Retired LCDR Neil Cowell of Virginia Beach, VA died on January 10, 2016 after fighting the fight against various health issues. He was 80 years old.
Born in Pemberton, NJ and raised in New Lisbon, NJ he was a 1953 graduate of Pemberton High School where he was the quarterback and co-captain of the football team. Known for his many talents from playing songs by ear on the piano, organ and accordion, considered the entertainer for family affairs, to mechanical abilities and woodworking skills. In plain words he could play any song and could fix almost anything.
He enlisted in the Navy in 1955 serving aboard submarines USS Ray and the USS Sirago. He married his high school sweetheart Sara A. Griggs. After his enlistment, he attended Youngstown College in Youngstown, Ohio and graduated in 1964. Upon graduation from college Mr. Cowell went to Officer’s Candidate School and returned to the Navy as an officer.
His first tour of duty was two and a half years in Northern Ireland. He served aboard the USS Northhampton, USS Trenton and the USS Mt. Whitney. He served in the Vietnam War 1969-70 as a river boat division commander where he was awarded a bronze star. He had various stateside assignments and he was commander of the US Navy base in Bahrain (Persian Gulf) 1979-82. He retired from the Navy in 1984.
After retirement from the military, Neil worked as a new home construction superintendent for Napolitano Homes before finally retiring in 2000. It was at this time that Neil and Sara really got to enjoy one of their loves, camping which afforded them the opportunity to see much of America. He was also very active at St. Francis Episcopal Church singing in the choir, holding many leadership roles and serving on the church vestry.
Mr. Cowell was the son of the late Samuel and Emily M. (Raws) Cowell. He was also preceded in death by his older brother Samuel “Bud” Cowell and his sister Emily Mae Rink.
Mr. Cowell is survived by Sara his wife, of 59 ½ years, his daughters Cathleen Anne Codling and her husband Steven, Laura Jean Heffernan and her husband Jim, his grandchildren Megan, Aidan, Owen, Elizabeth, Steven II and his wife Marie and their children Steven III and Zoey, his brothers Herbert Cowell of Sayville, NY and Mark Cowell of New Hope, PA.
Services were held January 15 at St. Francis Episcopal Church and Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis Episcopal Church, 509 S. Rosemont Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23452.
Condolences for the family may be left at woodlawngroup.com.
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