Jeffrey Stewart Neilson died February 23, 2026, in his 80th year. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, he was one of 2 sons of Evelyn Keefer and David Neilson.

Soon after, the young family moved to Hyde Park, where he spent most of his life. He was raised with his brother Martin Wade Neilson, who tragically died in an explosion in Poughkeepsie on January 14, 1982.

He was a F.D. Roosevelt High graduate, Class of 1965, and received a degree from DCC. Soon afterward, he began a 50-year career with Verizon. During that time, he worked throughout Dutchess County, including Millbrook and Pawling. Jeff's career even took him to New Orleans in 1978, where he worked with his Poughkeepsie colleagues. He also attended several advanced career classes in Manhattan. After his retirement, he worked for Dutchess County Government.

His sense of adventure was limitless: he raced motorcycles in Middletown, Madison Square Garden, Monticello and throughout New England. He was fearless…his 45 trophies proved it. His passion continued with dirt track racing and ultimately ended with owning 2 new Harleys, riding often with friends and various clubs, mainly for charity events. Even after he was the victim of a hit-and-run driver in Poughkeepsie and faced several major surgeries and prolonged recuperation, he continued to ride. His most innocuous passion was his daily dose of the crosswords in The Poughkeepsie Journal and The N.Y. Daily News

He crewed on the Sloop Clearwater in the Long Island Sound and was often seen sailing singlehandedly on the Hudson in his Hunter; he often sailed alone the entire way to NYC from Poughkeepsie!

He traveled with his family to Hawai'i, Florida, the Carolinas, Arizona, Seattle, The Cape, all of New England and California. A brief trip to Mexico was quite an adventure. He skied in Colorado, at Mt. Tremblant in Canada, and rented a ski house in Vermont as a treat for Matthew and his friends. He and his Family flew to The BVI where he chartered and captained a 48' sailboat for 2 months; he and his family lived on the boat, rarely going ashore except to replenish supplies. Using his favorite 35 mm camera, given to him by Susan on their first wedding anniversary, gave him the opportunity to take myriad photos of all the places they visited and all the people they met.

Jeffrey was a long-time member of The Poughkeepsie Yacht Club and the H.O.G.

Organization. He donated generously to Holy Trinity Church Food Pantry and The Salvation Army. He was also an ardent supporter of all law enforcement. Most impressively, he helped Verizon Pioneers install private bedside telephones for Veterans at Castle Point when he and colleagues realized Vets had limited phone service access.

He had lifelong friends throughout the USA and remained in contact with them. He was sociable and personable and rarely went anywhere without meeting someone he knew. Jeff was quick to smile, often mischievously, and quick to help a neighbor or friend. Many would agree that Neilson always spoke his mind and was always tolerant of other points of view. He and his wife, Susan, attended almost every football and basketball game at Millbrook High School, and enthusiastically cheered very loudly for The Blazers.

On March 20, he would have celebrated 55 years of marriage to Susan Conforti, who survives, along with their Beloved Son, Matthew, Kea'au, Hawai'i. He is survived by Nephews Brian Anderson {Laurie}, Cornwall-on-the-Hudson, and Robert G. Anderson, Hyde Park and Niece, Deana Bryan {Sean} Collinsville, Oklahoma.

Additional 'Ohana include: Brandon Anthony and Family, Signal Mt., Tennessee, Michael Anthony and Family, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lauren and Cash Toelle, Hayden, Idaho, Allyson and husband, Ethan, Bryan Scott and his beautiful Goddaughter, Lauren Anderson, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Brother-in-law, Frank and Sister-in-law, Anna Anthony, Ooltewah, Tennessee

He was predeceased by his loving Sister-in-law, Emily Conforti Hendricks on March 1, 2025, and two nieces: Gina Anthony and Michelle Riordan.

Relatives and friends may call from 4 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park, NY.

The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 am on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Holy Trinity Church, 775 Main St., Poughkeepsie, NY, officiated by Fr. A. Wellington and Fr. G. Fernando.

If you are unable to attend, PLEASE join Family and Friends sharing stories and pictures of Neilson's legacy at Coppola's Restaurant immediately following the service.