If you’re reading this, you’ve likely heard that Kevin Neary was shot in the neck late Monday night. Of course, everyone loves Kevin, so we’re getting a lot of questions about how Kevin’s doing, what happened, and what you can do to help. So we wanted to create a place where we’ll post updates on Kevin’s situation.
Here’s what we know happened: Some time after 2 a.m. on Tuesday morning, Kevin was shot in the neck. He had gone to the Penn basketball game earlier in the night, then met up with a friend in his neighborhood (Northern Liberties). After walking his friend home, someone followed him and, when Kevin was just steps away from the entrance to his building, the person shot him in the neck. We believe this was an attempted robbery. Kevin was conscious when the police arrived, but lost consciousness on the way to the hospital. Since then, the detectives have found surveillance video that we think will enable us to find the person responsible. We will have an update on that soon. Right now, we are focused on getting Kevin the best care possible.
Now to the really hard part. The doctors believe there was significant damage to his spinal column, and the prognosis is not good. In all likelihood, he will not regain any functionality below his neck. This is the hardest part for those of us who know him to accept. I don’t think you could find a more outgoing, warm, energetic guy. And imagining a world without Kevin popping around the corner and saying or doing something goofy is really, really hard to think about. But we remain hopeful despite the early prognosis because we know Kevin’s a fighter.
The good news — what we’re trying to focus on — is that he’s still with us. He is awake and alert. He’s unable to speak because he’s still on a breathing tube, but he can communicate with us by his facial expressions and by spelling out words. If you know Kevin, you won’t be surprised that the first thing he spelled out for my dad was “call work.” And you also won’t be surprised to learn that before the detectives left, he insisted on spelling out “thank you” for working to find the person who did this to him. Kevin is the hardest working and kindest person I know, and we’re really glad that hasn’t changed.
The goal right now is keeping him stable and getting the swelling down so we can get him off the breathing tubes and get a better sense what the next steps are for him. We don’t really know what those are yet, but we will use this website to send you updates. If you’ve emailed us or called, we’ve got you on our list. You’ll get email updates when this site is updated.
We want to thank everyone for your love, support, and offers to help. It’s really great to know that Kevin has so many people that want to help and will support him as he gets better.
One of the amazing things about Kevin is that he finds a way to make everything work. With all of your help, we’re going to help him make it work.
If you have any questions or would like to receive updates, please email Chris (nearyc@gmail.com) or Joe (nearyjp@gmail.com). We are working on getting a distribution list together, so if you sign up you will receive any updates from this website via email.
Thank you all again.
-The Neary boys
Peggy Neary said:
This was a great idea and you guys did a really nice job. WIth all of your strength and love and the hundreds of people out there praying for a miracle, Kevin can’t help but recover. Keep the faith.
Love you all, Aunt Peggy
Dina Torrie said:
Hey Peggy. Joe and I are thinking of you and your whole family and we’re praying for Kevin’s recovery. I’ve never met Kevin, but knowing you like I do, he’s probably just as amazing and I’m sure funny too. If there’s anything we can do, please call me.
Love you!
Dina
Grace Szczepkowski said:
Hi Peggy, Just letting you know I love you so much and I’m thinking about you and your family. Love you!
Torry Reynolds said:
I love you all and hope to be up there to visit in the next couple days. Please tell Kevin the Reynolds/Williams family is praying for him.
Laura Neary said:
From Katie: “I wish I could come and see you. I will come to the hospital this weekend and will be real close. Maybe I will be able to sneak in. Dad is bringing you something for your room that I made. I love you”
From Sarah: “I love you Kevin. I miss you”
From Auntie Laurie: “Missing you terribly and love you so much. Uncle Steve will be there soon tonight to see you. Will be down with the girls this weekend”
Cat said:
I don’t know Kevin personally (he is a friend of a friend), but he is in my thoughts and I send healing energy your way. Much love.
Victor, Beth, Dominic & Alanna Shivone said:
thanks Chris and JP for putting up this website – all of us are concerned about Kevin and hoping for the best. We haven’t spent a lot of time with Kevin but he has such an energetic personality that he really makes an impression. Victor & I and the kids were so upset to hear about this senseless act. We know he has a tough road ahead and we’re glad he has his family around him.
Denise Lowmaster said:
My thoughts and prayers are with Kevin and his entire family. I’m so saddened to hear this. He is a strong person and will come through. Please keep me posted on his condition.
James Brackenrig said:
Thoughts and prayers are with everyone. Come on brother!!!!!
Thank you guys for setting up this website.
Mike said:
I don’t know Kevin, I only know him as an aquaintence of one of my cousins. I just wanted to say I am saddened by this and I will be praying for him. I also want to say that I believe he is going to get better, and I mean much better. The look on his face in the picture, and your words of his character, just make me truely believe this guy is going to be a miracle. We all need to believe this, but understand it will take time.
God bless you guys, and please pass on my encouragement to Kevin. I will keep him, those supporting him, and his doctors in my prayers.
Jenn Allen said:
My prayers are with Kevin and your family.
Don & Sue LaBranche said:
We’re so sorry this terrible tragedy happened.
Kevin’s name has been added to the prayer chain at St Tim’s.
We love you all.
Sue & Don LaBranche
Linda Racine said:
Keeping fighting Kevin and the Neary family is in my prayers.
Joseph Pope said:
All the best to Kevin and the entire Neary family. All the prayers in the world, Kev.
Laraine Schmitt Thompson said:
I went to school with Kevin and yes it might have been a little while ago (8th grade) but I always knew him as the sweetest person. This is the most horrifici thing that could have ever happened and to the sweetest and nicest person. Please stay strong Kevin. You are in my prayers & in my heart.
Linda Racine said:
Keep fighting Kevin and the Neary family is in my prayers,
yenna said:
Kevin ❤ Get well, dude. I can't wait to come visit you.
Danee Howard said:
Stay Strong , Praying for a quick recovery!
Sara said:
I have only met Kevin a few times, but he was a huge help to a good friend of mine and just seems like such a nice guy. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Lori Frantz said:
Kevin, hang in there buddy! You have a world of people rooting for you! Always remember, it’s the man behind that fight that makes medicine work miracles. 🙂 Much Love, Lori
Paul Bradley said:
I randomly saw a post about this on an old high school friend’s facebook wall. This was just as shocking to me as it was random that I saw it. I sat next to Kevin in a chemistry class at Salesianum. He is such a kind and fun-loving person. That is what I most remember about him. I wish him and the whole Neary family the very best. I hope he recovers quickly. Please let me know how I can help.
Matt and Jennifer Dwyer said:
Neary Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this trying time. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Kevin.
Jana Thomas said:
Will never understand why such awful things happen to good people…it’s one of those things that will never be explained. Praying for you Kevin and the Neary family.
Dan Tobin said:
My thoughts and prayers go out to kevin and his family. Keep your heads up.
Lauren O'Rourke said:
I don’t know Kevin. I am a friend of a friend. She called me yesterday and told me what happened to her close friend, how upset she was and how strong she wanted to be for him when she visits. She described how sweet, fun and ‘go-get-em’ he is. I have not been able to stop thinking about him. I will continue to keep him, your family and his friends in my thoughts. Pouring all of my love and hope into his unending dedication to the hero’s fight all of his loved ones believe is in him and will put this all behind him.
Sydney said:
The Parham family is praying for you. —- Joe and Sydney
Valcourt Building Services said:
First, thank you for setting up this website so everybody who knows and loves Kevin can read about his condition. The entire Valcourt Building Services’ family is praying for Kevin and his family during this extremely difficult time. Hopefully our prayers and thoughts will provide you with the added strength needed during this situation. Keep fighting Kevin – we love you. The Valcourt Family.
Alex Urbanik (@Sihing) said:
All the prayers in the world go out to Kev and his family. Stay strong and have faith. Keep fighting Kev.
Denise ober said:
Dear Joe, JP and Chris, the Obers have you in our prayers. Kevin’s got such a big heart and a wildly funny sense of humor. We are a phone call away. -Denise and Gus
Ruth Ann Baiocco said:
Joe, We have thought of you and the boys for the past few days, if there is anything at all that you need or we can help with please call us, and we wil be there.
All our love, and prayers, “The Baiocco’s”
Howard and Wendy Adams said:
Kevin and the Neary family will be in our prayers.
Jeanmarie said:
Thinking of you and the family. Lots of prayers coming your way. Stay strong!
Joe, Jeanmarie, Joey, & Kaitlyn Broomall.
Betsy Mattera said:
Thinking of you and the family at this difficult time. I am so very sorry. You will all be in my prayers.
Pam Clinton Seibert said:
Joe & family,
I just heard about this. We are so sorry! Prayers to you and your entire family for Kevin.
Pam, Ken, Sean & Brandon Seibert.
Chuck McLemore said:
Prayers from my family to Kev, easily one of the unconditionally coolest people I have ever come in contact with. This is a great idea and will help enormously in putting payment to the cat responsible.
Joel Newman said:
Thanks Chris and Joe for putting this together. Your brother is one of the most amazing people I know and is one of the most loyal friends I have ever had. All of his Penn friends and I are thinking about him constantly and praying for his speedy recovery. I look forward to seeing him kick the crap out of this awful situation and, in typical Kevin style, doing it with a smile on his face (and, likely, a quote from an obscure movie I’ve never heard of.)
cathi said:
Joe,
I am struggling with words right now. I am so sorry! Prayers go out to you and your family.
Love, Mike, Cathi, Jake, Kellee and Chelsea Pace
Melinda said:
To the Neary family:
Thank you so much for keep everyone up to date on Kevin’s progress. I know it’s hard to do at a time like this. Kevin has a lot of amazing people by his side right now. He’s a fighter for sure. I’ve been fortunate to have known Kev now for the last 17 years. He’s is truly unbelievable. No matter the out come, Kevin will make the best of the situation (as you said). Keep your heads held high as for that’s what Kev would want us all to do….If there is anything my family and I can do for you (ANY OF YOU!) PLEASE let me know! Keep fighting Kev…..WE LOVE YOU! ❤
Sincerely,
Melinda Senchinshin
Kirstin Harrington said:
I met Kevin through an organization we both belonged to. Kevin was always smiling and the most congenial person I met. He volunteered with us at the Ronald McDonald Hosue for craft night. He was so fun and enjoyed the kids so much. He even wore an elf hat for the night.
We are thinking of you Kevin and your family.
Janet Ballerino said:
The first thing that you see when Kevin enters a room is Kevin’s big smile. Kevin was a member of PBMOA when we first met. He was always willing to help with funstions the organization sponsored and PBMOA was so lucky to have such a member.
I am so sadden with the news and my prayers are with the Neary Family and for Kevin.
Please inform us when he is able to have friends visit and if we can have gifts delivered to his room.
This is such a great way to keep all his friends informed. Thank you
janet Ballerino, Asst Property Mananger Reit Management
Khemara said:
This is a great idea. Despite everything that is going on, you guys don’t even feel bothered by updating us on Kevin. I guess kindness runs in the family. Keep your head up guys. Miracles do happen.
John McCauley Je said:
Sallies Alum 1981. My prayers are with you all. God bless the strength and power, and I hope and pray for the best outcome.
GPHEA said:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
GREATER PHILADELPHIA HOTEL ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION
Patti Stewart said:
Joe,
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Stay stong and know that we are only a phone call away. Love, Patti, Bruce, Alicia & Ryan Stewart
Brian Tharan said:
I graduated with Kevin from Salesianum and was truly shocked and saddened to hear about this. My prayers and thoughts are with the Neary family. Kevin always had a smile on his face or was laughing, it’s amazing what you can remember after the years about people. One of the nicest guys you could meet. Stay strong brother and keep believing!
Danielle Hall said:
My thoughts and prayers are with Kevin, Kevin’s family, and numerous friends. Kevin is one of the most genuine people I have ever met in my life. He was always there for me when I needed a friend. Stay strong Kevin, as strong as that personality and smile of yours.
Dennis Keene said:
My prayers for Kevin and his family. Please know that the prayer chain is growing and we will keep him and the entire Neary family in hearts and prayers. May God bless you and comfort you.
Scott said:
Let me just say how sorry I am that this happened. I’m so sad. And I’m so angry. I pray that the new video released by the police will lead to the arrest of the person responsible for this horrible crime.
If there’s one thing I know about Kevin from bowling on the same team as him, it’s how intensely competitive he is. I know this will serve him well during his recovery.
My thoughts go out to Kevin and the whole family.
Laurie Hastings Gizzi said:
My thoughts and prayers are with Kevin and his family. Kevin is truely one of the nicest people I think I have ever known. Stay strong and if there is anything that we can do please let us know.
joyce bixby said:
Joe , your son and your family are in our prayers . Jim and Joyce Bixby
Grace said:
Thank you for making this site to keep us all informed about Kevin. He’s such a sweet and caring guy and you would know that just by his smile. He has always been a person to make everyone feel at ease by cracking a joke, sing a song, and give you a nickname with a story attached to it. Seeing your brothers especially on Weds. night makes me realize how blessed it is to have siblings who are pushing for you each and every day. And your father, who has been such a strong man in your life, continues to bring all of you together and fight this. Please know we all love you and are praying for you. It’s hard seeing you and your family goe through this but know that I along with many others love you and will be there for you through the road to recovery.
Victor Rossi said:
My thoughts and prayers are with Kevin. He is such a vibrant, sweet, outgoing young man. His smile could warm anyones heart. I pray for his stength to carry him along this long road ahead. Relay my concern and well wishes to Kevin. My thanks to the Neary Boys for updating us all ….
Barb Molineux said:
JP and Chris,
Thank-you for doing this web-site. Joe, if you need anything please know you can call the Molineux ‘s. We will keep Kevin and your family in our prayers.
Rosemary Connors said:
Much love to Kevin and all the Neary family. I sent a request for prayer and strong thoughts out on my Facebook page – I am someone who believes collected positive energy works, even if it comes from people who have never met Kevin. A LOT of people are holding you in their hearts.
Doreen Pace said:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Stay strong have faith
Doreen, Bob, Bobby & Billy Pace
Jodi said:
Thoughts & prayers with all of you….We are rooting for Kevin.
Kayte Faux said:
Kevin is one of the most geniune, kind, caring, and thoughtful person I have had the pleasure to meet. My prayers are with Kevin and his family.
Adrienne said:
One of the nicest guys…scratch that..nicest person… I’ve EVER met.
Nancy said:
Kevin and family, thoughts and prayers are with the Neary family. I graduated from Padua but my brother and nephew graduated from Sallies. Stay strong!
Wendy Giangiulio said:
Joe,
We are keeping Kevin and your family in our thoughts and prayers. If anyone can make it through this, Kevin can!! I BELIEVE!!!!
Prayers, love, and hugs,
Wendy Giangiulio
mark said:
praying
Debbie said:
I don’t know Kevin and his family but I believe in the power of prayer. Kevin you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers keep the faith.
Joan & Ray Wallace said:
We are praying for you Kevin to have a full recovery.
Talya said:
My thoughts and prayers go out to Kevin and his family. I would like to thank his family for keeping us updated of his condition. I wish Kevin a full and speedy recovery.
~Talya
Susan A. said:
I don’t know Kevin but my prayers are with him and to keep fighting. Praying for a full and speedy recovery as well. To the family to stay strong and prayers are being said for you also during this time.
Georgene & John Anderson said:
Joe,
We are praying for you and your family.
John & Georgene Anderson
Bernadette Gruszka said:
Joe,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kevin and your family,hopes for a full recovery.We will keep him in our prayers.
Dave & Bernadette Gruszka
BarbaraKenney said:
Joe,
I cannot imagine what you and your boys are going through. Please know that all of you are in our prayers and that if there is anything that we can do you know where we are ..
Barbara Kenney and Jim Hamill
Jonathan said:
I have not had the good fortune to know Kevin or the greater Neary family, but as a friend of Chris’ I have every reason to believe that they are as warm and genuine a family as one can meet.
All of us here at Team Shaheen are wishing the best for Kevin and his entire family, and please let us know if we can help. Your strength and togetherness as a family is inspirational.
–Jonathan
Arline Link said:
Our hearts and prayers are with your family.
Arline Link and family
joan stahley said:
Kevin is a great person…you just know that by looking at him. He is warm and caring and has an infectious smile. I will keep him and your family in my prayers. If there is anything I can hep with, I will be happy to do it for Kevin.
Mary Jo Melchior said:
I am so saddened to hear this news. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Keep each other strong.
Ed Cardow said:
Joe, We are praying for Kevin and you and the boys.
Ed & Karen Cardow
Susie Short said:
God’s Grace and strength to you all. Will keep Kevin in my heart and in my prayers.
Susie Short
Marc Gidaro said:
You are in my prayers Kevin. You have a wonderful family.
Rebecca Hanson said:
I worked with Kevin at Jones, and was very sad to hear of this horrible event. Knowing Kevin for the short time I have, definitely leaves me feeling hopeful of a recovery that would surpass doctors’ expectations. My sympathies to the entire Neary family, and I wish you all the strength to keep a positive outlook. Please let Kevin know that he is on the hearts of the entire Jones staff!
Jennifer Lewis said:
Praying for all of you
Ralph Papa said:
Joe
We are keeping Kevin and your family in our prayers and praying for his recovery.
Ralph and Linda Papa
Vicki Smaridge said:
Joe,
We have never met Kevin, but heard so much about your boys from my sister, Judy. We are all keeping Kevin and your family in our prayers and thoughts. It was so good to see you this past September at Judy and Mike’s.
Sending lots of love your way,
Chris and Vicki Smaridge
Justin Rosenberg said:
Dear Neary Family and Kevin,
Kevin used to work with me and I think the world of him. If there is anything I can do for the family and Kevin please reach out to me.
Justin Rosenberg
Kelley D'Aprile said:
kevin, you are kind and warm and just the same a fighter. you can do this!!! i remember your warm and generous spririt and the whole D’Aprile family is praying for you to recover. i am going to call our parish, St. Patrick’s and have the whole community pray for you and your family. hugs and kisses!!! Kelley
Sylvia Kim said:
There hasn’t been a minute that I haven’t been thinking about u Kevin. I would give anything to change that night. I just wanna let u and ur family know that I’ll do anything to help. I can’t wait to see ur smile and hear ur voice. There hasnt been a night that I haven’t cried my eyes out and begged god to heal u. I got permission to go into work late on sat so I will be at the hospital. Can’t wait to be by your side xoxo
Bill Greto, Jr. '83 said:
i was so saddened to hear that a fellow Fightin’ Sal was shot in Philadelphia. I was car-jacked and shot nine times near Temple in Philadelphia in 1997. I was hit three times in the head. I share this to let you that there is a road to recovery! I will keep all of you in my daily prayers. May Kevin’s recovery be as comfortable as possible.
Barbara Stobart said:
Thoughts and prayers to the Neary family.
Barbara Stobart and family.
Elena Barrar said:
Know that we are thinking of you all and keeping you in our prayers. If there is anything we can do, we are a phone call away.
The Barrar Family
Connor said:
Prayers are being said for a fellow salesian and his family.
-Class of 2011
Tim Breslin said:
We are keeping Kevin and all the Neary’s in our prayers.
Tim Breslin ’93
Michael J. McTamney said:
Kevin,
I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. I wish you the very best in recovering and will continue to pray for you.
Very best regards,
Mike McTamney, PBMOA member.
Phyllis Campbell said:
Joe:
Kevin is in my prayers along with you and your family.
Phyllis Campbell (St. John Fisher parishioner)
Bill Paulino said:
Praying for the best for my Salesian brother. Chris, your brother and family are in my sincerest prayers.
Bill Paulino
Salesianum c/o 2002
Allison Pyle said:
I knew Kevin in highschool, what a great guy. Praying for Kevin and your family during this difficult time.
Bonnie Tyler said:
Thank you for keeping us updated. Kevin has been on my mind ever since I found out this happened. I hope his spirits are in good shape, and that he knows how many people care about him 🙂
Jana Thomas said:
They got him in custody Kevin…let JUSTICE BE SERVED!!!
Tina said:
I dont know Kevin……but will be lifting him and his family up in prayer.
May the peace of God comfort you and hold you close in the days ahead.