It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Neal Wesley Brush, born the third child and only son of Edith May Brush and Cornelius Wesley Brush. After a long, heroic fight with his second bout of cancer, Neal passed away on July 11, 2022, at age 69 surrounded by his family in Leesburg, Va.
Neal grew up in Denville, N.J., where he would meet and marry his wife, Heather, in 1979. They were married for 43 years. They had two children, Ashley Heather Brush, and Ryan Wesley Brush, whom they raised on their farm in Fincastle, and brought great joy to Neal’s life. Neal was proud to be a local Botetourt County business owner for more than 30 years, an energetic coach of many sports teams, a volunteer supporting the school system, a lover of animals, an active member of the Fincastle Presbyterian Church, and most importantly, a friend to all in need. Neal was the grandfather to four beautiful grandchildren who filled his final days with love and laughter: Alaric, Emmalene, Piper, and Sebastian.
He is survived by his loving wife, Heather; his daughter, Ashley, and son-in law Peter Wakefield; son, Ryan, and daughter-in-law, Cassie Brush; his four grandchildren; his two sisters and their husbands, Kathy and George Bossers and Linda and Louis Lembo, as well as sister-in-law and brother-in-laws, Meegan and Chris Lybolt, Paddie and Teddy Czech, Kevin and Ellen Hynes, Hilary Hynes and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Wes Brush.
A Celebration of Life Gathering is being planned by the family for late July 2022. Anyone wishing to donate is requested to consider giving to the American Cancer Society.