Bert Eugene "Pete" Neff

DRYDEN – Bert E. “Pete” Neff, age 91, of Dryden, NY (Town of Harford), passed away peacefully Sunday, May 10th, 2026, after a lengthy illness. Bert was born December 7, 1934, a son of the late Bernard C. and Bessie Satterly Neff. Pete had a tremendous commitment to his community and country. He was a 20 year retired US Navy veteran, a member of the Harford Fire Department and founding member of Cortland County Search and Rescue. On December 31, 1953, Pete married "Dottie" E. Hilsinger in Cortland, NY. Following his Navy career, he also retired from Monarch Machine Tool.

Survivors include his children, Bert E. (Yvonne) Neff, III of Beaver Falls, PA, Karen Neff of Homer, Pamela Neff and Peggy Ann Grimaldi of Harford; nine grandchildren; many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other extended family members. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 54 years, Dorothy; his sons, Bert E. Neff, Jr. and Bret E. Neff; daughter, Deborah Morrison, and brothers, Boyce, Bruce, Bradley and Bernard Neff Jr.. 

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Perkins Funeral Home with Rev. Matthew Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Willow Glen Cemetery, Dryden. Friends are invited to call from 9 to 10 a.m., prior to the service, at the funeral home, 55 West Main St., Dryden. 

Those wishing to consider a memorial are encouraged to use Hospicare, 172 E. King Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850 or Harford Fire Dept., 760 Route 221, Harford, NY 13784.