BRADFORD, Mass. – Portland native Russ Nealey, longtime owner of the Oxford Hills Bowling Center in South Paris, was recently inducted into the International Candlepin Bowling Association Hall of Fame.
Nealey, 65, left the teching profession in 1982 and became a bowling proprietor. He purchased Pride’s Corner Bowling and Recreation Center in Westbrook, later selling it and taking over the Oxford Hills establishment.
He further expanded his business holdings with the addition of a 13 unit-apartment complex in Jay.
One of Nealey’s toughest matches as a bowler was back in 1999. His competitor was a young man named Nathan Nealey, his son. This was for the State of Maine Singles Championship. Russ was the winner by a slim seven pins. His notable candlepin bowling accomplishments include over 30 State of Maine titles.
In addition, Nealey has won a World title, an International Candlepin Bowling Association title, and at least one Maine State Title in 5 different decades. He has bowled on five different Television Shows in New England and Canada.
Nealey also spent two years as President of the, Western Maine Candlepin Bowling Association. He is an active pilot and a survivor of two types of cancer.
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