Michael Richard Neenan

Michael Richard Neenan of Erie, Pennsylvania was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior on October 8, 2024. Mike fought the good fight against cancer for two years before being taken to a better and more peaceful place. His wife, daughter, and son were all present at the time God took him home just a few days before he would have celebrated his 78th birthday.

Mike was born on October 14, 1946. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Schermer Neenan. Mike and Dorothy had just celebrated their 56th anniversary on October 5. He is also survived by his daughter, Debbie Neenan Davis (Scott) of Powell, TN and their son Brian Michael Neenan (Lynn) of Williamsburg, VA. Mike also had six grandchildren, Aaron Davis, Andrew Davis (Katie), Mihret Davis, Aubree Neenan, Garrett Neenan, and Elissa Neenan. He also leaves behind his brothers, Dennis Neenan (Marilyn), Jerry Neenan (Maryann), Dan Neenan (Linda), and John Neenan (Debbie), along with several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Naomi Neenan; and his parents-in-law, George and Doris Elaine Schermer; his sister, Carol Neenan Fuller and her husband, Robert Fuller; his brother, David Neenan; his special brother-in-law, Bruce Schermer, and his nephew, Paul Schermer.

Mike was raised in North East, Pennsylvania and graduated from North East High School in 1964. He graduated from Gannon College's ROTC program in 1969. He knew he would serve in the Army for at least two years. Those two years turned into a 24 year-long career with the Army's Finance Corp. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1993 while stationed at Fort Monroe, VA. He was proud to serve his country. Mike and Dorothy raised their family in the service, making eleven moves across the United States, including one year in Seoul, Korea. His family was able to join him there for the last nine months and his son, Brian, was born there. If you were to ask Mike and Dorothy, those 24 years were filled with many wonderful experiences. They took each move in stride and made many special friends along the way.

Mike and his family loved camping and camped in many places during their time in the Army. He also loved fishing, hunting, gardening, bowling, and generally loved being outdoors. You could always find him in his gardens taking care of his flowers, just like he did his family.

In the last two years of his Army career, he attended George Washington University in Virginia and earned a landscaping design degree, which he later used in his business. When he retired from the Army, he and Dorothy opened Alta's Perennial Gardens in McKean Township, Erie County. He worked tirelessly and enjoyed growing and sharing his love of flowers with his customers. His second retirement was when they closed their business in 2008, allowing them to purchase a camper and visit many areas in the eastern and southern states of our nation. This time was very special to Mike and Dorothy. They were able to visit their extended family more often and reconnect with Army friends and neighbors in their last years of travelling.

Friends and family will be received at the South Harborcreek United Methodist Church, 7929 McGill Road, on Tuesday, October 15th, from 2 pm until the time of the Memorial Service there at 4 pm, conducted by Rev. Tim Hoover. Military Honors will follow rendered by the American Legion Carl Neff Post 571. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either UPMC Family Hospice Fund, Hamot Health Foundation, Suite 510, 100 State St. Erie, PA 16507-9948 (www.donation.upmc.com/donation/) or the ANNA Animal Shelter, 1555 East 10th St., Erie, PA 16511 (www.theannashelter.com). Mike's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the medical team at the Erie Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, their compassionate nurses and staff, and UPMC Family Hospice for their gentle, kind, and tender care they provided to Mike and his family in his last days with us.

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