George F. Neiley

Rock Island, Illinois George F. Neiley, Jr., a resident of Shelburne, Vermont, died on October 12th. He was 86. Although he spent his early years in New England, he lived in Moline and Rock Island, Illinois, for most of his life, relocating with his wife, Virginia, to Shelburne in 2002 to be closer to family members. Mr. Neiley was graduated from Dartmouth College in 1939. He joined the United States Coast Guard Reserve during WWII and served on ships in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Also, he taught navigation and seamanship at the Coast Guard Academy, drawing on skills honed during a boyhood of "messing about in boats" on the Massachusetts seacoast. He departed the service in 1945 as a lieutenant commander. While stationed in New London, Connecticut, he married Virginia Railsback in 1943. He joined Deere & Company of Moline, Illinois, in 1945. For over two decades and until his retirement in 1982 he was director of public relations, a tenure characterized by the strengthening of the company's relationships with community and national organizations. As a member of the building committee, Mr. Neiley helped plan the company's new administrative center. He was director and, for the decade before his retirement, president of the John Deere Foundation. Under his leadership the foundation initiated a number of new programs, including educational matching gift and visiting artist programs. He was chairman of the Public Relations Council of the Farm and Industrial Equipment Institute, and he was a member of the Contributions Counsel of The Conference Board. His spouse, Virginia, survives him together with two children, George F. Neiley, III, and his wife, Ellen O'Brien, of Charlotte, Vermont; and Nancy Neiley and her husband, Edward Harber, of Bozeman, Montana. Another daughter, Cynthia Neiley Hyde, died in 1986. Her husband, Douglas, lives in Shelburne, Vermont, with his wife, Margaret Holden. There are seven grandchildren: Tim and Steve Hyde; Alice, George and James Neiley; and Will and Molly Harber. Mr. Neiley generously supported his community, serving on the governing bodies of a number of civic and educational organizations. A primary commitment for many years was the independent college preparatory school, St. Katharine's / St. Mark's (now Rivermont Collegiate). He served as president of the board of trustees for 25 years and guided the organization through some difficult years, succeeding in revitalizing enrollments and stabilizing the school's financial condition. He chaired the advisory board of the William Butterworth Memorial Trust and the Tri-City Symphony Orchestra Association. He also held leadership positions in the Moline Community Chest, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Moline Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council. George was admired by colleagues and friends for his quiet wit, personal warmth and gentleness, and an outgoing but wonderfully diplomatic demeanor. Unfailingly, his personal relationships at work, in the community and with friends and family were graced by integrity, thoughtfulness and good judgment. He leaves a network of friendships spanning the world. He was passionate about boating, operating and meticulously maintaining a series of powerboats on the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan for the enjoyment of family and friends. Despite his Midwest address, he loved salt water. He shared this passion by hosting a number of bare-boat charters in the Caribbean and along the New England coast, experiences treasured by his wife and family. A private service for immediate family has been arranged in Shelburne. Trimble Funeral Home, Moline, is in charge of local arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that any remembrances be sent to the Cynthia Neiley Hyde Scholarship Fund, St. Katharine's / St. Mark's, 1821 Sunset Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa, 52722. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.TrimbleFuneralHomes.com. END OF OBITUARY