from the Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador and Across the Tickle (June 1996)
(1925-1996). Politician. Born Wabana, Bell Island, son of Peter and Margaret (Dalton) Neary. Married Mary Maher. Educated Wabana. Neary was active in provincial politics for more than 20 years.
Upon completing high school, Neary worked at the Argentia naval base until 1945, when he returned to Bell Island to work with the Dominion Steel Company (DOSCO). He played a role in the formation of a union of office and professional employees, and for 12 years was a member of the Wabana municipal council. In 1959 he was secretary-treasurer of the Newfoundland Federation of Labour, during the bitter I.W.A. strike in central Newfoundland, and was also the Newfoundland Democratic Party candidate for Bell Island. Later he was recruited to the Liberal party by Premier J.R. Smallwood, and in 1962 was elected MHA for Bell Island. He was appointed to cabinet in 1968 and was Minister of Public Welfare (later Social Services) from 1969 until the Liberals were defeated in 1972. He became one of the best-known opposition members and established a reputation as something of a maverick in 1975 when he contested the Liberal nomination in LaPoile, lost, and then won the seat as an independent Liberal. He later rejoined the Liberals and mounted an unsuccessful candidacy for the leadership in 1977. He did become party leader in 1982 (after Len Stirling qv lost his seat in a general election) but did not fight an election as leader. In 1985 Neary retired from politics to attend law school at Dalhousie University, but did not go on to complete a degree. In 1988 he attempted a political comeback, but was defeated as Liberal candidate in the St. John's East federal by-election.
Since retiring from politics in 1985, Steve has devoted himself to consulting, historical research and writing. Just a couple of years ago he wrote a book called "The Enemy On Our Doorstep’s, relating Bell Island as to the only community in North America to suffer a direct Nazi U-Boat hit during World War II.In the last few years, Steve was the Inspiration of the Memorial at the beach, commemorating the disaster of the Garland and the Golden Dawn. The Memorial at Lance Cove beach commemorating the loss of life during the sinking of the boats chat were attacked by Nazi U-Boats during the second War. The Bell Island Community Museum and much more. His love for Bell island was second to none and will always be remembered by all who knew him.
Steve has written articles of interest for "Across the Tickle" for a number of years and just before his passing, he wrote the articles on the 30th anniversary of the Mines closing on the Island, Cyril Fitzgerald, and Bob Petre. His expertise and knowledge of Bell Island will be greatly missed.
Steve Neary (interview, Aug. 1991), DNLB (1990), Centre for Newfoundland Studies (Steve Neary), Smallwood files (Steve Neary).