Neil W. Luther Sr.

Neil W. Luther Sr., 79, of Voorheesville, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025 in his home of 55 years. Born on July 8, 1946 in Albany, he was the son of the late Cornelius and Alma Luther.

Neil was predeceased by his beloved wife, Ruth Luther, who passed away in 2007, and his son, Neil Luther Jr., who died in 2008. He is survived by his daughter, Jo-Leen (Carmen) Benincasa. He was “Poppy” to his granddaughters Alexa (Christopher) Kalas and Andrea (Michael) Maier, and also to his great-grandchildren, Landon, Stella, Blake and Ruthie. He was “Gpa” to his longtime family friends who cared for him for many years, Irene “Punken” Ray, Alanah (Benjamin) Asher, Deonna Hempstead, and Avonna Hempstead. He is also survived by his Aunt, Diane Luther.

Neil was the proprietor of the Playdium Bowling Center in Albany, NY from 1983 to 2018. He was known fondly as “boss man” to his employees and was loved and admired by all of the staff, bowlers and patrons. Neil was an outstanding bowler and was inducted into the Albany Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 1984.

In addition to bowling, Neil and Ruth loved boating and enjoyed the time they spent on their boat, the “Rufus McMuffin.” They were members of the Ravena Coeymans Yacht Club, where they made many long-lasting friendships with fellow boaters. Neil served as the Commodore and Dockmaster for several years. Neil and Ruth had a passion for horseracing and owned several Standardbred horses at Saratoga Harness Track.

Neil loved his family more than anything and nothing made him happier than spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was loved by everyone who knew him and was known for his kindness and generosity. Neil went above and beyond for the people he cared about.

Services for Neil will be held on Friday, August 15, at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205. The family will receive visitors from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 12 p.m. and burial immediately following at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery.

If friends want to remember Neil in a special way, the family suggests they make a contribution to Community Hospice.