Bernard Neal

The Life of Bernard E. Neal

On November 11, 1931, in Belize City, Belize Bernard E Edmund Neal entered the world as the firstborn son of Estella and Edmund S. Neal. He grew up in a large family with many siblings and attended St. Ignatius Catholic School as a boy.

Bernard did not attend high school, but while working among the many Spanish-speaking people from surrounding areas, he learned to speak Spanish fluently. He did work as a carpenter and was also employed by Belize Public Works as a steelworker and a builder until he was injured on the job by a piece of steel. 

In 1967, Bernard migrated to the United States, and he resumed his career as a steelworker at Clayton Marks Foundry in Evanston where he ended up living for over 40 years. He also continued working as a carpenter and earned a reputation as an excellent craftsman for the quality of his work.

Bernard was also a good cook who enjoyed sharing meals with family and friends. Some family favorites were his chili, coleslaw, fudge, and powder buns. he also liked to make a variety of wines and was well known for his "spuddy".

Bernard leaves to mourn and honor his memory, seven children: Alice Mae, Carolyn, Lavern, Deborah, Kirk, Niguel, and Kim his surviving siblings: Arthur, Eric, Anthony, Steven, and Margaret, and many friends and acquaintances.