In Memory of Neil Ellis Pritchard

Obituary

Neil Ellis Pritchard was born at home in Spencer Settlement, NY on March 28, 1943.  He attended a one-room schoolhouse early on, and then went on to attend and graduate from Westmoreland Central School.  He was involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America.  Neil began working on the family dairy farm when he was young, milking the cows before and after high school. It was in 4-H that he met Margaret Mathis, his wife of 26 years. They were friends with three wonderful couples with whom they enjoyed snowmobiling, movies, dinners, camping, and parties for many years.  

Neil was known as a jack-of-all-trades, and there was little he couldn’t fix or figure out.  He and his wife spent a year building their own home and eventually welcomed their three children.  Neil was adamant that his kids have a beautiful inground pool for hot NY summers and after long days in the field on a tractor or unloading hay.  

Neil ran his own dairy farm for years and also sold seed corn, for which he earned trips to Las Vegas and Bermuda.  He supported local farmers with combining and tractor work well into his 70s.  After leaving farming, he became a beloved bus driver for several local schools, driving until he was 81.  He was especially passionate about driving bus for special trips, like down to Yankee Stadium.  

Neil spent over 20 years with his partner Ruth Slivka until his death at 83 on August 6, 2026 after a year-long battle with congestive heart failure.  Prior to the diagnosis, it was a point of pride for Neil that he was very healthy, taking no medications, and walking daily outside with Ruth or on the treadmill.  Neil enjoyed cooking healthy meals and baking for Ruth and family.  They made regular trips to Massachusetts to spend time with her family and they took a memorable family trip to Florida.

Neil loved his children, his five grandchildren, and Ruth’s five grandchildren who he was especially fond of.  He learned how to play chess when one of his daughters began playing in elementary school and enjoyed the friendly banter over games.  He loved the Boonville Fair and tractor pulls, country music and listening to live concerts.  He also loved to travel - one of his “famous” trips was traveling by bus across the US from New York to Oregon to visit his daughter in Portland.  He especially loved seeing a Broadway show with his daughter in Manhattan.  

Over the years Neil enjoyed many outdoor activities: white water rafting, paddling, hiking, camping, grilling and picnics, and he was an avid deer hunter.  A few of his favorite places were Old Forge, Bald Mountain, and Chittenango Falls.  He got a thrill watching his son paddle in the annual 90-Miler Canoe race in the Adirondacks.  One of his favorite activities in recent years was watching three of his grandchildren play ice hockey.  They will always remember Grandpa Neil’s unique gifts, taking him on Father’s Day outings like the zoo or mini golf and ice cream, and his love of popcorn.  

Neil is survived by his children Marsha, Kelly (Brent), and Andrew (Tasha), and grandchildren Ryder, Camden, Miles, Emery Grace, and Noah.

Neil worked hard his whole life.  He took care of his neighbors and his friends, visiting elderly neighbors, mowing lawns and helping out when needed. 

Neil left this life on his own terms.  He will be missed.  His parting message was one of love.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Ruth Slivka for providing companionship and caring for Neil for many years.  

Burial wishes will be fulfilled by family in a private ceremony.  Memorial donations in Neil’s memory can be made to the Humane Society of Rome, New York: https://humanesocietyrome.com/

For online expressions of sympathy, please visit simplecremationcny.com