Neil Edward Hodges

Neil Hodges, 47, of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on May 14, 2026. He was curious, skilled, funny, and deeply loving, and the world is immeasurably smaller without him in it.

Neil came alive outdoors. Arizona was his — its canyons, rivers, desert trails, and mountain forests. He was never more fully himself than when he was outside, and those who were lucky enough to be beside him there — on the water, on a trail, under a sky full of stars — know exactly what that looked like.

He was a man of remarkable skill and intellect. He worked with his hands — engines, tools, electrical work, mechanics — and he shared that knowledge. His mind ranged wide: history, science, geology, the mechanics of everything around him. He was the kind of person you called when something was broken, and he always knew what to do.

Neil had a dry, quiet humor that landed perfectly every time — the kind of wit that made you smile an hour after the conversation ended. He was tender with the people he loved, attentive in ways that weren’t always loud but were always felt.

Neil was a devoted family man and a loyal friend to those fortunate enough to be in his life. He loved family deeply. He shared his years with his wife Monica, and found simple joy in the quiet companionship of a shared evening, including many hours spent together playing video games. His daughter Emma was his greatest source of pride and love. He raised her with patience, humor, and intention. His parents, Doland and Joan Hodges, were a steadying presence he returned to again and again. His siblings — Shelly, Carrie, Brian, and Michael – he cherished and carried each of them with him always.

Neil is survived by his daughter, Emma; his wife, Monica; his parents, Doland and Joan Hodges; his siblings, Shelly, Carrie, Brian, and Michael.