Neal Hastings ... enjoyed working on his Model T; at 85

STRAFFORD - Neal H Hastings, 85, of Strafford, died peacefully at his home on Saturday March 25.

Born June 12, 1937, in Norwalk, Conn., he was the son of Henry and Vivian (Hopps) Hastings.

Neal resided in Strafford for most of his life, with his late wife, Sandra.

Neal worked for many years at Iafola Construction Company in Portsmouth and completed his working career at Pratt & Whitney retiring after 25 years of service.

Anyone that knew Neal knew he was an incredible welder/fabricator and capable of fixing anything. He was the "go to" guy for cast iron welding and any other difficult or seemingly impossible repair.

Neal had many hobbies and was always tinkering in the garage. One of his ongoing projects was restoring and reassembling a 1927 Ford Model T.

Neal and his wife Sandy enjoyed collecting and exhibiting antique gas engines, they traveled all over the New England states and beyond with several gas engine clubs. Birdwatching and feeding was a pastime that Neal enjoyed. He loved his family and very much enjoyed and looked forward to every visit from them.

Neal leaves behind his children: Lisa Daudelin of Strafford, Beth and husband Chris Goss of Plaistow, Jennifer and husband Tony Sarcione of Barrington, Charmon Klaeson of Barrington, Karly and husband Gary Chipman of Barrington, Krista Sanders and fiancé Dave Moore of Dover, Neal Jr and wife Tonya Hastings of Strafford,

14 Grandchildren, and 7 Great Grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his daughter Lynda Edgerly and son Michael Hastings.