Gene L. Neff

Gene was born and raised in Red Lion, Pennsylvania. He attended Red Lion High School, class of 1950. He lettered in Baseball, Basketball, and Football. Forty-one years later, in 1991, he had the honor of being inducted into the Red Lion High School Hall of Fame.

After graduating from High School, he began college at Penn State University. However, his college years were interrupted when he was drafted during the Korean War. He served in the 82nd Airborne Division. After returning from service, Gene finished his college career at Indiana Institute of Technology, receiving his B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering in 1958. Graduating Cum Laude he was active in many College activities and Captain of the varsity baseball team.

Gene began his professional career immediately after college as a Civil Engineer for the City of Middletown, Ohio in their Public Works Department. He obtained his Engineer and Land Surveyor Licenses in 1963. In 1963 Gene accepted the position as City Engineer for the City of Annapolis, Maryland. He served under two Mayors: Joseph Grissom Sr. and Roger Moyer. In 1968 Gene was asked by Baltimore City's Mayor Thomas D'Alesandro III, to head one of the five new Bureaus in a major reorganization at the City's Department of Public Works. Gene was re-appointed by Mayor William Donald Schaefer. Gene enjoyed working under Mayor William Donald Schaefer because he was a very demanding leader implementing big changes to improve the City. They continued to have such respect for each other throughout their Professional careers.

In 1976 Gene became Deputy Director of Public Works for Baltimore County until 1986 when he became Director of the Department. He served as Chief Engineer and served under four different County Executives: Ted Venetoulis, Dennis Rasmussen, Dutch Ruppersberger and Rodger Hayden. In 1991 Gene was selected as one of the top 10 Public Works Leaders of the Year by the American Public Works Association.

Gene retired from Baltimore County in 1993. In May 1996, the Baltimore County Board of Education asked Gene to take over the Public School’s Facilities Department. He completely reorganized the Department undertaking the largest capital budget to build 5 new Elementary Schools, one new High School, and additions to 13 other Middle and High Schools. After 5 years working for Baltimore County Board of Education he retired again. However, retirement was short lived. Gene ended his professional career working 5 more years with the State of Maryland as the Director of Engineering for the Department of Corrections.

Gene was a Civil Engineer for 52 years and a Land Surveyor for 40 years. He was inducted into the Christie Society at the Engineers Club in Baltimore City for holding a professional Engineer License for 50-plus years in the State of Maryland. During his career Gene was very active in many technical and professional organizations. He was the Chairman of the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority, a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, a Diplomate in the American Academy of Environmental Engineers, a Past President of the County Engineers Association of Maryland, Life member of the American Public Works Association and the American Water Works Association.

Gene was an active member of Timonium Presbyterian Church for 45 years. During his years as a member, he served as a Deacon, an Elder, and Sunday School Superintendent for the Middle School.

Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years the late Darlene J. Neff (nee Shoff). He was a loving father and is survived by his 3 children and their spouses Keith Neff (Elizabeth), LynnDee Martin (Hugh) and Wendy Garey (Guy). Our dear “Gramps” will truly be missed by his 8 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren. Gene was also preceded in death by four siblings.

Gene’s zest for life and love for his family and God will always be remembered and forever cherished in our hearts.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley Inc. on Wednesday (1/31/24) from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 1st at 10:00am at Timonium Presbyterian Church, 303 W. Timonium Road.

Interment to follow at Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a contribution in Gene's name to the Timonium Presbyterian Church.