GLENVILLE — Neil R. Rose liked his work on tugboats and had a passion for history and antique cars. His funeral procession will include a 1917 Model T that he restored.

He was a man who saw the value of tenacity. “One of Daddy’s biggest sayings was, ‘Hang in there,’” his daughter Kathy Fesler recalled. He used the phrase in person and when signing off on phone calls.

Mr. Rose died peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2015, at Baptist Health Nursing Center with his family by his side. He was 87.

Born on April 14, 1927, he was a lifelong resident of Scotia. “He was a big historian and knew everything there was to know about Scotia,” said Ms. Fesler. “Our family goes back for generations in Scotia.”

Son of the late Dr. Wilbur D. and Leila (née Stewart) Rose, he received a war diploma from Scotia High School to join the Navy in 1945, where he served in the South Pacific as a motor machinist, third-class, aboard Landing Ship, Tank 737. 

“Neil proudly worked for 25 years on tugboats, earning his diesel engineer certification, until retiring in 1974 as chief engineer,” his family wrote.  He then worked for state’s Office of General Services, serving as steam plant stationary engineer, retiring in 1982 as senior engineer.

“He really did love his work with the tugboats,” said his daughter. “He liked the freedom. There was good camaraderie with the men on the tugs. They were different nationalities. He learned about people from other countries. And he loved working with the engines on the tugs.”

Mr. Rose’s family described him as an “avid history buff” and “car nut,” owner of numerous antique cars and an active member of many local automobile clubs, including Automobilists of the Upper Hudson Valley, Mohawk Car Club, Model T Ford Club of America, Pioneer Gas Engine Association, and Capital District Corvair Club.

“He grew up with antique cars,” said Ms. Fesler. “He was very close to his cousins who lived in Altamont. They would buy old Model Ts and make them run.”

His daughter Roberta Rose recalled that, when he was young, he and his cousins, Jack and Bob Stewart, would drive around Settles Hill, “getting into minor trouble.”

“My father wasn’t a very demonstrative individual...He wasn’t a cuddly kind of man,” Ms. Fesler said, but went on to say, her voice thick with emotion, that he showed his care by asking about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, remembering them on their birthdays and at Christmastime.

“He held his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in high regard,” said Ms. Fesler. “Not all of them lived close by. He always remembered them.”

“He always lit up when he asked about them,” said Ms. Rose.

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Neil R. Rose is survived by his children, Kathy Fesler, Deborah Lang and her husband, Kenneth, Roberta Rose, and Michael Rose; his grandchildren, Bryan Fesler, Gregory Lang, Erica (née Lang) Pitucci, and Jennifer Rose; his great-grandchildren, Briana Pitucci, Joshua Lang, and Emma Lang; his sister, Mary Clarissa Hoffman and her husband, Conrad; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His parents died before him, as did his wife, Jacqueline (née Fasoldt) Rose; his brother, Dr. Wilbur S. Rose; and his sister, Jeanne Graden.

The family is grateful for the support and love Charlie Stewart and the entire Stewart family gave Neil over many years. The family also extends its thanks to the staff members of Baptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their kindness and care

Calling hours will be held at The White Funeral Home at 264 North Ballston Ave. (Route 50) in Scotia on Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; a funeral service will follow. An antique car procession will go to Vale Cemetery in Schenectady for the interment. To express online condolences, mourners may visit www.sbfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org or at Post Office Box 22718, Oklahoma city, OK 73123-1718.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer