My husband was Robert P. Neary‚ born on May 29‚ 1952. He became a captain following his tragic death. My husband was 59 years young. His spirit passed on April 9‚ 2012‚ in the Kensington Warehouse Fire in Philadelphia. An abandoned building which encompassed a whole city block caught fire that night. My husband and his men were ordered to protect the adjoining furniture store from catching on fire. There was a partial wall of great height which collapsed on my husband and another younger firefighter‚ killing them under the weight of thousands of hot bricks.
Bob was in the fire department for 40 years. He was also in the Philadelphia Police Department three years prior. Bob served in the Army reserves for ten years. He was very passionate about his job and loved to research new approaches to fight the next job with his men. During his many years‚ he traveled around the city befriending many brothers. He was usually a quiet man‚ kind in his mannerism. However‚ he could go on forever debating the fire department and its policies.
Bob was born and raised in Philadelphia with his brother and sister. He attended Father Judge High School‚ excelling in academics and basketball. The school now has a scholarship fund in his name for any firefighter’s family who can’t pay the school tuition.
We were married 36 years‚ have three children and three grandchildren. Bob’s mother‚ Virginia‚ is still living‚ along with his brother and sister. Two of the grandchildren he got to know‚ with the third child on its way. They will really miss out on a truly loving Pop Pop who would have given his life for them. His two sons and one daughter meant the world to him. His life revolved around them‚ only ever wanting the best for them.
We joined a swim club when the kids were small‚ and Bob taught them how to swim. They became members of swim teams during their younger years and continued to excel in the sport to afford them all college scholarships. Bob was very well respected by all the swimming athletes.
Bob loved fresh and saltwater fishing‚ camping‚ and the last four years boating. We purchased a 34-foot Silverton live aboard boat‚ which was in Wildwood‚ New Jersey. Bob spent most of his summers on the boat. We had many happy memories there.
Bob could do anything he put his mind to. He could build a house‚ fix old cars‚ plumbing‚ electric‚ cement work‚ tile work. You name it‚ and he could do or figure it out. He was very patient‚ willing to help with any problems. His existence in this world made many people who they are today. I sorely miss his love.
The tragic loss of Bob Neary is indescribable. He was like a brother to us….If you needed help with ANYTHING he was there. If he wasn’t sure how to fix it… he researched it and then fixed it. At our summer home…Watching him catch his big sea bass out on the jetty with a big proud smile…. made us all smile.
– Jackie FloodSpending many years with him at the swim club. Always on the court
playing basketball with kids or adults. Putting the same energy and dedication into his career as a Philadelphia Firefighter. Cannot put into words the void he left behind in so many lives. God bless Bob and his family …❤️
4/9/2012
The Flood Family