He served his country honorably in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, and after his military service he went on to work for Monroe County in the Department of Social Services. In 1990 he met the love of his life, Cheryl Neely. They were together for 31 years. He will be remembered for his love of traveling with his family, and spending time with his friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl, his devoted sons, Michael (Lucy) Buono, and Marcus A. Neely, his grandchildren, Dolly, Miguel, and Jacob, and his great-grandchildren, Alaina, Jordan, and Maria.