Golden Era Bodybuilder Patrick Neve, best known as Pat Neve, passed away on February 23, 2025, at the age of 78.
Pat Neve is survived by his wife of 53 years, Vicki; two sons Patrick and his wife Tonja Neve; son Michael and his wife Rebecca Neve; his sister Louise; and four grandchildren.
The lovebirds had been together since around 1967. After dating for four years, Pat Neve and Vicki walked down the wedding aisle on June 12, 1971.
Even after over five decades of marriage, Neve and Vicki had a spark like a newly wed couple.
Occasionally, he would express his gratitude for her presence in his life. On their 52nd wedding anniversary in 2023, he shared a heartfelt message:
Today Vicki and I celebrate our 52nd wedding anniversary. This is my best decision I ever made ❤️. God has blessed this marriage. Love you.
Pat Neve
A service honoring his remarkable life was held on March 17 in Phoenix.
Pat Neve Had a Successful Journey From a Record-Breaking Fitness Icon to a Successful Entrepreneur!
Born in 1947, Patrick Neve discovered his passion for fitness at a young age after his parents gifted him his first weight set.
Neve, a longtime Phoenix resident after leaving New York, was already making waves in the competitive scene by his late teens. In fact, he bagged titles such as Mr. Phoenix at 19 and Mr. Arizona at 20.
It was in the 1970s when Neve’s career peaked when he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with legends like Robby Robinson.
In 1974, Pat Neve claimed the Mr. USA title, if not he repeated the victory in 1975.
The following year, he established his name in the industry by winning the prestigious Mr. America title in 1976 and since then he never looked back.
Pat Neve continued with the runner-up finishes in the Mr. World and Mr. Universe competitions over the next two years.
Not to forget, Pat Neve became the first man in the 181-pound class to bench press over 450 pounds, setting a world record with a staggering 468-pound lift.
Eventually, his passion for weightlifting transitioned him into starting his entrepreneurial journey. In 1979, he opened Pat Neve’s Fitness Center.
Later, his entrepreneurial spirit also led him to the automotive industry, where he owned a successful Nissan dealership worth millions.
Reflecting on his philosophy in an interview with Motor Trend, Neve once said, “By training earlier, harder, longer, and faster than everyone else, I gave myself a head start and set myself up for success.”
