oak High School. In 2010, Tom and Sandy moved to The Villages, in central Florida. There, they made so many great friendships and had several years enjoying retirement together. Tom and Sandy as a couple were an inspiration to others because they truly were best friends and genuinely enjoyed the life they shared together. They set an example for which their children feel very blessed. Tom loved to play golf, take Murphy to the dog park, brag about his grandkids, socialize with dear friends and family, and watch old movies, HGTV and the old "classic" television shows that dated before 1973. Tom and Sandy celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary shortly before his passing. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Visitation and a memorial service to celebrate Tom Neville's life will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Visitation will be from 10am-11am and the service will be from 11am-12pm at Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. (4 blks E. of Woodward) Royal Oak. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to Tunnel for Towers at https://t2t.org/. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.

Thomas H. Neville

January 26, 1945 - August 13, 2023