Robert Philip Neu

Robert (Bob) Neu passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, just weeks shy of his 90th birthday. Born in Rochester, NY, on April 28, 1935, Bob led a full and vibrant life defined by service, learning, humor, and heart.

After graduating high school in 1953, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in South Korea. There, a Catholic chaplain recognized Bob’s faith and familiarity with church life—gained from his Catholic school upbringing and years as an altar boy at Holy Family Church—and asked him to serve as a chaplain’s assistant. This early experience set the tone for a life rooted in duty, community, and compassion.

Returning stateside, Bob was stationed at Ft. Devens in Massachusetts. Taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, he attended began studying for a college degree at night while working as a postal carrier during the day. His tireless dedication to education earned him a B.S. in Business Administration, an M.S. in Education from Boston State College, and a J.D. from Suffolk Law School.

In 1957, Bob married Joan Wilson, with whom he shared two daughters, Charlene and Roberta. He began a career teaching business math and law to high school students, earning the lifelong admiration of his students. After this marriage ended in divorce, Bob returned to active military duty, serving in personnel roles at the Pentagon, in St. Louis, and finally at the 97th Reserve Army Command at Ft. Meade, MD. He retired in 1991 as a lieutenant colonel, with 30 years of active and reserve service.

It was at Ft. Meade that Bob met his second wife, Patricia Lynn Donaldson, a fellow Army officer. They married in September 1988 and began their life together in Columbia, Maryland. Bob soon transitioned into a new career as a personnel officer for engineering firms in Maryland, managed a contract with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Bionetics Corporation, and then Vari-L, an engineering firm in Colorado.

Bob and Lynn spent four happy years in Williamsburg, VA, before moving to Aurora, CO, for his role with Vari-L. After being laid off, Bob returned to education as a substitute teacher in the Denver metro area.

In retirement, Bob resumed his passion for golf. He played weekly Saturday rounds with close friends at Meadow Hills Golf Course—always competing to avoid buying the group’s breakfast burritos, or rounds with his wife or other friends during the week. His passion for the sport also led him to work as a golf marshal at Heather Gardens Golf Club, where he became a fixture in the community, helping fellow golfers and keeping golfers on the course moving with his signature wit and friendly presence.

Bob was deeply rooted in his Catholic faith. A regular attendee at St. Michael’s Catholic Church at Heather Gardens, he served for years as a “senior” altar boy and was a 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus in Yorktown, VA.

A voracious reader, Bob built a “lending library” of first-edition hardcovers he shared with fellow residents at Heather Gardens. He also gave generously of his time to civic causes, serving on the Aurora Public Defenders Commission, eventually becoming its chair.

In 2024, Bob, Lynn, and Charlene took a memorable “bucket list” trip to Oahu, Hawaii—Bob’s first return since passing through in 1956 after his tour in Korea. Visiting the Pearl Harbor Memorial was a poignant and full-circle moment for him.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Lynn Donaldson; daughters Charlene Neu and Roberta Benton (Brian); his sister Linda Helms; and many nieces and nephews who fondly remember his quirky humor and unexpected gestures of kindness—like mailing M&Ms intended for them to a niece’s teacher who had once been his student. He was predeceased by his mother, Helen Helms, and sisters Barbara Neu and Gail Helms Narrod.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 6 at 10:30 a.m. at Horan & McConaty, 11150 E Dartmouth Ave, Aurora, CO 80014. A reception will follow at the HeartLight Center, same address. Bob will be laid to rest later at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, Denver.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Bob’s memory to the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, St. Michael’s Catholic Church, or a charity of your choice.