Dr. Neigut was born in Philadelphia, PA on August 7, 1932, to William A. Neigut and Julia A. Neigut (Mahler). He grew up in Kerrville, TX and attended Tivy High School, followed by the University of Texas in Austin where he met his lovely future wife Bernadette (Bigon), and his lifelong best friend, Alton White. Upon his marriage to Bernadette, they moved to Galveston where he attended the UTMB medical school, followed by a one-year internship in Austin. Subsequently they moved to Junction, TX, where he was a general practitioner for three years. Upon leaving Junction he donated his office building to the town for a library. His ophthalmology residency was in San Antonio where he met his longtime office manager, Eileen Lenker. He opened his ophthalmology clinic in the M&S Tower where he lovingly cared for patients for 35 years until his retirement in 1998. During that time, he volunteered his time at the VA hospital to provide eye care to veterans. Joe and Bern raised their four children in San Antonio and enjoyed many friends with whom they danced and played cards through the years. In 2015 they moved to El Lago, TX to be closer to their sons.

Joe passed away from heart failure on October 4, 2023, at home with his family surrounding him, a month after celebrating his 70^th anniversary with his wife.  He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Julia, parents William and Julia, brothers Wesley and Barry. He is survived by his devoted wife, Bern, children Deborah (Gerald Dodd), Stephen, and Joe (Shona), and brother Ronnie, 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. A private celebration of life was held at his home.

Donations may be made in his name to the Kemble County Library in Junction, TX at 208 North 10th, Junction, TX 76849