Charles E. Neely Jr., 60, Lorain County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

He was born July 10, 1961, in Lorain, Ohio. Charles was a 1980 graduate from Clearview High School, where he was a member of the 1978 and 1979 State Championship Track Team, as well as the 1979 State Championship Football Team. In 2014, the 1979 State Championship Track Team was inducted into the Lorain County Sports Hall of Fame.

Charles started working as a youth, at Fligner’s Market and eventually progressed to a meat cutter. After Fligner’s, Charles was employed by Kohlmyer Supply. He was promoted to Warehouse Manager as the company became Bostwick Braun, where he worked until December 2019.

Charles enjoyed all things sports. Charles participated in adult softball, with many friends and family, including his father, Charles Sr., and brothers. He also participated in adult football, including playing for the famous Rosie’s Pizza among many other teams. Charles, along with his wife Susan, were constant supporters at their children’s sporting events, during high school and college. Once his own children’s sports careers ended, his support did not end. If you have ever attended a high school sporting event in Lorain, Charles greeted you with a smile. For over 20 years, Charles constantly volunteered and worked at Lorain City School Athletic events.

In 2009, Charles received a new life by receiving a pancreas and kidney transplant. When he was not enjoying his sporting events, you could find Charles behind the grill, hosting cookouts for family and friends, alike.

Charles is survived by his wife of 30 years, Susan Neely (nee Zahorec); son, Brandon (Jennifer Andras), daughters, Elisha (fiancé Dom Whitney), and Robin Rothacker; grandsons Jonathon, and Jameson; brothers, Edward, James, and Adrian; sisters, Vevlyn Jenkins, Anissa and Chanda; and a plethora of family members.

He was preceded in death by parents Charles Sr. and Mary Ann (nee Anderson); maternal grandparents John and Clara Mae Anderson; paternal grandfather Manuel Neely; niece, Ashleigh and nephew Nyles.

Family will receive friends Tuesday January 11, 2022, from 10:00 am until time of funeral services at 12:00 pm in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Home - 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Reverend Neil G. Walters, Administrator of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church will officiate. Facial coverings will be required and visitors are asked to observe social distancing protocol. Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park.

Contributions in memory of Charles E. Neely Jr., can be made to the Jim Popiel Foundation, which supports Lorain City School Athletes and Athletics. Checks should be made out to: Jim Popiel Foundation (c/o Janet Garcia 520 Broadway Avenue Lorain, OH 44052).

Charles' family strongly encourages everyone to become an organ and tissue donor.