Obituary of John M. O'Neill

John Michael was born on a Philadelphia Naval Base. He was the second son in a family of three boys and two girls. The family moved around the states (from New Hampshire and Vermont to Florida) due to John’s father’s military career. John graduated from High School in Boston, Massachusetts then earned his college degrees in Science and Machine Tool Technology from Pima College in Tucson, Arizona. John had many interests. He loved music, fishing, history, astronomy, crossword puzzles and reading (to name a few). In fact, John once read the entire encyclopedia! John traveled to Minnesota with three friends in 1982. They had been hired to build a barn, but the deal fell through. His three friends went back to Arizona and New Hampshire, but John decided to stay in Minnesota when he met the love of his life, Michele. John was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed building things and doing craft projects with his grandkids. Jillian, Alice, Cameron, and Charlie lit up his life! Michele describes her husband as an easy-going, humble, proud, intelligent and passionate man. Chrystie and Jared remember their dad as being supportive (except when he would point out their actions as being “bone-headed” or ask them if they were “dense!”) But Mostly they remember their dad as a strong man who fought a hard battle every day of his life (from the age of three) and never complained. John Michael O’Neill was an example of strength and spirit. He will be deeply missed by his family and those who knew him. John’s family thanks you for your love and support. He was preceded in death by his father John Francis; sister Eileen O’Neill and brother Bobby O’Neill. John is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Michele; children Chrystie O’Neill, Jared O’Neill and his mother Elizabeth Wade of Jacksonville, Florida; grandchildren Jillian O’Neill, Alice Khamthami, Cameron Khamthami and Charlie Kelly; sister Kate Whitfield of St. Augustine, Florida; brother Danny (Karen) O’Neill of Jacksonville, Florida; special uncle Mike (Diane) Barker and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.