John Joseph O'Neil, of Southport, North Carolina husband of Marilyn O'Neil passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the age of 94.
John was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York as the beloved son of the late Veronica and John Francis O'Neil. His life was marked by a distinguished career in service to his country and community. Characterized by bravery, leadership, and commitment to justice. John attended prep school and later Hofstra University. A gifted athlete, John excelled in both football and baseball, earning selections to the All City and All State All-star teams. His athletic prowess was matched by his academic dedication, culminating in a Bachelors in Business degree and a Masters Degree in Government Administration. This laid the foundation for his future endeavors in law enforcement and public service. John's sense of duty led him to serve in the United States' Marine Corp Air Wing during the Korean and Vietnam Conflicts. After his military service, John devoted 20 years to law enforcement with the Suffolk County Police Department in New York. His career was distinguished by a series of leadership roles including Commander in the detective division and commanding office of criminal intelligence and criminal rackets bureau. Following his retirement, John transitioned into politics. He was elected to public office and served as a legislator and deputy county executive in Suffolk County. His leadership extended to the Town of Huntington, New York as town supervisor. He continued to serve as town administrator of Clarksburg, Massachusetts and as commissioner for the Town of Boiling Spring Lakes, North Carolina in 1996.
John was an active parishioner at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southport, North Carolina and long time member of the Knights of Columbus and 4th degree assemblies.
John's legacy is carried on by his loving wife Marilyn O'Neil; eight children, Kevin O'Neil, Maureen Ainslie and husband James, Patricia O'Neil, Eileen Gaglias, John O'Neil and husband Rich Mugno, Timothy O'Neil and wife Chrissy, Michelle Hennessy and partner Paul Caton, and Matthew Dowd and wife Stacy; 12 grandchildren, Morgan, Taylor, Dewey, Annie, Kathryn, Kate, Erin, Shane, Holly, Heather, Adam, and Keira; and six great-grandchildren, James Dewey, Joell, Ellis Mary, Athena, Sabrina, and Scarlett.
John's life was a testament to the values of dedication, service, and love. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Southport. The family will have visitation at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Burial will follow at Cape Fear Memorial Park. A reception will follow the burial at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at www.t2t.org
Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com
Peacock-Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina. |