Fortified with the Sacraments of the The Holy Mother Church, peacefully and surrounded by his family on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at the age of 91. Neil was a devout Catholic, going to church most days of the week and was Fourth degree Exemplification of the Knights of Columbus associated with Seven Holy Founders Church.
Beloved husband for over 67 years to the late Barbara Ann Fiala (nee Brandt). He is survived by his children Neil S. (Kim), Rick, Sherry, Jim (Elaine) Fiala and Terri (Matt) Menghini. Loving grandfather of 12, and great grandfather of 14. He was preceded in death by his son, Chris Fiala, and granddaughter, Lisa Fiala. His family meant the world to him. He was the most patient, kind, loving, supportive, funny, and generous man.
Neil was born on May 28, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri, the only child of Albert J. and Marie (Deschu) Fiala.
As a youngster, Neil was an Adogio dancer (where you throw a girl who does acrobats) from ages from ages 6-16 years. He performed at the Muny Opera in Forest Park and some downtown hotels and on the Admiral for 3-4 years. He also danced solo as a tap dancer. Neil rode at a horse stable daily as a guide from 10-14 years old. He had a white horse named Trigger.
Neil grew up in St. Louis attending Cleveland High School, playing basketball and baseball and graduated June 1951. His high school basketball team finished third in the state in 1951. Neil played professional baseball from 1951-1953 for the Cleveland Indians and the St. Louis Cardinals minor league teams. Neil attended SEMO from 1951-1952 where he played basketball. Neil then went to Harris Teacher’s College from 1952-1954 (played basketball) and met the love of his life, Barbara Ann Brandt in the Fall of 1953. They were married on October 22, 1955, at the Church of Immaculate Conception in Maplewood, St. Louis, MO. Neil then attended Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, MO, from 1954-1956 and was in the Tau Beta Pi – the highest honorary society in the Country – Engineering School. Neil was also in Pi Tau Sigma – mechanical engineering honor society. Neil’s college degree is Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a BS in Electrical Engineering and he finished sixth in his class of over 200 students. He played basketball in college there and was in the Jackling Jocks.
Neil is in the Missouri University of Science and Technology Athletic Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame and also the Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame. As an adult, Neil coached soccer, baseball, basketball, and softball for his children’s teams and Khoury league teams. Neil was head coach of Kutis semi-pro baseball and won the City Championship one year. He also coached Crestwood Legion baseball and Southwest Kiwanis Pros. Neil played baseball into his mid-40s.
Neil started work at Union Electric as a Co-op in 1955. He was hired in 1957 as an electrical/mechanical engineer at Meramec Power Plant. Neil transferred to Sioux Power Plant in 1960 as an Operations Supervisor prior to Sioux Power Plant coming on line. Neil worked his was up to Plant Manager. He transferred to Meramec Power Plant and finished his career there as Plant Manager. Neil retired in 1995.
Neil had his pilot’s license and owned his own airplane – a Cessna Skylane (piston-single) C182 with a tail of N838PG and named it Spirit of Christopher after his son, Chris. He was President of the National Pilot’s Association for many years.
Neil was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and a fan of his children and grandchildren’s sports. He was also a Docent for the St. Louis Zoo for many years with his wife. His proudest accomplishment by far was his six children.
Services: The family will receive friends Saturday, November 23, 2024, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 4900 Ringer Road, from 9:00am – 10:00am. The funeral Mass will be celebrated right afterward at 10:00am. Interment Calvary Cemetery. Contributions in Neil A Fiala’s memory may be made to the St. Louis Zoo, St. John Vianney High School, or Alzheimer’s Association.
Sorry to hear. He had a very full and productive life
I worked for Neil at Meramec Power Plant. He was our Plant Manager before he retired. Neil brought good direction and added humor to our work day. I enjoyed talking baseball with him. He showed a genuine interest in his employees. Good memories. God Bless
I knew Neil from working in the Power Plants Mtce Dept that performed the periodic unit overhauls at the UE generating plants, and then also while attending weekend retreats with him at the White House on Christopher Road. He had a really interesting life story, but in addition to what was in his Tribute, Neil was also a pioneer at UE. He was the first engineer to move into the supervisory job of Operating Supervisor, the person in charge of all the employees working in and from a plant control room that typically operates two generating units.
Neil and Barbara Fiala were such a gift to our community at Meramec Bluffs. They served our residents also, besides their other volunteer positions, as Eucharistic Ministers and helped so much in training us as their replacement when they could no longer keep up with that ministry. We are forever in debt to them. What a pleasure it was to have them in our lives. May God give them peace and rest forever with Him.
Your mom and dad were in the shows at Vianney with my folks. I last saw ur folks at Ted Drew’s. Chris was my first boyfriend and I got to know your folks then. They were always so kind and often inquired of me through my parents through the years. My dad also worked at UE and knew of your dad. What a great guy and wonderful parents. I’m sorry for your loss
Met Neil thru baseball– good person and easy to talk with–
Dave Wente- Steeleville Ill
To the Fiala family, My sincere condolences. I had planned to attend the funeral mass, however I will be working. My thoughts are with you.