Neil E. Vulgamore's Obituary
Neil Evrett Vulgamore, a man of exceptional creativity and thoughtfulness, passed away on June 23, 2025, at the age of 77, in Cleveland, Ohio. Born on December 30, 1947, in Pike County, Ohio, Neil was a beloved husband, father, "Dolly", brother, uncle and friend whose passion for life and love for his family were evident in everything he did.
Neil grew up in Pike County, where he was born to the late Floyd and Betty (nee Harvey) Vulgamore. He shared his childhood with his brother, Samuel Vulgamore, and in his later years with Sam's wife Meri and his niece Christina Crook and nephew Anthony Vulgamore. After graduating from high school, Neil embarked on a career that saw him behind the wheel of semi-trucks and later, meticulously maintaining machines with the same precision and care he applied to all aspects of his life.
Neil's heart was captured by his loving wife, Judy Vulgamore (nee Gibson), and together they built a life full of joy and companionship. His legacy continued to flourish through his daughter, Andrea Allison, and her husband Donald; his stepdaughter, Carol Kramer (nee Cole), and her husband Steven; and his stepson, Dewey Cole Sr. Neil's joy multiplied when he became a grandfather, a.k.a. "Dolly" to Brandon Castle, Samantha Schwab and her husband Jordan, Cole Kramer, Alexander Kramer, Sergio Cole and his wife Theresa, Dewey Cole Jr. and his wife Heather, and Joshua Cole and his wife Rebecca. In his later years brought his nine great-grandchildren, who he did not get to see much, but thought of often.
Neil was a man who found solace and pleasure in the simple things. Biscotti and coffee, Nutty Buddies, peach cobbler, blackberry pie, tiramisu, and butterscotch oatmeal cookies. Some would say he had a sweet tooth. His gruff demeanor matched that of the Western gunslingers he so admired, balanced by a mind for engineering and a poet’s heart. He would often sing along to the Beatles or Neil Diamond. Traveling to lighthouses with his wife Judy was one of Neil's favorite pastimes, so much so that the ships, gulls, and lighthouses ended up decorating the walls of their home. He was a true animal lover, with a particular fondness for cats, especially those that had been left or forgotten, giving them a second chance at “home.” Neil could often be found tending to his yard with great attention to detail. His hands and mind were always busy, as he was constantly tinkering with something, working on just about any engine he could get his hands on, or painting. His artistic spirit was a wellspring of inspiration to those around him.
As we say farewell to Neil Evrett Vulgamore, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey well-traveled, and a man well-loved. His memory will continue to shine brightly, like the lighthouses he so admired, guiding us through our own journeys with the memory of his love and creativity.
Family and friends may gather for visitation at Green Funeral Care, 4668 Pioneer Trail, Mantua, on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 11am - 1pm, followed by a funeral service at 1pm. Interment will immediately follow at Fairview Cemetery, Hiram.
In lieu if flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the David Simpson Hospice House, 300 E. 185th St., Cleveland, 44119 or the Portage County Animal Protective League, 8122 Infirmary Rd., Ravenna, 44266
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