Tivoli Leader and IBM Veteran Woody Neese Passes Away at 85

Edward A. Neese Jr., affectionately known as Woody, was an IBM engineer and devoted member of his Tivoli community who passed away on August 3, 2026, at the age of 85.

Born in Rhinebeck on December 1, 1940, to the late Edward A. Neese Sr. and Evaline 'Mimi' (Stickle) Neese, Woody spent over 25 years working as an engineer at IBM, earning a spot in its Quarter Century Club.

He served his community with distinction, first as a village trustee and later as mayor of Tivoli from 1979-93. In his free time, Woody enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and feeding local wildlife, particularly hummingbirds, which held a special place in his heart.