Robert Francis “Bob” McNeeley, 79, of The Villages, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, after a long illness, surrounded by his loving family at home.

Born on November 11, 1946, in Berea, Ohio, Bob lived a life defined by devotion to family, dedication to education, and a genuine love for people. Raised in Ohio, he attended Willoughby South High School where he proudly competed on the state wrestling team, beginning a lifelong appreciation for athletics and competition.

Bob served his country honorably in the United States Navy, completing four years of active duty followed by two years in the Naval Reserve. Following his military service, he explored several professional paths, beginning in the hospitality industry before becoming a skilled farrier, combining his love of horses with his hardworking spirit. He later attended Virginia Tech University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and becoming a devoted lifelong Hokie fan, proudly displaying an impressive collection of Virginia Tech memorabilia throughout the years.

Bob built a successful and respected career in education administration, serving at National Business College, Tidewater Technical College, and ultimately Centura College in Virginia, where he held the position of Vice President. He excelled in his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to establishing educational institutions through accreditation.

Above all else, Bob was a devoted family man whose generous heart and warm personality touched everyone who knew him. He cherished time spent with loved ones and created treasured memories through travels around the world with his beloved wife, Mary, and family members. Some of his favorite destinations included Hawaii, New Orleans, Mexico and Europe.

Bob was an avid golfer from his high school years through his retirement in The Villages, where he proudly achieved a memorable hole-in-one at Evans Prairie Golf Course. He was also an accomplished bowler who enjoyed regular league competition for many years. A loyal Cleveland Browns fan through every season and every move from Ohio to Virginia and Florida, Bob remained steadfast in his support of his hometown team.

He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia (Dale) Sawyers, Christina (Kevin) Heber, and Catherine (Desmond) O'Meara; brothers Michael (Rose) McNeeley and Duane (Dawn) Parks; sister Freeda (Kyle) Manley; grandchildren Samantha, Riley, Colin, Cassidy, Saoirse, and Lillian; mother-in-law Frances Blevins; brothers-in-law Michael (Ariel) Collins and Dennis Collins; along with many extended family members, dear friends, caregivers and his beloved pug, Lizzie.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary (Collins) McNeeley, whom he married in 1983; his parents, Robert G. McNeeley and Marion B. Knop; his sister, Boneita D. Zavodny; and his sister-in-law, Pat Collins.

Bob will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, humor, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Robert F. McNeeley be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.