Joseph Neil Reeb

REEB, Joseph Neil, 85, of Springfield, passed away Friday, March 21, 2014 surrounded by his loving family after a courageous 9 month battle with lung cancer. He was born May 24, 1928 in Springfield, Ohio the son of John J. and Clara (Kloepfer) Reeb. Neil was a 1946 graduate of Catholic Central High School and a Veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired from the Springfield News-Sun in 1985 after 34 years and later worked at Security National Bank. He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, K of C #624, the Flying Dutch and VFW #1031. Survivors include his wife Clare May (Gaier) of Springfield, whom he married on November 27, 1952; his seven children and spouses, Ann (Kevin) Doane, Springfield, Colleen (Paul) Severyn, North Canton, OH, Michael, Glendale, AZ, Kathleen (Ron) Griffith, Springfield, Rae Michele (Kyle) Burke, Alexandria, VA, Patrick, Phoenix, AZ and Tim, Dunn, NC; 13 grandchildren, Ryan, Colin, Brendan, Cuyler, Philip, Emily, David, Elizabeth, Sarah, Erin, Neil, Justin and Amber; six great grandchildren, Alexis, Carson, Lauren, Adelyn, Connor and Declan; one brother, Don (Bev), Albany, NY; two sisters, Regina Cusack, Worthington and Sr. Patricia Reeb, S.M., Cincinnati and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Jack, Andy (Mary Lou), Edward (Francis), Robert and three sisters, Marge, Betty and Clara Jean (Frank) Collins. Neil's greatest enjoyment was following his grandchildren playing sports and in everything they were involved with. Family meant the world to him. He also enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Reds, PGA and LPGA golf, working his crossword puzzles every morning and enjoying life to the fullest. He will be a tremendous loss in our lives, but now is at peace. The family would like to thank the Springfield Regional Cancer Center and Essex of Springfield for all their care during his illness. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday in the CONROY FUNERAL HOME with K of C Service being held at 6:00. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday in St. Bernard Catholic Church. Entombment will follow in St. Bernard Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Bernard Catholic Church.