Obituary of Neil Allen Svendsen

Neil “The Swede” A. Svendsen

Chief Lineman

 

85 years young, of Rockaway Borough, Neil passed away peacefully at his home on November 7, 2024.  Born on October 28, 1939, in Summit, New Jersey, Neil later moved to East Hanover. While at Livingston Movie Theater, Neil met the love of his life, Juanita, who loved him as much as he loved her. Juanita put up with him for 57 years until her passing in 2014.

 

Neil started working for JCP&L Co., in 1959 as a Lineman and climbed a lot of poles until the coming of “bucket” trucks.

 

Neil and Juanita moved to Lake Telemark and raised their family. Neil became Chief of the Hibernia Fire Co. #1. Along with Everett Graner and other members, Neil helped build the New Fire Co. #1.

 

Neil had a great love of life, it was greatly diminished by the loss of his beloved Juanita, but with the enduring memory of his son Neil Jr., and surrounded by his children, Jimmy Svendsen, Laurie Gockeler, her husband Bill Gockeler, Suzanne Svendsen and his grandkids Derek Svendsen, Darren Cimbal, Drew Cimbal, Ryan Cimbal, Peri Gockeler and Wyatt Gockeler and great granddaughter Sadie Cimbal and the help of his friends, especially the members of the American Legion Post #344, Neil forged on. Neil loved golfing with his daughter, Laurie, using her Mom’s clubs, watching Wyatt’s Lacrosse and Ryan’s football games.

 

Neil and Juanita traveled the world and skied it, too. Neil loved golf and had four bucket list courses of which he played three of them: Ballybunion, Ireland, Harbour Town, South Carolina and Pebble Beach, California only missing The Old Course in Scotland. Three out of four ain’t bad!

 

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to The Sons of the American Legion Post #344, Rockaway Twp., New Jersey

 

Neil’s Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, November 15th at 3:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post #344, 210 Chestnut Terrace, Rockaway, NJ 07866, (973) 627-9717