Neil graduated from the U. S. Naval Academy in 1939 and spent 2 years as an Ensign aboard ship. He then went to flight school and served in the Pacific in charge of a Navy Photographic Squadron. Upon returning to the States, he was sent to M.I.T for a graduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Among other projects, he worked on jet propulsion in D.C. and built an air base in Detroit. Neil served his country with pride.

He retired from the Navy as Captain in 1962. He moved to Sacremento to work for Aerojet and then to Northridge to work for Douglas. He worked on concepts for a sky lab and the Apollo moon landing.

He moved to Tustin in 1966 and retired again in 1972. He then devoted himself to the Foothill Community Association as a volunteer and was Land Use Chairman for many years and a past President. He also was an elected member of the North Tustin Municipal Advisory Council for over 10 years and served as its President.

Neil Harkleroad was born November 30, 1915, in Kansas. He passed away October 6, 2004 in Tustin. He is survived by 4 beautiful daughters and 10 grandchildren.