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With sorrow we share the news of the passing of Russ Neiger, a former Camp director, and beloved part of Camp Onas.
Russell N. Neiger, 95, of Bucks County, PA, formerly of Philadelphia, PA, passed away Friday, May 23, 2025. He was the husband of Jane (Olsen) Neiger since September of 1952.
Born May 2, 1930, in Philadelphia, Russ was the third son of the late Albert and Klara (Keinholz) Neiger of Philadelphia and Switzerland. He was a graduate of Olney High School (’49) and Temple University (’53).
After college, Russ was drafted and served in the U.S. Marines at Camp Lejeune. He then began a long, successful career as a teacher with the Pennsbury School District in Bucks County, PA. While teaching full time he earned his Master’s in Education from Temple (’59), coached the Pennsbury Gymnastics Team and spent summers as the Recreation Director at Pocono Plateau in Cresco, PA until 1968. Then, Russ and Jane became Directors of Camp Onas in Ottsville, PA. until 2000. Along the way, Russ bettered the lives of countless students and colleagues, campers, counselors, and assistant directors, all of whom he treated with kindness, knowledge, consistency, and a warm smile.
As a teenager growing up in the Olney section of Philadelphia, Russ was fortunate to be surrounded by Fisher’s Woods Park where he began his bird watching adventures. He also joined the Philadelphia Council Boy Scout Troop 125 in Olney and achieved Eagle Scout status. Some of Troop 125 turned into an inseparable group of young men, and then their wives and children formed the “Crowd”, which remain “family” and “cousins” to this day. Russ also enjoyed the Bucks County Birding Club and the Bucks County Ski Club. After retiring, Russ and Jane traveled extensively, enjoyed their grandchildren, and then moved into Ann’s Choice in Warminster, PA for 19 happy years. There, Russ continued his passions by organizing a Blue Bird club, creating the indoor Bocce league, and managing the Valets.
Charitable gifts in Russ’ name are encouraged to the Camp Onas Annual Fund or to the Neiger Gould Camper Fund at Camp Onas.
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