Irene Nealon

Irene Ann Nealon (née Vesalga) was born September 25, 1931 in Waverly, PA to Lithuanian-born, Joseph B. Vesalga and Ann P. Vesalga Jones (née Šidlauskas). After graduating from Scranton Technical High School, Irene left for Philadelphia, and then on to the San Francisco Bay area. Irene said, “My higher education was earned in the corporate world working for 3 different corporations in 3 different cities, in 2 different states, on both coasts.” In California, she married Dick Nealon and began her career as a military officer’s wife. They moved many times over the next 12 years, having 4 children in 4 different places, including one overseas. They happily choose to settle in Colorado Springs, living there for 38 years. After her children were in school, Irene volunteered with the Catholic parishes of St. Patrick’s and the USAFA Community Center, at Penrose Hospital, and for The Salvation Army. She enjoyed fashion design, interior decorating, and being a beloved grandma.

Irene died in her home on February 14, 2016. She was 84. She was preceded in death by her husband; one grandson Patrick R. Nealon; her parents; and her brothers John M. Vesalga, and Robert P. Vesalga. She is survived by her 4 children Richard Nealon (Josie), Laura Nealon (Callie Videtich), Lisa Lang (Tom), and Teresa Nealon (Geoff Thyne); her 6 grandchildren Thomas (Alka), Joseph (Kayla), Stephanie, and Nealon Lang; Jacqueline Whitmore (Logan) and Kathleen Nealon; her 2 great grandchildren Story Whitmore and Thomas Lang III; her brothers Joseph A.Vesalga (Eleanor) and Edward J. Vesalga; and many nieces and nephews.

Praying of the Rosary will be Friday February 26 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 6455 Brook Park Drive. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., with reception to immediately follow. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Salvation Army would be appreciated.