Lester D. "Bear" Neff

Lester “Bear” D. Neff

Sherrill-Lester Darwin Neff, 74, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in his sleep on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Known to everybody as Bear, he was born on October 21, 1951, in Oneida, the son of the late Lester G. Neff and Shirley Buell Dyer. He grew up in Oriskany Falls and attended Oriskany Falls High School. Bear worked for Power Line Construction for many years, up until his retirement. He enjoyed visiting with friends, sitting outside having a few “cocktails” on nice days, and was always willing to lend a hand. Bear loved his family, and was always prepared “to tell it, how it was.” He was a great friend to many.

He is survived by his children: Daniel Neff (Jackie) of Tuscola, TX, Donald Neff (Desiree) of Cortland, Tina Martinez (Ray) of Schertz, TX and Jodi Neff of Oneida, 17 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and Patricia Sherman (companion). Bear is also survived by 8 siblings, multiple nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lester and Pat Neff and Shirley and Henry Dyer.

Bear’s family will gather privately to honor his life on Saturday, February, 28, 2026 at the Paul Funeral Home of Madison. Spring interment will be in Madison Village Cemetery. There will be a reception in celebration of Bear’s life at the Oriskany Falls Kelley-Phillips American Legion Post 569, on Saturday, February 28, 2026 starting at  2:30PM. Compassionate and personal care is being provided to Bear and his family by Jeffery T. Paul, Director of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison. Please visit paulfuneralhome.net to offer condolences.

Any donations can be made in his honor to the American Legion, William Russell Post No. 404.

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