Belmont---Neil A. Golden of Belmont,NH passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 surrounded by his loved ones.
Neil was born on April 14, 1945 in Waltham,MA. He was raised in Waltham and was a Class of 1963 graduate from Waltham High School. Neil enjoyed an eclectic career that ranged from porcelain tub refinishing to refurbishing antiques.He was also a number runner, a nurses aide and ultimately retired after more than a decade working as a sleep technician. Throughout his working life Neil was a dedicated employee who was happiest when he had the opportunity to care for others.
Neil cherished every moment spent with his son Jonny who passed away in 2015. He had a large circle of friends. His hobbies included fish finding, refurbishing antiques, target shooting with friends, riding motorcycles, trying his luck with scratch tickets and visiting his favorite place, the ocean.
Neil was a jack of all trades and a master of one: storytelling. He could spin a yarn like no other, filled with amusing details and colorful characters. Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Neil knew that they could always depend on him for a good listening ear, a strong shoulder to lean on and great advice and insight about life. His kind smile and big blue eyes brightened many days for those around him. Neil loved people and never met a stranger, always leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Neil is survived by two step-daughters, Kerry L. Ellis and her husband, Michael, of Belmont, NH, Kristen L. Walker of McKinney, TX; grandchildren, Aryana and Dominic Florentino of Belmont, NH, Christopher Neil Ellis of Belmont, NH, Kate and Ryan Shackelford of Mckinney, TX; Jon and Jennifer Gouveia of Loudon, NH; Kendra, Alexia, and Ava Cooper of Belmont, NH; EJ Otto of Belmont, NH; Levi Robie of Belmont, NH and many other dear friends. He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife, Kathleen Walker who died in 2008;a son, Johnny Kostas Golden and a sister, Marie Kerrins and her husband, Ralph of Hudson, MA.
The family would like to thank Rachael from Meals on Wheels for providing meals as well as a daily visit while Neil’s health faded.
The family would also like to thank the Penguin Gas Station on Route 106 in Belmont, NH. Kelly and John, thank you both for always watching out for Neil, making sure he had a ride home and for reaching into your own pockets to make sure Neil was always taken care of. He loved you all at that store so much.
“Our lives are better left to chance.
I could have missed the pain
But I’d have had to miss the dance” – Garth Brooks
Thank you, Neil, for reminding us to dance.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial please visit www.wilkinsonbeane.com.