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In Memory

Neil Layton VIEW PROFILE

 

Neil Alan Layton

May 4, 1954 - November 29, 2017

Neil Alan Layton, 63, of Tampa passed away Nov. 29, 2017, at his home with family at his side. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 4, 1954, to the late Murray and Barbara Layton. He attended Needham High School where he excelled in athletics. Neil attended the University of South Florida where he received a degree in marketing and met his wife, Debbie, as well as many lifelong friends. After college, he began his 40-year career as an entrepreneur in construction and real estate by establishing home-building company Devonshire, through which he provided homes to hundreds of families in the Tampa Bay area, developed a reputation for uncompromising quality, cared generously for dozens of employees and subcontractors, and built a family business legacy.

Neil is survived by his wife of 38 years, Debbie; children, Josh (Rebecca) Layton, Brooke Layton; sister, Carol Layton; grandson, Graham Alan Layton; cousins, Steven and Jodi Samuels. In addition, he leaves behind many dear friends who will miss his love of golf, lunching, karaoke, real estate, the Boston Celtics, his sense of humor and infectious smile. 

 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 or via their web site www.moffitt.org/give. Please specify that donations are to further the research of Dr. Bijal Shah in Mantle Cell Lymphoma. 

 

A celebration of Neil’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 6th at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

 
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12/03/17 10:54 AM #1    

Barbara Nicoll (Scher)

I remember Neil as one of the funniest,friendly, and nicest guys around.   So sorry to hear of his premature passing. Sincerely Barb Nicoll-Scher


12/04/17 08:04 AM #2    

Billy Swartz

Neil was my oldest/longest friend. We were next door neighbors from the time we were 3 years old until the time we graduated from Needham High. We remained good friends throughout the years. So many thoughts and great memories from our childhood, college and adult life. Neil was a special person, great sense of humor with a wonderful positive attitude towards life. Neil was a loving husband to his incredible wife Debbie, great father to Josh and Brooke, caring brother to Carol and incredible friend to many. I was fortunate to see him in September and say our goodbyes to one another. I will miss Neil!  Wanted to share his obit: 

 

Neil Alan Layton, 63, of Tampa passed away Nov. 29, 2017, at his home with family at his side. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 4, 1954, to the late Murray and Barbara Layton. He attended Needham High School where he excelled in athletics. Neil attended the University of South Florida where he received a degree in marketing and met his wife, Debbie, as well as many lifelong friends. After college, he began his 40-year career as an entrepreneur in construction and real estate by establishing home-building company Devonshire, through which he provided homes to hundreds of families in the Tampa Bay area, developed a reputation for uncompromising quality, cared generously for dozens of employees and subcontractors, and built a family business legacy.

 

Neil is survived by his wife of 38 years, Debbie; children, Josh (Rebecca) Layton, Brooke Layton; sister, Carol Layton; grandson, Graham Alan Layton; cousins, Steven and Jodi Samuels. In addition, he leaves behind many dear friends who will miss his love of golf, lunching, karaoke, real estate, the Boston Celtics, his sense of humor and infectious smile. 

 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 or via their web site www.moffitt.org/give. Please specify that donations are to further the research of Dr. Bijal Shah in Mantle Cell Lymphoma. 

 

A celebration of Neil’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 6th at Palma Ceia Golf and Country Club from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

 

 

 


12/04/17 08:53 AM #3    

Robby Welch

So sorry the hear of Neil’s passing, way to young. He could make me laugh by  just giving me one of his silly looks. He had many friends due to his kind nature. My deepest sympathies to Neil’s family and also to his oldest and lifetime friends.


12/04/17 11:02 AM #4    

Janet Speen (Niemi)

So very sorry to hear of Neil's passing.  A lovely person and friend from elementary school, Neil was always thought of as kind and caring.  The names of Billy (Swartz) and Neil were always thought of together.  Its unimaginable to think of him gone so young.  My condolences to his family.


12/04/17 11:29 AM #5    

Frank Rice

I would like to echo the comments by Billy and others. Even though Neil and I lost touch after high school, I have many fond memories of good times with him, especially summers long ago at the Pool and Racquet. Like the others said, he always had such a great sense of humor and always the comic in a real good way. It’s shocking to realize he’s gone. I hope he’s now in peace in a good place. 

 

 


12/07/17 12:07 PM #6    

Jack Recco

I had sooo many great times with Neil.   Everytime we drove to Florida I made sure to stop in Tampa to see Neil and Debbie for a few days.  We would golf, see whatever property they were working on, have a great dinner.  So many wonderful memories! We had the fortunate opportunity to visit Neil 2 weeks before he passed.  We brought New England specialties to share with him - lobster, scallops, scrimp, haddock, swordfish.....    and watched the Celtics win! It was a great couple of days.  Rest in Peace My Dear Friend.  Jack


12/08/17 08:25 AM #7    

Cindy Lourie (Fatsis)

I am shocked and so sad to hear of Neil's death.  Neil was one of those people who seemed perpetually young!  I last saw him at a NHS reunion a few years ago.  Even at 50 something, he still had that same fun-loving smile & twinkle in his eye.  I'm glad to see that he made a difference to so many people!

 


12/10/17 06:36 PM #8    

David Stewart, Jr

Neil, Was always so full of life and energy and I remember a long talk that we had at one of the reunions and joy we had in sharing some moments in time.   I am always so sad to read of our classmates passing into history we seem so young.   Neil will always be forever young in my mind.   This is true of our old friend

THE CROWN OF A GOOD NAME

There are three Crowns, our Sages taught: The crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood, and the crown of royalty.  But the crown of a good name excels them all.

“Blessed is the person who lives with a good name  And departs this world with a good name.”   Of such a person did the Bible say:  “A good name is to be treasured above precious all”.

Wealth, like health, may pass away, But a good name can live on forever.It can adorn a person throughout life:  It can be bequeathed as a precious inheritance.   Conferring honor on family and friends,  Inspiring and challenging those who carry on.   Therefore, our ancient Sages taught:   “The righteous need no monuments; Their good deeds are their memorials.”       The earth of the grave does not cover them;   The hand of time does not erase them.  The kindness they have shown, the love they have given,  Remain in everlasting remembrance. Their achievements are more lasting than granite, Their devotion is an enduring legacy.

 


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