INDIANA– Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff in LaPorte and Hamilton counties in honor and remembrance of former State Senate Minority Leader Dennis Neary.
Longtime Indiana Senator Dennis Neary has died at age 80.
According to a press release distributed by his family, Neary passed peacefully at his Carmel home on Monday.
Neary served in the Indiana Senate from 1976 to 1992 and was the Democratic Caucus Chair from 1988 to 1992.
Neary had deep roots in the Democratic Party, both nationally and locally. According to House Concurrent Resolution 25, published in February 2014 to recognize the senator’s career of public service, Neary served as LaPorte County chairman for Robert Kennedy’s presidential campaign in 1968.
Kennedy’s campaign eventually asked Neary to join them in California. Neary declined the opportunity, citing his teaching responsibilities. Neary taught at Long Beach Elementary School in Northwest Indiana for more than twenty years.
After his career in the senate, Neary served as the Director of Legislative and Political Affairs for the Indiana Health Care Association for more than 15 years. He was also appointed Chairman of the Education and Labor Relations Board by former Indiana Gov. Frank O’Bannon.
Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset in LaPorte and Hamilton Counties on Friday, October 25. Gov. Holcomb is also asking businesses and residents to lower their flags.
