SPRINGFIELD - Neil G. Daboul, 80, of Springfield passed away peacefully at home on August 2, 2012. Neil was a Cathedral High School graduate and a decorated Korean War veteran who served in the United States Air Force. In the early to mid-sixties, he served as President of the Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union. As a second-generation Lebanese American entrepreneur, Neil founded and managed two successful local businesses. In the mid-seventies, Neil began work at the US Postal Service holding several management positions during his 25-year career. Neil’s family and wide circle of friends were the touchstones of his life. Humility, integrity and loyalty were the values by which he lived. Neil’s word was his bond and as his friend, you were his friend for life. His generosity will be remembered through his decades of philanthropic work for the Springfield Boys and Girls Club, Saint Anthony Maronite Catholic Church, Elks Lodge 61 in Springfield and the UMass Isenberg School of Management. After lifting his self-imposed ban on air travel, Neil continued to explore his heritage and traveled extensively, which led to deepened ties with family in Lebanon and Australia. Time spent with Neil revealed his sense of humor and love of pranks. Neil enjoyed sharing his Lebanese heritage through the food he prepared from recipes passed down from his mother, Rose. He was an avid student of local history and current events and didn’t hesitate to tell you where he stood on the issues. Neil was the devoted son of Rose and George Daboul, beloved brother of Peter and the loving companion of Lynn Linsky. He leaves sons, Neil and Vinnie, daughters-in-law Ann Cooper and Mary Dolce, sister-in-law Bali Samra. Affectionately known as “Jidu”, he was the adoring grandfather of Hanna, Colby, Zachary, Noah and George. He leaves nephew Peter, niece Diana, her husband, John Sherburne and their children, Chelsea and David. Dearly loved, Neil will be missed by family and friends near and far. True to his character, Neil requested a simple service in his memory. To honor this wish, friends and family can pay their respects to him on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. which will be followed by a brief memorial service at 11 a.m. His family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Neil G. Daboul Fund, c/o Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, P.O. Box 15769, Springfield, MA, 01115.