Burton Neil

Burton Neil, 80, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and pillar of the West Chester Jewish community, passed away peacefully on the evening of August 14, 2024.

Born in 1943, the middle son of Allen and Doris Neil, Burton's life was a testament to the power of resilience, community engagement, and the guiding hand of faith. His journey began in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his inability to join established AZA chapters led to his founding of Ner Tamid AZA. This pivotal moment set the stage for a lifetime of leadership and community service.

Burton's leadership skills blossomed early. By his senior year of high school, he had risen to become president of District Three AZA, covering four states. The outpouring of admiration from over 400 AZA'ers singing "Kadima, Burton Neil" at his final BBYO convention was a moment he cherished throughout his life.

A proud graduate of Pennsylvania State University, his time spent in Phi Sigma Delta fraternity led to a lifetime of friendships. While there, he founded the first textbook exchange at PSU, helping students trade their books to save funds. After Penn State, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law with honors.

Burton's career in law spanned over five decades. His commitment to justice and public service was evident in his service as a captain in the U.S. Army. His role was in the Judge Advocate General Corps from 1969 to 1973, including a tour in Korea, and stations in San Antonio, Texas, and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Burton was exceptionally proud of receiving the Meritorious Service Medal, one of the highest military honors rarely awarded to a captain.

Life's twists and turns, which Burton often attributed to divine guidance, led him to West Chester in 1973. Here, he established deep roots, serving as an assistant public defender before building a distinguished private practice. His legal acumen earned him numerous accolades, including the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating.

Burton's passion for community defined his life in West Chester. He served as president of the Allen Kodish Chapter of B'nai B'rith and multiple terms as president of Kesher Israel Congregation, helping lead the synagogue's transition from its original location on Church Street to its current modern facility. A familiar face in the congregation as a long-term gabbai, he was blessed to welcome hundreds on the bima for their bar/bat mitzvah aliyah. Growing up, he played trumpet, and those skills provided a foundation for his shofar-blowing expertise. For decades his tekiah-shvarim-truah-tekiah godolah were high holiday highlights for many at Kesher Israel.

A man of diverse interests, Burton approached life with enthusiasm and a commitment to continuous growth. He was an avid fitness enthusiast and passionate gardener, delighting in cultivating and sharing the bounty of his garden with family and friends. A die-hard Penn State football fan and season ticket holder, he never missed cheering his beloved Nittany Lions. In his later years, he loved the snowbird time spent in Arizona and embraced travel, cherishing the adventures he shared with his wife Donna, and their family and friends.

Burton's dedication to learning extended beyond his professional life. He was a passionate student of Judaism, constantly seeking to deepen his understanding and connection to his faith. This spiritual journey, which he often reflected upon, gave him a profound sense of purpose and guidance throughout his life.

Above all, Burton was devoted to his family. His love story with Donna, which began in high school and through 57 years of marriage, was a source of joy and strength. He is survived by Donna, his sons Michael (wife Risha) and Larry (wife Heather), and grandchildren Darya, Jacob, Asher, Autumn, and Mara. Burton took immense pride in his grandchildren's accomplishments, loving their every success.

Burton Neil's life was a testament to the power of community involvement, professional integrity, and familial love. He often spoke of the "convergences" in his life - the closed doors and unexpected opportunities that led him to his path. His legacy of leadership, service, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire all who knew him. 

Relatives and friends are invited to funeral services on Sunday, August 18, 2024, 9:30AM, at Kesher Israel Congregation, 1000 Pottstown Pike, West Chester, PA 19380. Interment will follow at Haym Salomon Memorial Park, Frazer, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Allen & Doris Neil Memorial Endowment for Education at Kesher Israel Congregation, https://www.kesher-israel.org/donate/online-donation-form/, The National Brain Tumor Society, https://braintumor.org/,  or BBYO - organizations that reflect Burton's lifelong commitments to education, health, and youth leadership, https://bbyo.org/. 

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