Douglas Arthur (Spike) Neal

Cape Vincent, NY and graduated from Cape Vincent Central School in 1962. He attended SUNY Brockport where he was on the football team and graduated with a degree in physical education.

Upon graduation, Doug took a position at Clymer Central School where he taught for three years prior to accepting a job at Sherman Central School. Over his years at Sherman, he taught physical education, health, drivers’ education, coached football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and gymnastics, was a class advisor, and briefly served as athletic director prior to retirement in 1999. In the summers, Doug worked as a member of the International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees as a film projectionist and sound engineer.

In his later years, as a failed retiree, Doug continued to teach drivers’ education, drove school bus, officiated basketball games, provided home and lawn care for hire, bought and fixed up homes, and served as a Town Justice where officiating weddings brought him great joy.

In his free time, he enjoyed running, riding bike, and attending sporting events. He achieved his longtime goals of completing a triathlon and running a full marathon in his early 70s. To honor his 50-year tenure at SCS, he was inducted into their Wall of Fame in 2025.

Doug was a longtime member of the Stanley Hose Company and the Sherman Community Church, where he served in various leadership positions.

A 32∂ Mason and Meritorious Service Award recipient, Doug was an active member of Olive Lodge #575, Shriners International, and the Valley of Jamestown Consistory. He is a Past Master and served Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Master of the Chautauqua District. He served as the Child ID Committee Chairman for the Chautauqua District for several years.

Doug was proud to have helped organize the Sherman and Clymer high school pre-prom DWI simulations, the AMBA blood testing program, and to have served on an EMT relief crew near Ground Zero following the 9/11 tragedy.

Doug was preceded in death by his mother and father, Faith and Ned Neal, his brothers William Neal and Robert Neal, and his foster son Keith Mosier.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gloria Neal, his children, Scott Neal, Lisa (Scott) Barnes, Kimberly Neal, Brett (Erin) Neal, Ivy (Andrew) Krenzer, Breeanne (Zachary) Agett, fifteen grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He loved his family deeply.

A Masonic Funeral followed by a Celebration of Life will be held on May 23rd at the Stanley Hose Company in Sherman, NY, 1:00-4:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doug’s honor to the Stanley Hose Company, Olive Lodge #575, the Sherman Community Church, or Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care.

To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com.