Aug. 22, 2003 – Neal E. Anderson, a prominent St. Thomas businessman, died Aug. 10 in New York following a brave but losing battle with lung cancer.
He was the owner of NACO Restaurant Supply and was actively involved in local business and community service organizations.
Born on Dec. 22, 1938, in Ohio, Anderson was salutatorian of Carrollton High School. In 1960 he earned his bachelor of science degree from Marietta College, becoming one of the first wave in the field of computer experts.
His early career was with Union Carbide Corp. in New York City, where he met his wife of 40 years, Dottie. As a computer systems analyst, he helped to computerize the New York Fire Department alarm system, forever changing the manual "pull" alarms throughout the five boroughs. He later served as vice president of a firm that helped to pioneer the outsourcing of computer services to state and local governments.
Family vacations in the 1960s and '70s led to a profound love of the Virgin Islands, and in 1987 the Andersons moved to Mahogany Run. Recognizing a need for quality merchandise and service to the restaurant and hotel industry in the Caribbean, Anderson founded NACO Restaurant Supply.
In 1999, he was asked to join a team of consultants in the New York/New Jersey area tasked with protecting computer systems from impending Y-2K problems. He returned home to St. Thomas in late 2000.
Anderson was a member of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce and an active supporter of the Humane Society of St. Thomas and the local American Red Cross organization. Well known in the restaurant and hotel industry, he was a proud member of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, an international food and wine society devoted to promoting fine dining and encouraging young people to pursue professions in the field.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by their son, Neal, Jr.; daughters Janine, Patty and Kristen; sons-in-law Christopher Borgersen and Charlie Johnson; grandchildren Sonja, Matthew, Nolan, Courtney, William, Uma and Ian; brothers and sisters Mac, William, Raymond, Cyndy, Rosemary and Billy; and many other relatives and friends.
The Anderson family wishes to express deep gratitude to Debbie Karlin for the precious last weeks they shared with Neal and to thank their many friends for their well wishes and support. Neal was greatly touched by this outpouring.
Viewing, services and cremation took place in New York. In accord with Anderson's wishes, his ashes will be returned home to St. Thomas. A memorial service will be held on island in the fall at a date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to a fund established in Anderson's memory at the Humane Society. Checks should be made out to The Humane Society of St. Thomas and mailed to the society at 7041 Nadir No. 26, St. Thomas VI 00802.
