Joseph Robert Neary

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Joseph Robert Neary, 70, died peacefully in his home on June 26, 2021 in San Marcos, California.  Joe was born in Yonkers, New York. His father, Robert, was a police officer for 33 years and his mother, Mary, was a nurse for 32 years. They instilled a strong work ethic in Joe and his two older siblings (Mary Ann and Bob) and taught them the importance of kindness and family.  Joe was a star athlete at Mount Saint Michael Academy, a Catholic high school in the Bronx, NY. He received a football scholarship to attend College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts.  Joe was a fierce competitor on the field and showed his grit by fighting through serious injuries throughout his career.  After graduating from Holy Cross, Joe tried to latch on to a few different pro football teams, but it did not work out. He then moved to California where he met the love of his life, Jeanne. They were married in 1980, raised two children (Bobby and Kelly), and supported each other every step of the way.  Joe followed in his dad’s footsteps and became a policeman. He worked for the Montebello, CA police department for seven years and seriously re-injured his knee while making an arrest.  After that, Joe shifted gears and had a successful career in corporate security in the pharmaceutical industry, as Director of Security for Cardinal Health.  People were drawn to Joe’s positive energy, natural enthusiasm, and amazing sense of humor. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren (Grace and Jack) and was fortunate to be with them almost every day for the past few years.  He cherished his time playing with them.  Joe was incredibly proud of his kids, Bobby and Kelly.   He was a great storyteller and had an amazing sense of humor.  Joe generously gave back to the community throughout his life, most notably through Guide Dogs for the Blind, the Knights of Columbus, and as a volunteer worker for the Roseville, CA police department.  He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his son, Bobby Neary; his daughter, Kelly Branch and her husband, Bryan; his grandchildren, Grace and Jack; his brother, Robert Neary and his wife, Keary; and many nieces and nephews. His sister, Mary Ann Hoffmann, passed away earlier this year.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 1 at Allen Brothers Mortuary in San Marcos, California from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Funeral services will be held at 10 AM, Friday July 2 at St Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carlsbad with Reverend Michael Robinson officiating, followed by a burial at San Marcos Cemetery, with reception to follow at 2pm at Amalfi Cucina Italia:  1035 La Bonita Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078

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