Harold “Bud” Neff, 99 years old.

Born in Sunbury on March 16, 1925, he was the son of the late Harold M. and Freda Noll Neff.  In 1950 he married Sara “Sally” Sarba, who died in 1992.

He attended Sunbury schools graduating in 1943 and was the varsity center on the 1942 football team.  

Enlisting in the Navy he was assigned as a V-12 trainee at MIT 1943-1944.  Served overseas with amphibious forces in the Pacific 1945-1946.

After discharge he returned to Sunbury to begin work in the family hotel and attend Bucknell University.  Graduated in 1948 with a BA degree.

1948-1949 attended Penn State University taking courses in Hotel Management.

After 15 years in the family hotel business a change in opportunity led to a brief exposure to public accounting followed by employment as controller at Sunbury Daily Item in 1965.  Promoted to Business Manager in 1968, holding that position until retirement in 1989.

Civic duties included:  president Sunbury Jaycees; chairman Sunbury chapter American Red Cross with a two gallon blood donor pin; director Sunbury Kiwanis Club; treasurer Northumberland County Habitat for Humanity and active participant in the construction of 3 homes in Sunbury and two in Milton.

AARP certified tax consultant for the elderly; and volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels.   Golfing was his favorite pastime and a career of over sixty years produced 3 holes in one.

Survivors include his sons Peter B. and Nicholas H. (Katie).  Nick’s children:  Melissa (step), 

Mallory(Jeff), Megan(Scott), Matthew(Kirstie) and MiKayla and his many great-grandchildren.

A brother Edward, his wife Dorothy, and their children: Tina, Penny, Toby, and Tonya.  Nieces Carol, Karen, and Jenny.

Predeceased by: son Chris W.; sister Janet Neff Sample;  brother Richard “Barney” Neff, former Sunbury Fire Chief; sisters-in-law: Emily Sarba Treas (Jim), Carolyn Sarba Burns (Bob), Mina Sarba Norwood (Gil); nephew Andrew Neff, and nieces, Barbara Neff and Penny Margoles.

Finally, a fond farewell to the guys he has coffee with daily at McDonalds:  Larry, Buzz, Ed, Fred, Bob W., Kenn, Jerry and Bob S.

A Celebration of his life will be held on May 18th at noon at the Americus Fire Company.  Please join us.