The late Neil Schlottman was from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. His passing on May 21, 2024, has left his family, especially his daughter Annie, in a challenging situation. Annie had already been dealing with her own health issues, having undergone surgery in the same week her father passed away. Neil’s life was marked by decades of service, yet his final years were financially difficult, leaving some bills unpaid.
Neil served in the U.S. Navy right after high school. He then joined the Philadelphia Police Department, where he became a member of the elite Highway Patrol unit and the Motorcycle Drill Team. His career was nearly cut short in December 1967 when he was critically injured in an accident while on duty. Despite being expected not to survive, Neil made a remarkable recovery after months in the hospital and rehab.
After his recovery, Neil moved with his family to the Lehigh Valley. He took on various roles, including as a school bus driver, a police officer at Lehigh University, and a security officer and dispatcher at Moravian College, where he worked for over 30 years. Even in retirement, he continued to serve as an overnight dispatcher at the college and volunteered at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg until he could no longer drive.
To help manage the financial burden left by Neil’s passing, his dear friend Brandy Shupp created a GoFundMe campaign. The goal is to raise $5,000 to help Annie and her boyfriend cover the remaining bills and funeral expenses. Ann Marie Schlottman, Neil’s daughter, expressed her gratitude on Facebook, saying, "My amazing dear friend Brandy Shupp created this GoFundMe. I am so grateful to her."
The community has rallied around Annie, with friends like Susan Nocke McCann offering advice on seeking assistance from the VA for Neil’s funeral services. Marlene Pollock Marzella also expressed her condolences and support, emphasizing the availability of military services for veterans.
Neil Schlottman’s story is a testament to a life of service and resilience. Despite the financial difficulties in his later years, his legacy continues through the support of his family and community.
Note:This post was written and edited by Jayden Garcia, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.