Neal Owen Thayer, 43, of Chicago, died peacefully at his home on June 29, 2022.
Neal was born August 5, 1978, the son of Alden and Coleen (Dougal) Thayer. Born blind, he was always a happy and friendly child. From the age of three months, the Lighthouse of the Blind, in Chicago, were instrumental in helping both Neal and his parents adapt, and overcome his disability. He learned to type at the age of five, and was proficient in all of his academics. He attended a high school for the blind in Dublin, Ireland where he graduated. He then returned to Chicago where he obtained an associate degree in arts. He always kept a positive attitude, even when it was challenging to obtain employment. He refused to sit around and be idle, so he went out and volunteered, first at a Drug Youth Outreach office, and later at the Harold Washington Library for the Blind. Finally at the age of 30 he was hired to work at a hospital, and later he worked at the I-Pass Call Center, which is run by the Lighthouse of the Blind. He was able to live independently, he enjoyed nature, camping, and fishing. He enjoyed listening to a variety of music genres and was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. He was a writer and enjoyed taking photographs, and would build and review Minecraft games. He was humble, kind and had a love for the Bible and for reading God’s Word. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend who will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his mother, Coleen (Tom) McDonnell, sister, Meghan (Mike) Thier, and brother, Liam (Carly) Boyle, his niece and nephews, Matthew, Sophia, and Jonathan, by his maternal grandmother, Peggy Dougal, and by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Neal was preceded in death by his father, Alden, his paternal grandparents Alvin and Myrtle Thayer, and his maternal grandfather, Robert Dougal.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022, from 9:00 -11:00 am at Saint Mary's Catholic Church - 10307 Dundee Rd., Huntley, Illinois. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am at the same location. Burial will be in Huntley Cemetery. Immediately afterward, the family would like to invite all present to join us for a luncheon from 1:00 - 3:00pm at Jameson's Charhouse at 12860 Del Webb Blvd in Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind https://chicagolighthouse.org/donate/
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772, or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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We will miss you so much Neal! However, we know you are much happier and at peace. Now you can see your dad and the rest of your family members who are in Heaven. All of you are now singing, hugging and making up for lost time. You will always be in our hearts and never forgotten, Peace be with you always .We love you so much. Aunt Joanna & Uncle Ron
Very saddened to hear about this. My brother and I finally had the opportunity to meet Neal in person on my last trip to Chicago last October after getting to know him very well online for almost 20 years. We picked him up at the Glenview train station and took him out to The Yard House for dinner. We had a great time and discussed everything from sports, to politics, to religion as well as Neal's journey to finding God. It was the same as we had always done, just getting the opportunity to do it face to face. I also realized that I was not meeting a new friend, but rather just seeing an old friend face to face for the first time. One of the things I was looking forward to the most on my next trip was getting the chance to visit with Neal in person again. While I won't get that chance, I am grateful for the one I had. My most heartfelt condolences go out to Neal's family and closest friends. Godspeed to you, Neal my friend.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of my dear cousin ,Neal Owen,myself and my twin brother Neil Gerard Gallagherhad great times together growing up,Rest in peace until we meet again.
So very saddened to hear of the passing of Neal. I will pray for comfort for his family & friends and take comfort that he is home with his Lord.
You will be missed, Neal. You can now hug your dad and laugh. Say hi to granny, grandpa, uncle dale, and uncle Pete! The saying goes, “only the good die young” and you cuz were one of the good ones.
Eternal rest to your dear son Neal, and may perpetual light shine upon him + My prayers for consolation to your heart, Coleen!
I am so sorry for your loss, Neal was a wonderful man, Condolences to Coleen, Liam and Meghan.Rest in peace Cuz
Neal was my cousin. Despite the distance I love all my family deeply and Neal will be missed. My heart goes out to all that know and love Neal both near and far. I'm sorry for this loss and saddened that we will not be able to visit each other on this earth again. To my Aunt Coleen, and cousins Meghan and Liam, I love you all and wish I could be there. Please know you will all be in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to all the family!
Neal was kind, intelligent and a good friend. We hadn't spoken since before the pandemic, bit I have always kept him I'm my mind. We used to attend a Sunday morning Men's Group at New Life Norwood Park, and have had many nice conversations. God bless his soul.
So sad to hear of the passing of Neal. We have fond memories of Neal and the time he spent as a neighbour in Farrigans Ireland. Sincere condolences to Colleen, Megan, Liam and all extended family and friends of Neal. Thinking and praying for Neal and you all at this sad time. Rest in peace Neal.
My sincerest condolences for the loss of such a lovely man. Although we weren’t close, he was the first baby I ever held. As a man he and I chatted on Facebook together. Mostly about our wonderful Savior . Im sure he’s enjoying living in his presence now!
Having been out of town for the 4th of July weekend, I am only now learning of Neal's home going. I am heart broken; at the moment without words. Neal and I attended church together. I taught him in Sunday school class, prayed with him personally, went on church outings with him, and numerous times drove him home after church so he wouldn't have to wait for the bus. (Yes, he faithfully rode the bus to church. He wouldn't miss.) Neal's faithfulness to Christ and the Bible, his always positive attitude, his heart for others, his smile, his friendship always encouraged me. I will miss him deeply. On Sunday mornings when I look at "his spot" in church and see him missing it will be hard to hold back my tears. Ah yes: but to be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD, which is far better for my dear brother in Christ. Neal.
So Sad to hear the passing of Neal. My condolences to your family.
My sincere sympathy on the death of your son Neal. I remember him well during his time here in Lettermacaward May God reward him with eternal life and comfort you all at this time of grief
With my deepest sympathy on the passing away of your son, Neal. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord and let perpetual shine upon him. Placing you, Colleen in the most Sacred and Loving Heart of Jesus and the arms of the Immaculata.
I was honored to work with Neal for the Chicago Light house. He was amazing and such a pleasure to work with. My condolences to the family.
You will truly be missed Neal. You were indeed an inspiration to have on the Team. Throughout all the years I have worked with you, you have shown great care and concern. You were very kind to your peers and your smile will never be forgotten. Sleep well and take your rest, we love you, but God loved you best. The Chicago Lighthouse Teams/Tollway Call Center will miss you dearly! Continue to Rest in Heaven.
Neal sat near me at the call center. He was always friendly. He was very ki d to everyone. We need more people in this world with his spirit. We will miss him. My condolences to his family.
Tom and Coleen, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you during this difficult time. May Neal rest in the peace of our Lord.
My condolences and prayers for the family
Sincere Condolences to all Our American Family on the passing of Neal Owen, he was our cousin and friend.Neal also held a very special place in our hearts as he was the First Born Great Grandchild of Our Grandmother Bridget Gallagher Arranmore Island.May God speed him on his journey home,May the Angels Herald his Welcome RIP Neal with love from your Masterson Family Relatives.
Hearing the passing of our cousin Neal was certainly sad news this week. His time here on Earth-side sure feels shorter than any of us would have imagined. I wish peace for all mourning his loss. May you know he is rejoicing in Heaven and find comfort in your memories with him. Love and peace to all!
Sorry to hear about the passing of Neal Owen. May he rest in peace. Condolences to all my American family and Neals friends. You were such a determined young man despite the challenges you faced from the off! Rest well now with the angels, until we meet again.
My deepest Sympathy’s to you Coleen, Tom Meghan and Liam. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you in this time of grief and May Neal Rest In Peace.
Hearing the passing of our cousin Neal was certainly sad news this week. His time here on Earth-side sure feels shorter than any of us would have imagined. I wish peace for all mourning his loss. May you know he is rejoicing in Heaven and find comfort in your memories with him. Love and peace to all!
Unfortunately I just found out about my dear Brother in CHRIST passing today in church ,you will be dearly missed my brother but I know we will see each other again in Heaven rejoicing together in the presence of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. I will remember the times together soul-winning together, driving you home after church, worshipping GOD together, praying together, fellowshipping ,see you again my brother Rest In Peace.
My condolences to the family. It was a pleasure meeting brother Neal in my life time. I thank God for letting me meet him. Neal always came to church whenever he could. He never had a car and was always there when he can be. Sending prayer out to family.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Neal was a great man and will be missed. May he Rest In Peace.
We are so sorry for your loss, Neal sounded like a great person who lived his life for others.
To Liam and his loved ones. My heart goes out to you all. I did not know Neal, but his story is inspiration and incredible reminder of the people who makes this world we live in better. Which I’m sure will live on through you all. Nonetheless, it does make this time you are currently going through any easier. I am devastated for you all and have you all in my thoughts. Liam, I’m thinking of ya man.
We miss you Neal. We're so glad you came to Tennessee last year to spend time with us. Wish we could have seen you again You will always be in our hearts. We love you! Uncle Sonny and Aunt Chris
All my memories of Neal are happy and bring a smile .. From his reactions when holding him as a baby ! He always showed a bright side.. Being friends with Neal’s Mother Coleen , she made tough but amazing decisions that would allow Neal to become the independent good Man he became .. Trips with our kids to Fish Lake , Water Park in Texas .. My eldest son always looked up to Neal and I know he still keeps those memories. I’m humbled by Neal’s determination and success in all the obstacles he overcame ! While I am sad Neal’s Earthly time is done .. I know he is in his eternal home with our Loving God ! Blessings to you Coleen! As well to Neal’s sister and brother … his Grandmother , many cousins! and family members . As God has promised ! You will be reunited when God calls others home ….
All my memories of Neal are happy and bring a smile .. From his reactions when holding him as a baby ! He always showed a bright side.. Being friends with Neal’s Mother Coleen , she made tough but amazing decisions that would allow Neal to become the independent good Man he became .. Trips with our kids to Fish Lake , Water Park in Texas .. My eldest son always looked up to Neal and I know he still keeps those memories. I’m humbled by Neal’s determination and success in all the obstacles he overcame ! While I am sad Neal’s Earthly time is done .. I know he is in his eternal home with our Loving God ! Blessings to you Coleen! As well to Neal’s sister and brother … his Grandmother , many cousins! and family members . As God has promised ! You will be reunited when God calls others home ….
My sincere sympathies go out to his love ones. Neal will be missed. He was a kind and gentle soul. I am very blessed to have met him and get to know him as my brother in Jesus Christ. Love ya brother Neal! May you Rest In Peace and enjoy eternity in heaven with our great GOD. See ya in the air!
I send my love and deepest sympathy to all of Neals family and friends. I met Neal at New Life Community Church which he attended for quite a while. Was in a men's group with him He was a friendly and kind man and he loved Jesus, which is the best news of all! This means he is now in heaven, enjoying God's presence which we were all intended to do for all eternity! I know for sure that I will see him again! John 3:16 says: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whoever believes in His shall not perish, but have everlasting life! Praise God for His amazing grace!
The world has truly lost a great gentleman and a brilliant mind. I first met Neal more years ago now than I can count through our mutual enthusiasm for Internet roleplay wrestling or e-wrestling as it is most commonly known. And whichever character Neal was portraying at the time, be it a member of his expansive Benedict family, Izumi Sato or some other experiment he had going, I always knew I was in for a treat when I read one of his "flashes" as character pieces are called in e-wrestling. Neal always had some of the brightest, boldest characters in the whole fed and I felt so privileged to cross over into the personal story world he created for his characters. Never mattered what side of the storyline we were on. Got to team with him at times where our characters were both allies and rivals. I always found Neal to be easy to work with and bounce ideas off. Would that every e-wrestling player got to work alongside someone as creative and even-handed as Neal. There would be a lot fewer dramas in the game if they could. Even after Neal left the Internet wrestling behind in his final years to focus on his Bible studies, I found great insight and encouragement in his Facebook posts on those subjects as well. Everything I ever saw Neal do, he did with relish and passion. My condolences to the Thayer family and all who were privileged to know Neal up close. Y'all had a blessing beyond measure and I will always treasure the fact I got to experience a slice of that blessing. Even if it was at a distance from a different time zone in Virginia Beach. RIP Neal. I'll look forward to looking you up in Heaven when I get there one day.
I'm so sorry to hear that brother Neal passed away. Just knew him at Maplewood Baptist church but he always had a smile and kind words to say to me We will see each other again R.I.P brother Neal. Absent from the body present in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4