Obituary of Dr. Richard F. Neblett

Plainfield: Richard F. Neblett, PhD, age 80, died on Monday, January 16, 2006 at his home in Plainfield. Dr. Neblett was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and had lived in Elizabeth before moving to Plainfield in 1958. He served in the US Army in Italy during World War II. Dr. Neblett received his Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati in 1949 where he was PHI BETA KAPPA. He went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Chemistry in 1951 and then his Doctorate in Organic Chemistry in 1953. Dr. Neblett began a 35 year career at Exxon Mobile beginning in 1952, when he was first a research chemist in the Linden facility and later head of contributions in the New York City office. After his retirement in 1987 he worked for NACME, National Action Counsel for Minorities in Engineering, in New York City. Dr. Neblett served on the Plainfield Board of Education from 1962 to 1974. During the developmental stages of the Liberty Science Center, he was on the advisory board. He was a past board member of the Union County College Boards of Trustees and Governors. Currently Dr. Neblett was a member of the UCC Foundation Board. He was also a board member of the United Way, Union County. Dr. Neblett was a member of the United Church of Christ. He enjoyed playing golf, gardening, playing poker, bowling, and traveling. His favorite destination was St. Maarteen. Dr. Neblett was predeceased by his wife, Barbara (Kibble) Neblett in 2001. Surviving are his daughter, Elizabeth Neblett of Rahway; his brother, Eugene Neblett of CA, 3 nieces, 2 nephews, a great-niece, a great-nephew, a godson, friends Sandy Lawrence, Bill Collins, Enid Horowitz and many others. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 at 11:30 a.m. at the United Church of Christ in Plainfield. Interment is private. Arrangements are under the direction of Higgins Home for Funerals, 209 West 8th Street, Plainfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Dr. Richard F. Neblett Memorial Engineering Scholarship at Union County College Foundation 1033 Springfield Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07066.