Neal was a graduate of McKinleyville High and Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

He was most recently employed at Arcata Auto Paint and then at Matthews Auto Paint and Supplies.

Neal was a waterfowl hunter and he and his Dad spent many a fall morning in a duck blind or out in a marsh.

He appreciated old cars and attended car shows whenever possible, sometimes in his green ‘54 Chevy pickup.  He was a member of the old ‘Pandraggers’ car club and could be found at the local stock car and drag races.

Neal never turned down a chance to talk about old cars, to help a friend work on an old car, or to match paint for someone. He was sociable and could and would talk to anyone and never met an old auto part that he did not like (and want to collect)!

Neal is survived by his parents, Tony and Barbara Branco; his sister Janis Branco with Todd Jackson; his uncles  Daniel Branco,  David Branco, Kurt and Jo Gantenbein; his cousins Amy Verley and Kristi Sams; longtime friend, Dana DeVane and many, many more friends and co-workers.

A good guy, gone too soon.