Harold R. Neil, of Griffith, IN, age 81, passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.

Harold joins his son, Jim and leaves as survivors his wife of 59 years, Helen (Pantazis), daughter Laura (Scott) Loudenber of Griffith, sons John of Virginia, Thomas (Patricia) of Dallas TX, grandchildren Sarah and Kevin of Dallas TX, brother-in-law Kurt Wanieck of CA, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Harold was born the youngest son of Gilbert and Mary Elza Neil of Hammond, who preceded him in death as did his brothers, Paul, Robert and Chuck and sister, Evelyn Neil Rich.

Memorial service will be on Monday, July 20, 2015 at 6:00 PM at White Funeral Home, located at 921 W. 45 ^th Avenue, Griffith, IN. with Pastor Don Rector officiating.

Friends may meet with the family on Monday, July 20, 2015 from 2-6:00 PM at White Funeral Home.

Harold grew up in the Irving Park area of Hammond, graduated from Irving school, was member of the Hammond Tech High School class of 1951 and graduated from the Lake County Carpenters Union Apprentice Training School with honors after four years of training.

He was a Journeyman Carpenter, and helped to build many of the structures around the Calumet Region, spending the last several years of his working life as a carpenter foreman and superintendent.

Harold spent many hours and years as a proud union member and officer in Carpenters Union Local 599 of Hammond, IN. He started his apprenticeship in 1952, and completed 63 total years of membership in Local 599, serving as an officer at many different levels including President.  He retired as an active carpenter in 1995. He served several years as a member of the Carpenters Credit Union Board of Directors and as Chairman of that groups Supervisory Committee, receiving an award for Outstanding Service to Local 599.  After retirement, he served as Chairman of the Local 599 Retirees Club.

He served as a Pirate (fund raising body) for several years for Trade Winds Children's Rehabilitation Organization.  Harold also enjoyed teaching carpentry for 5 years at East Chicago, IN Washington High School.

One of Harold's passions was the Griffith Girls Softball League where he participated as a coach and manager and held many different offices in the league, including 5 years as President. He was awarded the leagues Silver Anniversary award for service.

He was a member of McKinley Lodge #712 F. & A. M., the Scottish Rite of South Bend and was made a Kentucky Colonel by Gov. Paul Patton.

For more information, please call White Funeral Home, at 219-924-4100 or visit us at www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com . In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.