Kenneth Paul Neylon

Kenneth Paul Neylon, age 81, passed away peacefully October 20, 2021.  He was born, February 20, 1940, in Perry, Ohio to John and Marion (Kelsey) Neylon.

After graduating from Riverside High School in Painesville, Ken began his distinguished career as a professional ballroom dancer who toured throughout North America with his sister Patty as his partner. He then served in the US Army’s 227th Engineering Company, 29th Infantry Brigade during the Vietnam War. Upon returning to Lake County, he founded Neylon Dance Studio in Concord Township and began a fifty-two-year career of teaching dance to children and adults alike.  Ken was a member of both Dance Master of America and Dance Masters of Ohio which led to collaborative teaching opportunities with dancers and choreographers from the Cleveland Ballet (1972). He choregraphed holiday and special event performances throughout Lake County and many of his students earned awards at dance competitions throughout Ohio and beyond. Graduating students often pursued dancing careers at the collegiate and professional level.

In his free time, Ken loved spending time with his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. He enjoyed tending to his flower gardens each spring, was a diehard Cleveland Indians fan, and had the softest heart for animals. Ken was very proud of his Irish heritage and was a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church, attending services at St. Cyprian’s church in Perry and more recently at St. Mary’s in Painesville.

To the thousands of students, parents, and teachers who became part of Mr. Neylon’s extended studio family, know that our father thought of you often. Some of his happiest moments were sharing his love of dance with each and every one of you. He was so thankful to be part of your lives and will live on in your memories as well as ours. 

Ken is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Matthew) Lewis; sons, Christopher (Mandy) Neylon, Stephen Neylon, and Robert Neylon; grandchildren, Lauren West, Greyson (Jèanne) West, Kayla (Brandon) Noel, Joshua (Michelle) Lewis, and Raimie Lewis; sisters Patty (Raymond) Dowling and Joan (Don) Overton.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy in 2013, his parents John and Marion, as well as his brothers John “Sonny” Neylon, Robert “Bob” Neylon, Thomas Neylon, Philip “Phil” Neylon, and his sister Rita (Neylon) Kidd.

Private family services were held at St. Mary’s Church in Painesville, Ohio on October 29, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made on behalf of Ken to the Adoption Services of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland.

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