Fairfax - Staff Sargent Neal M. Senecal, 49, left for his last hunting trip on Wednesday November 18, 2015 at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends. Neal was born on February 2, 1966 in Plattsburgh, the son of Gerald and Betty (Collins) Senecal. He married Terri Cote on August 8, 2009 in Charlotte and settled in Fairfax. Shortly after graduating from Beekmantown High School, Neal enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1983, coming out of Ft. Bliss to serve in Germany then Washington State. Afterwards he became an Army Reservist. Following his initial enlistment, Neal then fulfilled a career working in the NY State Department of Corrections in Clinton and Great Meadow Correctional Facilities. Neal enlisted in the VT Air National Guard (VTANG) in 2004, with a tour of duty in Iraq. He became Active Duty with VTANG in 2013. A true Defender of our state and nation, SSgt Senecal was honored to serve alongside not only his Security Force brothers, but also his wife Maj. Cote who is currently a VTANG Medical Group member. Neal was an avid deer hunter. He was meticulous about his lawn and snow plowing. He was a Steelers fan while his wife, a Cowboys fan, enjoyed football Sundays. He always was able to make people laugh even during his brief illness. He had a way to give advice honestly and was sought by many as a mentor. Neal is survived by his wife Terri, children Gabrielle and Aiden. Neal is also survived by his brothers Jerry Senecal and wife Kim of Gettysburg, PA., John Senecal of Iowa, Mark Senecal and wife Crystal of Plattsburg, Chris Senecal and wife Jinette of Arizona, Bobby Stein and Keith Stein, both of Plattsburg, by his sister Lisa Covey and husband Jason of W. Chazy, his sister-in-law Kim Senecal of Leesburg, VA, his mother in law Helen Cote of Hinesburg, and “Pops” Cletus Heywood of Plattsburgh, his adoptive father. The Senecal family sends thanks, love and glitter to Dr Julian Ruffin Sprague, Jamie Kelly PA, Lauren Bailey NP of Palliative Care, Joyce of Franklin Home Health, Tory Forsyth, Richard, Jaimie, Cathy Tatro, all of Shep 4, Sarah and PPR crew, MICU, PPS, 158 SFS and MDG Visiting hours will be held on Friday November 20, 2015 from 5-8pm, with prayers offered by Fr. Feltz at 8pm, in the Minor Funeral and Cremation Center in Milton. A Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Saturday November 21, 2015 in the Minor Funeral and Cremation Center in Milton. Burial will be in the Vermont Veterans Cemetery in Randolph in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vermont Air Guard Family Readiness 105 NCO Drive, So Burlington VT 05403 or American Red Cross VT/NH Region 29 Mansfield Ave, Burlington VT 05401
