Neil A Walder

To all those that were lucky enough to know Neil in life, know that upon writing this he certainly will be looking down with an eye roll, an eyebrow raise, or a smart comment. The task of finding a picture to boot with a proper smile and not a smirk, a lip raise, or a gesture has also proven to be a small feat. A supposed tough guy facade that upon meeting him, melted away to show how ridiculously entertaining one person can actually be.

Neil was born on August 29, 1983 in Springfield, MA and was a lifelong resident of Hampden, MA. He attended Minnechaug Regional High School, class of 2002, where he continued to pursue his childhood love of soccer and play Varsity football. He became a graduate of STCC with an Associates Degree in Business Administration and Certification in Medical Billing and Coding. He would go on to be a long time employee of Lowes where many colleagues would become friends. More recently, Neil worked at Lansing Building Products where he continued to add more friends to his circle.

Neil was an avid car enthusiast and animal lover. Many days of his youth were spent at car shows with his Camaro or Mustang Cobra. Many a dollar was spent to fill a cabinet with his emotional support car cleaning supplies. Throughout Neil’s life, many pets became family members but nothing could ever rival the love that Neil had for the tiny black dog that found us, Bonneville. He would constantly be seen carrying Bonnie under his arm with her football-esque physique, feeding her things she shouldn't have, and making ridiculous noises playing with her. In the words of Neil, “If there is a heaven Bonnie will be sitting right beside me”.

In 2020, Neil took on his biggest task to date: becoming an uncle to Heather. With that also came the occupational hazards of becoming a jungle gym, fighting with Nerf guns, and attempting to play video games while simultaneously having his own hoodie pulled over his face. His biggest disappointment being that it was yet impossible to school a small child in MarioKart since her hands were too small to properly maneuver and play. No one, in the history of mankind has bought more candy than Neil since 2020. In 2023, he was outnumbered by nieces with the addition of Ashley, whom he would only call ‘The Little Maniac’ and the occupation of becoming an airplane was added into his uncle repertoire.

On August 17, 2024, Neil departed this life and moved onto his next journey. He is survived by his parents Alan and Carol (Jaworski) Walder of Hampden,MA; sister Amber Gray with husband Andrew and nieces Heather and Ashley of Monson, MA, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Neil is predeceased by grandparents Phyllis and Harry Walder of Bondsville, MA; Stanley and Dora Jaworski of Monson, MA; and his godfather- whom held a special place in his heart- Thomas Duquette of Springfield, MA. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Dakin Humane Society, Springfield, MA. As much as we all will miss him, know that he is somewhere laughing, smirking, and probably joking about all of us down here with a fat little dog by his side. 

Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2024 from 6-8pm at Lombard Funeral Home 3 Bridge St. Monson, MA. A graveside service will be Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 11am at Hillcrest Cemetery on Wilbraham Road in Monson. Please gather directly at the cemetery.