Keeping Bob’s Memory Alive, One Step at a Time
July 6, 2026
When Bob Neary passed away from lung cancer in February 2013, his family was left with immense grief. A devoted husband, father, coach, and community member, Bob touched countless lives during his 63 years. Today, more than a decade later, his memory continues to inspire friends and family through Team Bob Neary, an annual community walk that raises awareness and funds for lung cancer research.
Bob’s story is one of resilience, family, and service. He was the youngest of 8 children in a close-knit Irish family. Having lost his mother to kidney disease when he was just 7 years old, Bob understood hardship from an early age. Tragically, lung cancer would later claim both his father and Bob himself at the same age.
After moving to Houston as newlyweds, Bob and his wife Alice built a life centered on family and community. Bob worked as an investment banker at Amegy Bank and spent countless hours coaching his children’s soccer, baseball, softball, and T-ball teams. His commitment to youth sports eventually led him to serve as Commissioner of the Spring Branch Baseball Association, where he helped oversee one of the largest baseball organizations in West Houston.
“He was very involved in our children’s sporting events,” Alice recalls. “He coached their teams for many years and was always there.”
Following Bob’s diagnosis in July 2012 and his passing just 7 months after undergoing radiation and chemotherapy, his family searched for a meaningful way to honor his life.
“I had a longing to do something to keep his memory alive,” Alice said.
After attending a lung cancer walk hosted by the organization that is now GO2 in downtown Houston, an idea began to take shape. The family realized that hosting an event closer to home might make it easier for friends and neighbors to participate. Together, they created what would become Team Bob Neary’s annual community walk.
What began in 2016 as a local gathering has grown into a cherished tradition led by Alice. This year marks the walk’s 10th anniversary. Since its inception, Team Bob Neary has raised more than $32,550 to support GO2 for Lung Cancer’s mission to save lives, increase survivorship, and improve quality of life for those affected by lung cancer.
The event takes place near Terry Hershey Park in Houston’s Energy Corridor, a beautiful park that stretches for miles along the bayou. The location was intentionally chosen to make participation convenient and welcoming.
“Getting into downtown Houston is a hassle,” Alice explains. “If we started the walk at 9 a.m., people would still have most of their Saturday free.”
That simple approach has resonated with supporters year after year. Friends return each November, and family members from across the country have even flown in to take part.
“Having so many of our friends who faithfully come to our walk each year has meant so much to my children and me,” Alice said. “We have had family members fly in for the weekend to attend; it is hard to put into words how grateful we are.”
Typically, around 30 participants gather for the walk. For those unable to complete the route, there is always an invitation to join afterward for breakfast, a tradition that has become one of the event’s most meaningful elements.
After the walk concludes, participants head back to the Neary home to share a meal, reconnect, and celebrate the community that has formed around Bob’s memory.
“I love having everyone back to my house for breakfast,” Alice said. “It’s a way for me to give back and thank everyone for their support.”
The personal touches don’t end there. Participants proudly wear Team Bob Neary T-shirts, often sparking conversations with curious passersby along the trail.
“Every year during the walk, people stop and ask what Team Bob Neary means,” Alice said. “Maybe that small gesture will make someone think about donating or starting something of their own.”
For Bob’s family, the event has become much more than a fundraiser. It has evolved into a powerful source of healing.
While she hadn’t initially viewed the walk as part of her grief journey, looking back, she recognizes the role it has played.
“If by doing the walk every year, raising money and awareness has contributed in some small way to help find a cure for this awful disease, I am not only honoring Bob’s memory but maybe helping someone else and their family not having to go through the pain and suffering of losing a loved one.”
Among Alice’s favorite memories are the years when her daughter and son-in-law returned home after living in Abu Dhabi, UAE, for 8 years, where they welcomed 3 sons. Being able to walk together as a family upon their return to the United States added an extra layer of joy and meaning to the event. Alice is also deeply grateful for the steadfast support of her son and daughter-in-law over the years. She says their love, encouragement, and presence have meant more than words can express and have been an important part of the journey.
Throughout the years, GO2 for Lung Cancer has been a trusted partner in Team Bob Neary’s fundraising efforts.
“GO2 for Lung Cancer has been so supportive over the years,” she says. “They are always there to answer questions or help in any way you can.”
For anyone considering starting a community fundraiser or advocacy effort of their own, she acknowledges that it requires time and dedication. Organizing invitations, tracking donations, coordinating attendees, and sending thank-you notes all take effort.
Yet the rewards far outweigh the work.
“Every year at the end of the walk, I know it was so worth the effort,” Alice said. “Not only is it wonderful to be with devoted friends and family who show up every year, but to feel that you are making a contribution to help end cancer is the best feeling in the world.”
Looking ahead, her hopes remain simple.
“If time and health allow, I hope to continue our annual walk, to raise money and awareness, and to honor Bob for as long as possible.”
Learn more about how you can create your own fundraiser supporting GO2 for Lung Cancer.