Ronald Howard Neal MD

Dr. Ronald H. Neal, Ludlow, Vermont, passed peacefully on Monday, May 27 at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center after a brief illness. Dr. Neal was born February 28, 1923 in Laconia, New Hampshire the son of Ralph and Gladys Neal. He attended Laconia High School and the University of Vermont receiving his undergraduate degree in 1944 and his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1947. He was licensed to practice medicine in Vermont and New Hampshire. He interned at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY (1947-1948). He was admitted to the American Academy of General Practice in 1953. In 1956-1957 he completed a residency in anesthesiology at Dartmouth Medical School and became a Fellow in the College of Anesthesiology in 1959. Initially, he practiced family medicine in Ludlow, VT, from 1947 – 1997 and then provided anesthesia service at the Springfield Hospital and later at Valley Regional Hospital.

Dr. Neal had a distinguished military career starting as a reservist in the Navy from 1943 -1945 while a student at UVM. He later was in the Army reserve from 1950 -1953 and spent time in Germany when the reserve was activated during the Korean War. He returned to military service in the Air Force reserve from 1979 – 1987 during which time he served as flight surgeon. He retired with the rank of Colonel in 1987.

Ronald Neal married Ann Pearson on June 26, 1946. He and his wife were married for 69 years spending those years in Ludlow and, in retirement, winters in Naples, Florida. His passions were his family and community. He loved sports, particularly downhill skiing, and the outdoors including swimming, water skiing and fishing. He passed his passions on to his children. He was an original director of the Okemo resort and a founding member of the Northeast Medical Association.

He is survived by his wife, Ann, his daughter, Mary Ann, his son, John, grandchildren Abigale Ingalls and Pearson Neal and four great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother, R. Frank Neal, and his sister, Betty Mayo.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 PM Sunday, June 28, 2015 at the Round House at Jackson Gore, Okemo Ski Area, in Ludlow. Donations in his name may be made in lieu of flowers to the Fletcher Memorial Library, Ludlow, and the Springfield Humane Society.

Arrangements under the direction of Adams Funeral Homes, Ludlow, Vermont.