Obituary of Kerry Dean Neely

Kerry “Dean” Neely passed away suddenly on September 1st at the age of 75. Dean was a resident of Rye for 27 years.

Up until his last moments, Dean enjoyed some of the things he loved most in life – an hors d’oeuvre plate that he perfectly curated, a bottle of Ruffino that he shared with neighborhood friends, and of course, his loving wife “Linnie” of 29 years.

Dean was born in rural Kentucky, moved to Detroit when he was just five years old and never forgot his modest upbringing. He was a real estate entrepreneur, financing deals as large as 7 World Trade Center. He later came back to what was most important to him, providing low income housing to those most in need. Later in life he set up Kerry Investments to fulfill his mission of providing a respectful place to live for those on the fringe. 

Every morning Dean read the NY Post (checking on the Yankees or Detroit Lions first), the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal, and every Sunday you could find him sitting in the back pew at Rye Presbyterian Church. 

Dean is survived by his wife, Linda, who currently has no idea how to work any of the electronics in her house and his devoted daughter Catherine, who kept him young and involved in so many parts of her life. Dean is also survived by his sister, Debbie Leid, brother, Howard Scolnik, niece, Stacey Leid, and nephew, Mark Leid, all of whom reside in Michigan. He was predeceased by his mother, Roberta DeBord Scolnik, and his brother, William Scolnik.

To quote his favorite historical figure, Winston Churchill, “we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”.

Dean’s funeral will be held at Rye Presbyterian Church on Thursday, September 7th at 10:30 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Detroit Children’s Center for Low Income Families