Susan K. Neal

Susan K. Neal of Athens (formerly of Long Island New York) passed away peacefully at Kimes Nursing home on December 1, 2025. Born in Jefferson Barracks, Missouri on November 20, 1936, she was the daughter of Emil and Florence Kotva. Susan grew up in Belleville, Illinois and later attended Fontbonne College attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English education. She married the love of her life Charles Neal in August of 1966 and soon they settled in West Islip, New York. While there they founded The James Street Players, a local community theater group that is one of the longest running theater groups on Long Island that is still doing productions currently. Susan enjoyed the theater and music, being involved in every aspect from stage crew to acting and directing. Known for her powerful voice (she was once a professional singer in the St. Louis area), Susan had a strong commanding presence in all of life on stage and off, she mentored many students involved in theater and music.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents Emil and Florence Kotva, her brother Robert Kotva, daughter Kathryn Wunder and grandson James Heitman. She is survived by daughter Michelle Heitman (John) of Kirkwood, Missouri, daughter Jennifer Fritchley (Matt) of Athens, Ohio, son Robert Neal of Washington, Indiana. As well as grandchildren Alex Heitman of Kirkwood, Missouri, Katie Heitman of Kirkwood, Missouri, Alexis Shrivers (Zach) of Huntsville, Alabama, Tyler Fritchley of Athens, Ohio and Charlie Neal of Lindenhurst, New York. A small graveside service is planned for December 20, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Athens Memory Gardens in Athens, Ohio. In lieu of flowers the family asks that charitable contributions be made to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hughes Funeral Home where you may sign the online guestbook or leave the family a message of sympathy at www.ehwfh.com.