Obituaries » Neal Edward Caldwell
Neal Edward Caldwell
May 22, 2026
Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Thursday, May 28, 2026, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Global Methodist Church, located within Church of the Nazarene-Pennsville, 172 Churchtown Road, Pennsville, New Jersey, with funeral services to follow at 11:30 a.m. Burial with military honors will take place at Salem County Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Trinity Global Methodist Church in Neal’s memory. adamsfuneralhome.org
Neal Edward Caldwell, lovingly known to so many simply as “Uncle Neal,” passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, at the age of 83.
Born on October 2, 1942, in Bay City, Michigan, Neal lived a life defined by service, loyalty, quiet strength, and deep devotion to his family. After graduating from high school in Bay City, he proudly served his country for 22 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1982 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (SMSGT). As a Command and Control Superintendent, Neal served throughout the world, including assignments in Germany, England, Iceland, and during the Vietnam War era. His distinguished military career included the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation. Neal was deeply proud of his military service and of being a Vietnam veteran.
Following his military retirement, Neal and his beloved wife Janet made their home in Pennsville, New Jersey, where they spent more than four decades building a life centered around family, faith, and community. Neal continued his professional career as a Human Resources Specialist with Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G).
Neal was deeply proud of many things in life, but nothing meant more to him than being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Janet built a loving life together after marrying in 1964, sharing nearly 62 years of devotion, humor, and partnership. Their relationship was filled with love, laughter, and the playful nickname Neal affectionately used for her for years — “Big Mean Jan.”
A lifelong musician and devoted church organist, Neal spent countless hours at the organ, where music brought him peace, comfort, and joy. For many years, including most recently at Trinity Global Methodist Church in Pennsville, Neal arrived early, before services, simply to play hymns as people entered the sanctuary, hoping to help them feel welcome and at peace before worship even began. At home, the sound of hymns flowing from his organ was a familiar part of daily life and often helped calm his mind during difficult times.
Neal was also a proud 50-year Mason and a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. His faith, principles, and commitment to others guided the way he lived his life. Friends and family knew him as kind, intelligent, loyal, generous, and dependable. He often reminded those around him that “two heads are always better than one,” and was equally well known for asking, usually with a smile, “How much was that?” no matter what someone had just purchased.
He loved coin collecting, talking with his sons, his cherished 1952 Chevy, and above all, the laughter of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Though Neal was not always one to openly say the words “I love you,” his family never questioned how deeply he cared. He showed it every day through his actions, his consistency, his sacrifice, and his unwavering presence.
Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Robert John Caldwell and Elizabeth Mae Hoppes Caldwell, along with his seven siblings, many of whose children lovingly viewed him as a second father throughout their lives.
He is survived by his loving wife, Janet Caldwell; his sons, Mark Caldwell and his wife Michele, and Richard Caldwell and his wife Patricia; his grandsons, Michael Caldwell and his wife Kathryn, Neal Caldwell, and Eric Caldwell; his granddaughters, Ashley and her husband Marc, Brooke and her husband Patrick, and Paige; and eight great-grandchildren who brought him tremendous joy.