Daniel C. Neal

Daniel Clinton Neal (82) died peacefully in his sleep after multiple strokes and an ongoing battle with Alzheimer's disease on Saturday, June 6, 2026 surrounded by family and friends during the weeks leading to his passing. Dan was born in Herkimer, New York, a small town in the foothills of the Adarondek Mountains, on November 28,1943. His childhood was filled with outdoor fun such as little league, basketball, sledding, camping and more! He went off to Rider College in New Jersey in the fall of 1961, and then transferred to Siena Catholic College the next year. He graduated college in 1966 with a degree in Economics. After graduation, Dan joined the Catholic Extension Lay Volunteer program, where he was trained by the Catholic Extension Society to do volunteer work. He was assigned to Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Detroit and Baxter Community Center among other places. In fact, Dan met Rita McEachen, his wife and love of his life, at Saint Agnes as she was on the Parish Council there. Dan and Rita married on June 23, 1967; they had four children. Soon after, Dan earned his master's degree in Library Science from The University of Michigan. He had a career as a librarian for 36 years in Detroit. The library that he most loved and at which he worked the longest was the Main library; he worked in The Business and Finance Department and The Philosophy, Religion and Education Department at Main. He loved reading and learning and passed that on to the many people that he met. Being around Dan meant having a conversation about a book, a play, history, or a political issue. In his time, he was a community activist and leader who worked for equality for all. He also volunteered in his own community of Grandmont, on the Northwest side of Detroit, where he and Rita lived for over 50 years. Over the years, he played many roles in the Grandmont Community Organization: President, Historian, Grandmont Art Fair Director, Information Desk Leader (40 years +), Patrol Member, Halloween Party Host, etc… Let's not forget to mention Dan's love of socializing through music, singing, laughing, dancing, traveling, and nature. When you were with Dan, you laughed! He wasn't superficial, he could connect with others deeply during a conversation. Dan helped people feel smart, valued and special. Dan is survived by his three children: Timothy Neal (Carol), Meghan Neal-Sienko (Grant), and Mary Rita Neal; his grandchildren: Helena Grace Sienko, Brady Griffin Neal, and Grant Joseph Sienko; His brothers and sisters-in-law: Gary Evans, Dennis MacEachen (Rosanne), Lawrence McEachen (Avis), Patricia McAskin nee McEachen, James McEachen (Paula), Donald McEachen (Shelia), John McEachen (Kari), Joan McEachen, James Karagon (Beverly Green), and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly. Dan is predeceased by his father, LeRoy Neal; his mother, Doris Neal nee Griffin; his sister, Donna Evans nee Neal; his son, Paul Daniel Neal; his mother-in-law, Helen McEachen nee McHale; his father-in-law, Angus McEachen; his sister-in-law, Mary Karagaon; his brothers-in-law: Ronald McEachen (Maureen), and Micheal McAskin. Dan's family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a sharing of memories service at 6:30 p.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak. Dan will lie in state on Thursday, June 11, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 20800 Grand River Avenue, Detroit. Interment at Mt. Carmel, Wyandotte. Please share a story or leave a tribute at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com

Daniel C. Neal

November 28, 1943 - June 6, 2026