Funeral Details

Neil Barry Arden

February 13, 1943 - February 11, 2025

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Monday, March 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Graveside

Waldheim Jewish Cemetery
1400 South Des Plaines Avenue
Forest Park, Illinois 60130
Get Directions

Clergy

Rabbi Barry Axler

Memorial Contributions

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
P.O. Box 5014
Hagerstown, Maryland 21741
www.michaeljfox.org
or
Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon
8880 Southwest Nimbus Avenue B
Beaverton, Oregon 97008
www.parkinsonsresources.org/




OBITUARY

Neil Barry Arden was born in Chicago, IL, to Alan and Ada Arden. Throughout his life, he embraced a variety of roles before ultimately finding his true calling as a teacher in his hometown. It was there that he met fellow teacher—and his future wife—Pam. They eventually moved to Portland after Neil completed his Master's program at the University of Oregon

Neil’s teaching career spanned more than 30 years, during which he took great pride in inspiring his students. He created a positive and nurturing classroom environment, always pushing his students to do their best. His warmth, humor, and dedication made him one of the most beloved teachers in the school.

Beyond the classroom, Neil had a passion for basketball officiating, starting as a middle school referee before going on to teach and recruit new referees, including his son, David. In his free time, he enjoyed playing tennis, bridge, pinochle and blackjack whenever he had the chance. A lifelong fan of game shows, he especially loved Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Charlotte, Roberta, and Lorna, and his brother Larry. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 49 years, Pam; his son, David, and Daughter-in-law, Lisa; his brother, Jeff, and Sister-in-law Janice; godson, William Brien; honorary son, Jarvez Hall; and honorary grandchildren, Faye and Jarvez Jr.; and numerous host of cousins, nieces and nephews. He will also be lovingly remembered by the thousands of students, basketball officials, families, and friends whose lives he impacted.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Neil’s honor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (www.michaeljfox.org), P.O. Box 5014 , Hagerstown, MD 21741 or Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (www.parkinsonsresources.org), 8880 SW Nimbus Ave b, Beaverton, OR 97008. The family thanks you for your love and support during this time.

Graveside service Monday, March 3, 11AM at Waldheim Jewish Cemetery, 1400 S. DesPlaines Ave., (Gate 36), Forest Park, IL. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com


GUEST BOOK

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My condolences to the family. I will always think of him as Mr. Arden. He was always one of my favorite teachers at Ockley Green in Portland. Even though I was just a kid, I saw him as one of the most genuinely kind individuals that you would want to meet. He will be missed.

Errol Acquin
February 18, 2025
My condolences to the family. Mr Arden was one my favorite teachers and people.

Candice Murdoch
February 19, 2025
This is very heartbreaking. I really liked him as my teacher at Ockley Green. I believe I even have a picture of us together at 8th grade graduation. May he rest in peace 🕊️

Denise Everett/Shambow
February 19, 2025
I was a student of Mr. Arden’s in Portland, Oregon at Ockley Green MS in ‘86/‘87. He was an awesome teacher whom everyone loved! He made a positive impact on so many of us students. I am grateful to have been in his classroom. Thanks for everything Mr. Arden!!
Rest in Peace.

Micheal Foster
February 19, 2025
Mr Arden was a staple of our school. I first met him when he was my brothers baseball coach and math teacher.
Then years later was my teacher for which he forever left a permanent mark on how a teacher should be. One of the most helpful and caring people you would ever want to meet! RIP to one of the finest humans to grace this planet!

Jerry Bailey
February 20, 2025
Mr Arden was a staple of our school. I first met him when he was my brothers baseball coach and math teacher.
Then years later was my teacher for which he forever left a permanent mark on how a teacher should be. One of the most helpful and caring people you would ever want to meet! RIP to one of the finest humans to grace this planet!

Jerry Bailey
February 20, 2025
Thank you Mr. Arden for being an amazing math teacher at Ockley Green Middle School . You made it fun and easy for the many of us who didn’t enjoy math.
Several of your former students have left comments and condolences on our OGMS Facebook page, and we all loved you very much. One of the best teachers ever, who will never be forgotten.
RIP

Mfon Udoka
February 20, 2025
I have fond memories of Mr. Arden. He and Mr Lindquist would play pranks on each other and it was so nice to see teachers with a sense of humor. I’m sitting here with my brother who says he remembers what a warm and friendly smile Mr. Arden had. Our condolences to his family.

Corey Jelliffe
February 20, 2025
Neal would greet you with a smile each and every time!
He was dedicated to his family and to his teaching positions.
He was a loyal neighborhood enthusiast !
His wife Pam dedicated herself to care for Neal !
And I thank you for your dedication Pam.
Neal will be missed .
Rest in peace

Garland Horner
February 22, 2025
We have lots of fond memories of Neil playing chess and other games with our boys. He will be dearly remembered by our family.

Sara Ryan
February 22, 2025
Once you met Neil… you’d never forget him!
His infectious smile was there for anyone young or old! He was genuinely interested in everyone & everything. A caring neighbor, concerned neighborhood & community activist & dedicated teacher for sure. But bottom line - a good human being. Thank you Pam for your care and dedication.
Our love & deepest sympathy to you and David. May Neil rest in peace now & enjoy his eternal reward.

Jana & Vince Ripley
February 24, 2025
Condolences to the family. I was honor to meet Neil at his last month of his life. He was a gentil and compassionate person. He was friendly and despite the medical issues he was facing, He was more concern about my wellbeing. As a caregiver, Neil was worry so I won't get hurt. He was the first person in my carrier that sow .a lot of respect for what I do. I am so thankful that I had the hance to meet Neil, Pam and David. A beautiful family.

God Bless you all.

Georgeta Sarbovan
February 28, 2025
Dear Pam, Our deepest condolences to you, David, and Lisa. We have so many good images and memories from our long friendship with you and Neil--dancing at the Firehouse, leading work groups at a big neighborhood planning meeting, competing fiercely at tennis, relishing the traditional passover seder treats, remembering so many students for so many years. His was a well-lived life and he will be remembered very fondly.

Jack and Adele Thompson
March 1, 2025
Our thoughts of Mr. (Neil) Arden are filled with fond memories. Our neighborly banter, even though we have moved hundreds of miles apart, still makes us smile. He was the Bridge / Pinochle partner you wanted to have and not be opposed against. True to his convictions and clearly dedicated to his family and students, as well as others in his circle of life. He will be greatly missed.

Alan & Lorraine Renard
March 2, 2025
I still say those were not fouls you constantly called on me in our one on one basketball games. I still say that most of those were strikes that you called balls during our fastpitch baseball games. I still say and will always say that you were the best brother and friend anyone could ever have. Try to cut down on your foul calls when you ref those games in heaven.I have always loved you, big brother, and I always will. This world is a much lesser place without you; and like I do with mom and dad, I will think of you fondly every day for the rest of my life.

Jeff Arden
March 3, 2025