Robert Eugene Neely died December 31, 2022 at his home in McKinleyville at the age of 75, with loved ones at his side. Bob was a truly kind, honest man with many friends. He loved playing the monthly poker game with the same friends for over 30 years. He looked forward to golfing with friends weekly at Baywood and going on yearly golf trips with the rowdy bunch. Mostly he loved being with his family and enjoying the peaceful Mad River.

Bob was born in Los Angeles, where he lived until 1964 when his family moved to West Covina, where he attended West Covina High School and Cal Poly Pomona. He was an avid beachgoer, boogie-boarder and fun teen, always with a cool car. He also loved nature and camping and had a sense of giving as well as service. He was an Eagle Scout, a fact he was very proud of. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served in the Army stationed in Thailand.

During the summer of 1971 Bob met his future wife, Maria at work. They both said it was love at first sight. They married in 1973 and Bob became a permanent father to Maria’s son Jeffrey. Together they moved to Arcata from SoCal to enable Jeffrey to attend Glenn Paul Center in Eureka. Soon the family grew, with two more boys added to the mix, Nathan and Reed. Bob started an auto repair business in 1976. He was in business 41 years with many loyal customers. He is remembered as a knowledgeable mechanic, an honest businessman and an understanding employer to his crew.

Bob is survived by his wife of 49 years, Maria; his sons Jeffrey Dominguez, Nathan Neely and Reed Neely; daughter-in-law Lindsay Neely-Mangos; grandchildren Lena Neely, Kieran Neely and Jackson Neely; sister and brother-in-law Bonnie West (Neely) and Ron West; niece and nephew Laura Garner and Bob Garner; brothers Bill Neely and Bruce Neely.

Bob was a wonderful person — quick to laugh, kind hearted, loyal and smart. He will be missed, thought of and remembered fondly .Special thanks to his caregivers, Georgia Reed and especially Renee Rawski, who became such a very good friend of Bob’s and Maria’s as well. Also thank you to Erin Grey of the V.A. and Brian and Mike from Life on Wheels for all of your unwavering support during the last 12 years. That you to Vicki Cushing N.P.A., and finally Hospice of Humboldt.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Bob Neely’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.