Blair E. Neide, 52; headed Audubon Little League

Blair E. Neide, 52, of Audubon, president of the Audubon Little League, died of cancer Tuesday, April 15, at Vitas Hospice of Kennedy University Hospital in Stratford.

Mr. Blair was elected for the 2013 season and reelected for this season to oversee 24 teams in the league, from T-ball for 4- and 5-year-olds to Senior Little League for 15- and 16-year-olds.

Steve Hart, an Audubon Little League board member, recalled the conversation when Mr. Neide told him last year he would run for president.

Because of all the work involved, Hart said, "I told him, 'You're crazy.'

"He really just wanted that all kids at all levels had a fair chance and enjoyed their time with baseball."

Mr. Neide grew up in Audubon and graduated from Audubon High School in 1979.

He spent much of his career with printing firms in South Jersey, most recently as a production artist with Advertising Systems Inc. in Pennsauken, from 1999 to 2009.

His wife, Meg, said his work with the Little League "really sealed the bond between him and his son."

"All they talked about was baseball."

Hart said that Mr. Neide became an Audubon Little League board member in 2007 and that, apart from selecting players for teams, he worked to attract sponsors for the league's many teams.

"He always tried to do the right thing by the league," Hart said.

Mr. Neide joined the church council within the last year at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Audubon, his wife said, and in recent years, he sang in the choir at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Neide is survived by son Evan; daughter Sarah; his parents, Emily and Ralph Neide; three brothers; and three sisters. He was predeceased by a baby brother, Ralph.

A viewing was scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, April 21, at Foster-Warne Funeral Home, 250 White Horse Pike, Audubon. A second viewing was scheduled for 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 22, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 325 S. White Horse Pike before a 10 a.m. funeral there. Interment is to be private.

Donations may be sent to Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill, N.J. 08034.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.fosterwarnefuneralhome.com.

610-313-8134 @WNaedele