Steve Neal Obituary

I never got to know my uncle I've heard so many good things about him from my dad (Gary Neal) and my other uncle (Dan Neal). I feel so bad for my uncle and my dad they where Steves brothers. Steve, you will always be loved.

I knew Steve as a fellow journalism school grad at the University of Oregon as well as our involvement in the school's fraternity system. I only talked to him once since graduation, so I didn't know him as well as others. But in college he was smart and focused, more than most people at that age. I actually thought that he would run for Governor or Oregon one day. I always kept up with his journalism work, and admired him for the books he wrote. Journalism has lost a good guy. My condolences to the family.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.We are Chicago Tribune readers,but would read the Times for Steve's stuff.He will be fondly remembered.

I knew Steve through the wonderful stories his brother, Gary, shared with us at NextCard. Even though we never met him, we were all so proud of Steve and his many gifts and accomplishments. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family, please know that you are in my prayers.

Sue,Erin and Shannon: I have known and loved Steve since his birth. As his teenage aunt, I was often his babysitter. His wit and charm even as a toddler entertained my friends endlessly. His accomplishments throughout his life are very great, and he carried them out with the highest of integrity. My family will miss "Cousin Steve" so very much. He did have a wonderful life.

My condolences to the Neal family. Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Steve Neal, his brother Gary, my former employer, spoke highly of him. May your wonderful memories of him make you smile...always. You are all in my prayers.

The first time I ever heard the expression "Have a nice life," it came from Steve Neal one night as I was leaving the Chicago Tribune's Washington bureau for the Black Steer and he was headed to the Class Reunion. "Have a nice life, paly," he said. Well Steve Neal had a very nice life. A fine family, a glorious job and a body of work very few writers ever even approach. It was far too short.

I am project manager for the restoration of the Adlai E. Stevenson Historic Home near Libertyville, Illinois. Steve was on the Advisory Committee for this project. But Steve was even more central than that. He was the prime mover in securing the $2 million grant from the State of Illinois for the restoration of the Stevenson Home. Steve's involvement with the Stevenson project was typical for him. It must have been low on his radar screen, yet he was always 100% involved in our discussions. I admired him so much for his intellect and knowledge, but even more for how he blended these with a sweet nature.



I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Steve's death. But I was honored to know and work with him and will miss him for the rest of my life.

As a lover of politics and history Steve Neal was a model of what a journalist and historian should be. I only saw him in person twice; at a book reading and once riding the train to Hinsdale but I always admired his clear writing and his modesty. He was quite a man.

Please know how much joy Steve brought to all his buddies like me. I loved his silliness, all the more because underneath it he was clearly an intellectual. My deepest sympathies to his family. He will be missed.

To Steve's family:



Please allow me to express my sincerest condolences over Steve's death. We worked together for many years at the Sun-Times and I talked to him regularly in recent years. He was the consumate professional, but much more than that, he was a loyal friend and an honorable human being. I will forever honor and respect his memory.

Alan Henry

Dear Sue and family,



We are deeply saddened. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. Sue, I'll be calling you in a few weeks. Don't hesitate to call me if you want to talk.



Dave

The Illinois political scene will never be the same. I lived for Steve Neal's column as did the rest of Illinois pols. Your Steve had a pulse for the Illinois masses like no other columist. He always seemed to understand what the people of Illinois were about. My condolences to your family.

ENTRY TO FOLLOW!!

My prayers and best regards and love are sent to his family. There is so much to share I must take some time to compile.

My son,Roger and Steve grew up in a place called Keizer. They attended McNary High School and were friends.

There are those who say the lifestyle of "Ozzie and Harriet" never existed, but we beg to differ.

They grew up in the 50's and 60's in a world that was full of fun, adventure, good friends and wonderful times. Steve personified that era. Our hearts are with the Neal family...the teachers who taught their children that a responsible life can be a joy and that joy was shared with all of us.

God Bless.

Dear Shannon,

When our daughter called crying last week, I could not imagine what had upset her so. When she told us of your Dad's death, we were also deeply saddened. Meeting you at U of I, and then again at our home, our first impression of you was that of a intelligent, beautiful girl with a warm smile and a gracious personality. Our hearts ache to think of you grieving for your Dad. Please extend our deepest sympathy to your Mom and sister. Cling tight to your friends at school and rely on their shoulders to help carry you through this last semester. Our prayers are with you.

Steve and I shared some interesting times in student government at the University of Oregon. Steve was intense, passionate and knowledgeable about politics. He possessed a terrific wit and I believe he relished being a a rare conservative voice on a liberal campus. I last saw Steve and Sue when I visited them in the Bronx while Steve was studying at Columbia. I'll remember most his wit and how Steve saw the value and drama in political life and governing. "Politics" was not a dirty word, but at the core of the democracy. Steve could be constructively critical, but never cynical. We need more people like Steve, not just in journalism, but in all facets of public life. Oregon's famed poet William Stafford wrote: "...to be a discoverer you hold close whatever you find, and after a while you decide what it is. Then, secure in where you have been, you turn to the open sea and let go." Steve's voyage continues, with all the Spirits and Angels. My prayers and thoughts go out to Sue and family.

Dear Sue and Family: What a guy Steve was, what a generous and wry colleague. He was in the Tribune Washington Bureau when I was covering politics for a sister paper, the Orlando Sentinel. He always made time to share strange and wonderful tales about elections won, lost and fixed. He embodied all the best in American journalism.

Knew steve as a young reporter at chi trib. Always was a pleasure to speak with him. My condolences to family.





Bernie Wo

Like many, I got to know Steve when he covered campaign politics. Later,whenever I went to Chicago on a story he was always the first person I called, both for fun and facts. He was so generous, so much fun and so talented and had a wicked sense of humor that could puncture the most pompous in our trade. He embodied the best in the business; Steve and everything about him will be terribly missed.

To family, friends and fellow admirers of Steve Neal:



My acquaintance and admiration for Steve Neal dates to 1986, when I was a rookie Politics reporter for Congressional Quarterly. I had volunteered to cover the elections in Illinois because it is my wife's home state and I had developed particular fondness for Chicago. My knowledge of the state's political landscape was rudimentary, though, and one of the first people I turned to for help was Steve Neal, whose stupendous knowledge of city and state politics was so evident from his writings that I had read. I imagined Steve at the time as a veteran of several decades on the political beat, and was amazed to learn later that he was only a very few years older than myself.



Steve was always generous with his time, and helped me get it right that year and in the subsequent election cycles that I covered the Illinois beat. I know that the reporters who have covered the state for me since I became CQ's politics editor continued to rely on his vast expertise.



Although our acquaintance was by telephone and would lapse between election years, Steve would always treat me as a familiar whenever I would call to get the scoop. Only a little more than two years ago, I finally had the pleasure of meeting him in person at a Washington-area party celebrating the publication of one of his books.



I sincerely regret that the opportunity will not come again. Steve Neal was a world-class journalist, and a good man.

Dear Sue and family, We are sad for you and all the many lives touched by Steve. My memories are so vivid of our early years at family gatherings in Coos and Curry Counties in Oregon . There was never a doubt even then that Steve would make a significant contribution in the field of politics--his bedroom was always covered with political buttons and I loved listening to his stories about each one. More recently he's been the "famous" cousin and I have truly enjoyed following his activities, honors, and his publications. He made a very positive mark on this nation and we are all thankful for his life--from Bandon, Oregon to Chicago, Illinois--and across the country, he's made a difference. He will be missed.

We got to know Steve on the political trail and like everyone else enjoyed him enormously. He was a great friend and a great political reporter and biographer. Mollie particularly appreciates what a good and devoted friend he was to Jim and Sarah Brady. We all appreciate him and grieve his loss.

Steve Neal is one of my all-time favorite people because he inspired me to do more and think bigger. He was one of my first professional colleagues, though we were only 17-year-olds working on the McNary High School newspaper. At that age, he already had an enormous interest in journalism and state politics. I remember he invited me to attend a Republican Party fund-raising event. Somehow, he had tickets valued at something like $500 a piece. I was too shy to attend, or maybe too concerned about what my current boyfried might think.



I know some of our high school fun was linked to our ability to cut boring classes to cover school events for the paper. Though I haven't seen Steve in over 20 years, I recently wrote to him about a high school reunion. When he wrote back, he described what he did for a living by saying, "It beats working." I think he was still cutting boring classes, and I think we can all envy him for that.

Dear Sue,

I wanted to tell you how sorry I was to hear of your husband's death.

While I didn't know Steve, I have such fond memories of visiting with you while Erin and my daughter, Vanessa Sea, played soccer.Please extend our sympathies to the girls, too.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Neal Family at this tough time. Steve was a brilliant and unique individual. His columns were written with the utmost respect as well as the facts, whether they be good or bad. My favorite column of his was about "The Long Labor History of the Joyce Family". I grew up hearing wonderful stories of my great-grandfather from my grandparents, but it really is special to see it in print. And for that Mr. Neal I thank you.

Susan Rushton

P.S. You will be forever missed at the Southside Irish Parade at Fracanello's.

My deepest sympathy to the Neal family. I never knew Mr. Neal, but I am in awe of how much he did and what an impact he had on the city of Chicago and throughout the world. I was a classmate of Shannon. We are not the best of friends or anything and her mom is my dental hygentist. All I can think about is how the Neal's are such a kind and nice family. Shannon and her mom always exuded such a positive and contagious truly kind spirit. I was saddened to hear about your loss and I want want to let you know how sorry I am. I wish you all the best in future years and never lose the spark that you all have. God bless you in this difficult time.

Alex

I wish to express my most sincere sympathies to the family of Steve Neal. My father, Warren C. Price, was also honored at the Hall of Achievement ceremonies in Eugene last October. I was present when Steve Neal received his plaque and spoke. I was impressed by everything about him that evening. My life is fuller because I knew of him, albeit only a small bit. Mostly, I want to share with his children that I also know the sorrow of losing a wonderful journalist father who died too young. Your memories will bring you comfort and life long blessings.



Katy Gray

Sue and girls,

I'm maybe one of few here who actually looked in the Sun Times first for Steve's column. Hinsdale isn't really a ST venue - perceived as the "working class" choice in our "builder class" demo.

His writing - the insight, grasp of political history, straight-on tackles and head-holds, unwinding stitches and revealing the ways they'd been knit - so amazing.

It's maybe a sidewinder gift that his persona didn't get "Hinsdaled". You and your girls can probably put that on your long list of "thanks dad" among many many others.

Your sorrow and sadness eclipses what I feel, I know. I'm left with no voice - you're left without him.

Tomorrow, I'll squeeze my way in - not to sign in or show up, but to be there in honor of this unique voice, this man of such great integrity and curiosity.

Ellen Carmignani

Love and prayers from Steve's cousin.

Sincere condolences to Steve's family. Even when we were 7th graders in Bandon, Oregon, Steve was living his future. I remember him making a comment in class about "McCarthyism." I could only wonder in awe, "What the heck is THAT?"

I never knew Mr. Neal very well but Shannon is one of my best friends. Finding out the death of her father was one of the most shocking and sad phone calls I've ever received in my life. But the most recent memory that keeps replaying in my head is Mr. Neal walking Shannon down the center of the room at the Debutant Ball. He looked so cute in his tuxedo and I could tell he felt out of place, yet so happy and so proud of his daughter that he just smiled and did the best he could to be impressive. I could just tell by looking at him that he loved his wife and two daughters so much. That is one of the only memories of I have of him but it's a good one.

Liz Seiferth

As a journalism student myself, I was saddened to learn of the death of one of Chicago's most talented reporters. Neal's talent for reporting was said over and over again by his collegues. A wealth of information regarding politics and successful in his craft. Neal's honest journalism will be missed in an era of mud-slinging, spin and personal attacks.

Neal is in heaven with Edward R. Morrow and Walter Winchell.

Susan,

The staff of the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library will miss Steve. We loved him for bringing us Truman Gibson. And we loved talking history and politics with him. One of our guards said that of all the many visitors we had, he remembered Steve, because he was such a nice man. That was truly the case a nice man and an honorable man who cared about history. We hope you will one day visit us at the Library.



Carol Briley Martin

Archivist

Harry S. Truman Library

To Susan, and the Neal Family:

I met Steve and his family in the late 1950's and into the early 60's, when we were all in grade school in the small coastal town of Bandon-By-The-Sea, Oregon. I knew Steve's parents as teachers and Steve, Danny and Gary as pals. My most vivide memory of Steve and his brothers was hiking through the woods to go fishing down at "Two-Mile" creek (which interestingly enough was "four miles" outside of town). I recall the laughing, the exploring, the mud, and getting soaked to the bone, as the trout had little to worry about from a gang of young pups. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It seems so unfair that the good guys are often taken from us way too soon. Steve will be missed.

Condolences to family-Have good memories of Steve Neal,such knowledge about so many subjects,was rare and very special.He will be missed by this reader.Thank you.

He was a great character - Damon Runyon could not have invented him; Shakespeare would have had trouble with the nuances. He was also a loving dad and husband, and a friend.



In college we snuck into the drive-in movie in the trunk of a car while Sue and my future wife shook their heads in disapproval and made excuses for us; we went together on Steve's first J-school assignment at Columbia, interviewing shopkeepers on the lower east side (then a slum); we bought a TV at Korvettes and carried it on the subway so we could watch the Super Bowl in the so-called "student housing" high rise apartment Steve had finagled with the panoramic view of the Hudson River; we spent hours talking about politics and life - not hours at a time, but a few minutes here and there over a lifetime when I would pop in and out of Chicago or our paths would cross in Oregon.



Lunch with Steve would always be like a shot of adrenelin mixed with comedy, often accompanied by a famous friend, colleague and/or otherwise interesting companion of Steve's. Once he invited me to join him at a Notre Dame football game, and he was no trouble to locate because he was sitting with Notre Dame's most raucous fan - an elderly Monseignor dressed head-to-toe in lime green!



Recently I was with Steve and his family when he received an award from the Oregon J-school - he was the same Steve, cracking self-depracating jokes and telling stories. He stumbled getting onto the stage, but joked about it. Maybe his eyes were a little weary, I don't know.



Steve's unique ability to laugh at life combined with that incredible sense of being a witness to modern history are summed up best for me in this Steve Neal story: in Nixon's later years, after the downfall, after the resurection, he invites Steve to a dinner party at his New Jersey estate - the room is buzzing, the wine is flowing, but when the former President asks Steve to "pass the biscuits", our good friend, political analyst and raconteur has his once-in-a-lifetime set-up, so without missing a beat Steve responds, "I could, but that would be wrong!" After a moment of stunned silence, during which Steve confessed he was (uncharacteristically) mortified, Nixon broke the ice and began laughing. So I guess you could say there's a great tribute to Steve - he could make even the most stone-faced politicians laugh at themselves.



The world misses you, Steve.

I'm so very fortunate to have known Steve. He educated me on the finer points of Illinois politics, chided me when I needed it, and stood solid as a friend, always. No one could ever ask for more.



God rest his soul.



I wish his family peace and comfort in this most difficult time.

"With fond memories and thanks for making grade school a special experience for those of us who were privileged to be in your room." That's what Steve wrote in the cover page of "Rolling on the River" to my mom, Steve's fourth grade teacher. Mom was so proud of Steve's accomplishments. She loved all his books. Mom and I extend our deepest sympathies to Steve's wife, children, Ernie, Ellen and the boys and their families.

Digging back in the archives of growing up, I find a Bandon Young Republican Club newsletter dated Nov. 19, 1960 written by Steve. Topic of the newsletter "The Story Of Dick Nixon" Chapter One. As someone else said "There was only one Steve Neal". And he wasn't done yet....Andrea Lightle Hofmann

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Susan,

I would like to extend my deepest regrets and sympathy to you and your family. My remembrance of Steve will forever be the way in which he could take the simplest topic and in his writing make it amusing and entertaining or courageous and gutsy. It was particularly special to have known Steve at the University of Oregon as a fraternity brother and listen to him laud how being a good journalist was requisite only to having an unrelenting passion for the truth and an understanding woman. Well he found both and got two more ladies to defend that assertion and his indomitable spirit shall live on in his family and in those lives he touched along the way.



He was a great man and I can't imagine there will ever be another Steve Neal, he was special.

Reading the column about Steve as a great lunch and dinner partner reminded me of the days we both travelled as reporters on the Reagan campaign and later the White House. We'd walk into a restaurant and he'd lurk behind me and shout "Drake! Table for One!" and then flee while everyone turned around to see just who was this poor slob who had to eat alone.

My sincere condolences on your loss. Mr. Neal's death is a loss for me and for all who valued honest reporting, compassionate values, and a love for the history of men who served the world.

Having read Steve's columns for years, I'll miss his work, but more than that his presence will be missed. A good part of what we look forward to during an election year is the writing of people who really get it and Steve really got it. He was truely a treasure.

My condolences to his family and friends. Steve will be greatly missed.

I was a fraternity brother of Steve Neal's at the University of Oregon and the victim of one of his many elaborate practical jokes. It was such an elaborately played out prank, and one that eventually backfired on him, that it became the talk of the campus. I was shocked to hear about Steve's passing from Robert Novak on CNN.

My deepest condolences to his family.

p.s. Little did we know then that we'd both become journalists and writers and publish several books. I'm sorry I never got to see Steve after college, but I know we would have spent at least two hours recalling are great reciprocal practical joke.

I didn't know Steve well, or long. We had warm,involved talks at the Hinsdale library about being over 50, Heart medicine, Newton Baker and Wendell Willkie. Didn't matter. Humor,warmth and insight were always there. A Class Act.

Steve Neal's light was on long before most of us who grew up with him in the small Oregon coastal town of Bandon. In the late 1950's Steve converted an unused chicken coop in a neighbor's back yard into the "Young Republican's of Oregon" headquarters, lining the walls with posters, setting up a speaking forum, organizing meetings, and introduced many of us to "I Like Ike", Richard Nixon, Mark Hatfield, Adlai Stevenson, and the politics of Oregon and the rest of the country at the same time that he was writing the script for our school play back when most of us were still trying to figure out how to play marbles. Steve is the person who initiated my interest in Ghengis Khan and through this an interest in the larger world, it's history, and what makes things tick. Even back then, Steve knew something about a lot of things and was a great source of information. Over the years Steve is a person that I've thought about a lot in reference to "what would Steve do" and offer condolences to his family and friends. Steve Neal was a good person who was respected by everyone in our community, regardless of age or political passion, and those of us who knew him then are proud to say that he was "from Bandon".

Steve left us all too soon but he left us all with thousands of memories, all bound together with the message of dedication, honesty, decency and, most of all, in the word Steve loved more than any other, fun. He will not soon be forgotten.

His Op-ed piece in the Dispatch all but ensured my victory in the 9th district committeeman race of '02. This man will be sorely missed.

As director of Southern Illinois University Press I had the honor of publishing three books with Steve: ROLLING ON THE RIVER in 1997, and HST:THE TRUMAN YEARS and THE MIRACLE OF '48 in 2003. He was an extraordinary man in every respect: gifted, generous, kind, and quick to acknowledge his friends and colleagues. The world of writers and publishers will miss him very much.

Dear Susan,

I was so saddened to hear of Steve's untimely death. I still cannot believe that the wonderful man who taught me so much about history from the books that he wrote will be no more. My deepest sympathy to you and your family and Steve's parents. I shall always cherish the times at Bjorklunden and the privilege of knowing him and you. Ann Lawson

Steve was one of the very few insightful writers on the subject of museums. His articles praising the selection of Richard Norton Smith and James Edgar as the director and CEO respectively of the Lincoln Presidential Library, and previous articles, demonstrated his knowledge of what is required to properly run such public institutions. Museums and all who work for and visit them will miss his courageous and powerful voice of reason.

I'm native to Chicago, from the "back of the yards" area ... so I always admired the gritty and direct manner in which Mr. Neal reported the news. To his family and friends, allow me to say that I hope you can see past any nagging thoughts of "I should have known he was in trouble, or in need ... ", and simply remember him as a warm and dear man who couldn't find a way to give himself a break. God bless you and give you strength.

Steve Neal brightened the corners at the Class Reunion and Duke Zeibert's in Washington with the same grace and good talk he brought to Eli's or Harry Caray's or wherever the ramble took him. He was a terrific reporter; he was a better guy.

Steve's knowledge of history and political personalities was unmatched. More important, he was a good man who picked up on the little things that make life fun. I'll miss our breakfasts at Lou Mitchell's -- always with ice cream for dessert.

Steve had one of the most powerful intellects of any journalist I've known, and few had more zest for the game. He was also a great and loyal friend. In my short time as editor of the Sun-Times, hiring Steve was probably my best decision. My condolences to his beautiful family.

Steve's honest but "in your face" style left you no doubt what his opinion was. He was a man of integrity. I knew him well. Chicago has lost an icon. Chicago will miss you. So will I.

Marcos Gomez

The only way to say it is Chicago style. "We wuz robbed". Robbed of a unique, intelligent, important citizen, as well as husband, father, brother and son. I only knew Steve on a professional basis, but his loss will be felt in my home too. Every column gave more insight. He was as much a history professor as political journalist.

It would be fitting that the Governor place Steve's name in the new state library in a place of honor. A reading room would be most fitting.

I was so looking forward to his columns & Chicago Tonight appearances in the months ahead with the election coming. What a void. A silent prayer to his family.



Ed Schwartz

Lerner Newspapers, Chicago

Steve Neal's crisp writing style and deep understanding of the Illinois' political scene will be sorely missed by all of those who follow the daily ups and downs of the political world. I looked forward to his columns every morning they ran. My condolences to his family during this difficult time.

Steve was such a great mentor. He was an inspiration to so many of us at the University of Oregon and in my fraternity Theta Chi. I remember him as being just a great brother. sympathies go out to Susan from all us Ducks.

I feel like I've lost an old friend. Never met him but enjoyed his column and watching on Ch. 11 Chicago Week in Review.



We've lost a great man - deepest sympathy to Steve's family.

Although Steve left us too soon, he did leave us with a lot of great stories, fond memories, and good times. We will miss him greatly. Our deepest sympaties to Sue and his family. God bless.

I was a friend and fraternity brother of Steve's in college at the University or Oregon. He was always quick with wit and wisdom. While an intern in Washington D.C. in the summer before his senior year, he stayed with my parents in Chevy Chase. They were so impressed with his passion for politics and journalism, my father urged him to write a book about his boss, Tom McCall, Oregon's governor at the time. His first book, "Tom McCall, Maverick", was the result of many hours of interviews and research and was the beginning of an obviously great career. My deepest sympathy goes out to Susan and the Neal family.

Not only is Mr. Neal's death a loss to his adopted home of Chicago, it's also a loss for his birth home, Oregon. He also contributed to this state's political history by writing a biography of Senator Charles McNary; collaborating with former Governor Tom McCall on his autobiography; and editing a collection of the essays of Senator Richard Neuberger. Farewell to a wondereful journalist/historian who has left us far too soon.

I worked with Steve at the Sun-Times every day for seven years and edited hundreds of his columns. They all shared one thing: Steve's love of and enthusiasm for politics. He was as much, if not more, of a reporter than a pundit, who broke his share of scoops but also loved his historical pieces, when he could tap his seemingly limitless knowledge of politcal arcana. But more than anything, as anyone who knew him would attest, Steve was just a damn good guy. A farewell toast in your honor, my friend.

As a former capitol hill staffer, I met Steve Neal a few times when he came into the office to interview my boss. What struck me and other staffers is how genuinely nice and humble Mr. Neal was - in fact, he always demanded that we call him Steve. So while we will all miss his unrivaled and straightforward political commentary, what the world will miss most is a true gentleman.

Because he was such a warm, knowledgable and welcoming man and a curious, almost Columbo-like reporter, he was a press secretary's delight. In my last conversation with him, we shook our heads over the too-brief lives of reporters John Jacobs and Bill Peterson. My heart goes out to his family.

Steve Neal was my Uncle and it saddens me to see that he has passed away. I never really had the chance to have a close relationship with him because of our location, however I cherished every moment we shared when he was on the west coast. I hold him responsible for sparking my interest in the field of journalism, which I thank him for and I would even read his articles on the Chicago Sun times website just to check out his style. He is an inspiration to his friends, family and what it sounds like the community. I am extremely proud and honored to be his nephew. He was a great writer but also a great uncle, father and husband. To my aunt and cousins, I am so sorry you have to go through this. We are here for you.

Although he is physically gone, the memories of of him will live on forever. He was a special man, and I for one will never forget him.

As a long time reader of the Sun-Times, I have eagerly read and respected Steve Neal's articles, always appreciating his wisdom and insights. He will be missed.

Dear Mrs Neal, Erin, and Shannon,



Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you from Champaign. I only met Mr. Neal once but he was a very kind and caring man. Shannon we are all here for you and your family. We love you very much.

Dear Sue, Erin and Shannon, I am truly sorry about your loss. I feel very fortunate to have been Steve's friend and will never forget his many kind acts, especially the column he wrote about my late brother Brian and Sparky Anderson. My condolences to you and the rest of your family.

I will always remember Steve Neal as the one intelligent voice whose observations challenged me when I read his columns. I can hear that very stern, but articulate, voice on Channel 11 giving his take on issues of the day. I am so hurt by his passing. It came as a shock.



My God take you into His Kingdom on the wings of His Angels. Goodbye Steve......there will never be another one like you.

I worked out of an office next to Steve's for a couple of years (he really did have the most gloriously cluttered office I've ever seen) and knew him many more while I was at the Sun-Times. And I haven't known a kinder, more generous colleague. His geniality had much more to it than the friendly nods and hellos offered by so many in passing. He always made it a point to stop and talk, often to compliment something I'd written, and almost always in a way that let me know he really did read it.



He also went to bat for me more than once with his own publisher when I had a book idea and was a constant source of encouragement when my morale flagged.



I no longer work at the Sun-Times, but I know his avuncular presence and quiet strength -- not to mention his enormous talent -- will be missed terribly.



He was one of the great ones.



Bryan Smith

Senior Editor

Chicago Magazine

Steve Neal was a gritty newspaperman who loved local politics and a serious scholar who probed presidential archives and produced original books of political history. He was also a delightful companion. This is a terrible loss.

Great guy. Great political analyst. Great historian. He once bought me a drink, rattled off the names of all of the presidents (in order) and accurately predicted Clinton's re-election in 1996.

Truly a Renaissance Man and one of the greatest friends anyone could have in the newspaper business.

Steve was one of the nicest men I ever met. He graciously wrote the forward for my book CONNOR and was always helping someone. He was a delight to be with and I hate to think of life without him. My condolences to his family.

I have known the Neals almost my entire life. Steve's passing is a shock to me and my family. We will all miss him dearly and my prayers are with his family.

From this former Sun-Timesman: My heartfelt sympathies to Steve's family and his adopted extended family at the Sun-Times. What a loss. But what a legacy.

Steve was the only person I ever met who could speak authoritatively about, say, Roman Puchinski, Archie Moore and Wendell Wilkie all at the same time -- and often in the same sentence. And he is the only one I ever saw interview a president's national security adviser while dribbling an imaginary basketball. Steve knew politics. He knew life. And he loved both.

Steve was such a kind and compassionate friend to my father, Ben Bentley. My dad suffered from dementia and Steve would always have lunch with him and be so patient and understanding with regards to my fathers confusion. When my dads other friends gave up on him, Steve didn't I will always remember and appreciate him for that.

My deepest sympathies to Steve’s family. A most tragic loss for his many friends and colleagues, his readers, his fans, historians, and all Chicagoans. I will dearly miss his very insightful commentary concerning Chicago politics on PBS Chicago Week in Review.

I never met Steve Neal but read his work with interest and admiration. He was kind enough to provide a comment for the publisher of one of my books, which was very much appreciated. He was an excellent biographer who contributed greatly to the literature on modern American politics.

Nowadays I suppose people look things up on the internet. But when I was at the Sun-Times and had a question about politics, I just walked down to Steve's office. The conversation was better; the information more reliable. He'll be missed.

Great memories listening to Patsy Cline and drinking Jack at the Tune-In Bar on Capitol Hill.

Our deepest sympathy to Sue and his family. He was a dear friend and marvelous person. It's hard to imagine coming back to Chicago without Steve being there. Journalism has lost one of its greats - his friends will always remember him with warmth and love.