Delatorro L. McNeal, Sr., decorated Vietnam combat veteran, national advocate, devoted husband, father, and faithful servant of God, transitioned peacefully on February 19, 2026, following a courageous three-year health journey at the VA Hospital. He was 77 years young. Born April 28, 1948, in Tampa, Florida, to Allen McNeal, Sr. and Ruby Louise McCall. Delatorro was a proud graduate of Middleton High School. He later earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work/Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Florida and completed graduate studies in Business at USF, preparing him for a lifetime of leadership and service.

He honorably served in the United States Army (Sp-4) with the 101st Airborne Division from May 22, 1969, to November 4, 1970. While serving in Vietnam, he sustained life-altering injuries to his spinal cord that left him paralyzed from the waist down. His valor and sacrifice were recognized with the Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 1960, Combat Infantryman Badge, Sharpshooter (M-14 Rifle), and Marksman (M-16 Rifle).

Refusing to allow paralysis to define his destiny, Mr. McNeal dedicated more than five decades to the Paralyzed Veterans Association of America (PVA), serving seven years as National Director after leading the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter in Tampa. He helped pioneer the Spinal Cord Injury Wing at the VA Hospital in Tampa in 2002. Every three months, he addressed Congress regarding the welfare and treatment of veterans nationally and internationally and consulted organizations on wheelchair accessibility.

For 44 years, he was the devoted husband of Mrs. Anna McNeal. He also leaves to cherish his memory with his four sons: Dr. Delatorro McNeal II, Robert McQuay, Bobby McQuay, and Michael McNeal; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was the last surviving sibling of Allen McNeal Jr., Ponce McNeal, Ellen McNeal, Bana McNeal, and Valaria McNeal, and leaves his beloved Aunt Janet Washington, Aunt Annie Dunelly and Uncle Harris Napoleon. At St. John Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, he faithfully served as Trustee, Deacon, and Chairman of the Finance Committee.

His life was anchored in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Delatorro L. McNeal, Sr. lived triumphantly, served honorably, and leaves a legacy of resilience, faith, and national impact that will endure for generations.