Mr. Neal R. Stearns, 93, of Cortland, N.Y. passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 5, 2025. Neal was born on January 9, 1932 in Johnson City, N.Y. to Kenneth & Mildred Stearns.
As a young man Neal enjoyed the thrill of stock car racing on the dirt tracks of Glen Aubrey. He named his stock car 6 7/8 which was his hat size so he would always remember it. Thrill seeking also took him to becoming a private pilot & purchasing his own 2 seat airplane. When he was barely 21 he was a deputy sheriff at the Ithaca Airport.
Neal co-owned his excavation company Hall & Stearns and then owned Neal Stearns Construction and later on EZ Acres Materials. He was an active member of the International Union of Operating Engineers for over 58 years. When he wasn’t working Neal enjoyed Trap & Skeet Shooting and was quite proficient at it winning trophies at both local & state events.
After his retirement in 2005, Neal enjoyed his motorcycles, his mustang and his Polaris slingshot that he rode all the way through last season.
Neal is survived by his 3 daughters; Laura (Chris) Maxson, Terri Maxson & Tami Sebastino, his daughter-in-law Terri Burlingame & son-in-law John Thomas. Also survived by his sister Sharon McGrath & brother Douglas Stearns, 14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife Georgianna Stearns, daughter Toni Stearns, sons David & Ronald Stearns. Also predeceased by step daughter Cheryl Thomas, son-in-law David Sebastino, his brother William Stearns and great great grandson Harrison Sebastino.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at Wright-Beard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Eddy Bunton on Friday, June 13, 2025 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y. Burial will follow in Cortland Rural Cemetery following the service. The service will be live streamed on Neal’s Obituary page on the Wright-Beard Funeral Home website.
The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude and appreciation to the nurses, aides and staff of Guthrie Medical Center 2S and Misty Glen Rehab.
Friends and Family are welcome to attend a celebration of life at the Center of the Arts in Homer, N.Y. following the burial at the cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction on Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Cortland, N.Y. Condolences may also be sent to the family by visiting www.wright-beard.com.
