W. Bruce Neil of Leesburg, FL, formally of Dallas, PA passed away September 18, 2013, in Beaumont, TX. Bruce was born August 30, 1950 in Wilkes Barre to William and Eleanor Neil. He grew up in Trucksville and attended Dallas schools. Upon graduation in 1968 he entered the first classes for Hospitality and Hotel Management at Luzerne County Community College; where he excelled and was a member of Gamma Alfa Gamma. After earning an A.S. degree and through the efforts of his mentor Mr. James Malkames he was accepted into the Hospitality Management program at Cornell University, graduating in 1974.While at Cornell he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He also holds a Master’s in Education from American Intercontinental University, and a PhD in Hospitality.
He began his Hospitality career at the illustrious Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC and then entered the management trainee program for Marriott Corporation. During the next decade he managed facilities for Marriott, Sheraton and Morris Custom Management, as well as private resorts. In 1980 he took a position as Food Service Venue Manager for the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY.
A change in careers came in 1984 when, with the retirement of his mentor; he became Department Head and Professor of the Hotel Restaurant Programs at Luzerne County Community College. He held this position for the next 16 years. During his tenure the program expanded and became highly recognized in the academic arena. While at this position he achieved many honors, including Outstanding Faculty Award, Outstanding Alumni Award, CASE nominee and runner up for the prestigious CHRIE International Award. He was also invited to be a member of the People to People Academic Committee as a representative of the Hospitality Education Field to advise the Russian Tourism Industry in developing their hospitality industry to meet the needs of a growing western tourism business. The committee included President Vladimir Putin, the then head of The Committee for External Relations of the Saint Petersburg Mayor's Office. The group also met with tourism personnel in Czechoslovakia.
After leaving LCCC Mr. Neil was Department Head at colleges in Tennessee and Ohio before he accepted a post as Visiting Professor for The Australian International Hotel School in Canberra, Australia. When he returned to the states he was Department Head and Professor at Mohawk Valley Community College in Rome, NY.
In 2010 he became an on-line-instructor for Le Cordon Bleu and the Art Institute. He then started his travels in his motor home. He made his way to Texas where he managed Hidden Lake RV Resort in Beaumont and Timber Lodge RV Resort in New Waverly as well as his continued on line work.
During the Olympics Bruce met Judith Relyea; they were married March 15, 1980, in Lake Placid, NY. They have two sons Michael Andrew Neil and Robert Bruce Neil. Robert is married to Rebecca Fox Neil, residing in Cambridge, MD. Michael is married to Lori Van Etten Neil, they have eight children: Nicole Boyenowski and husband Joseph of Dupont PA, Sidney, Keegan, Delanie, Keifer, Malaki, and Beckam, residing in Dallas, PA.
A private gathering will be held in Dallas for the family, October 19, 2013. Arrangements were handled by Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Reaud Guest House 3120 College St. Beaumont, TX 77701. The facility provides low cost housing for patients undergoing medical care at area hospitals.
|
