Our much-loved papa, dad, brother, cousin and husband William “Bill” Francis O’Neill, passed away peacefully in Cedar City, Utah on September 8th, 2024. He was surrounded by family members who loved him dearly in his last few days. He passed away in the arms of God with his wife Maria, (the love of his life) by his side. 

Bill was born on October 4th, 1942, in Glendale, California to John W. and Jean B. O’Neill (deceased). He was the eldest of two children.

He married his beloved “Aussie” wife, Maria J. O’Neill on November 5th, 1977, at San Roche Church in Santa Barbara, California. He was a member of the Catholic Church.

Bill grew up in Southern California and attended elementary and high school in Pasadena.  He graduated from UCSB with an M.A. in history and a teaching credential. Bill also ran on the track team for UCSB and was a force to be reckoned in the 100 & 200-meter dash. He also anchored the 4×100 relay race and was the fastest member on the track team during his time there. 

Besides Bill’s natural ability in athletics, he found his passion for teaching students in middle school. He was an amazing storyteller, and to this day many of his former students have kept in touch. Later in his career, Bill became the Director of Upward Bound, and a University Administrator writing many Federal Grants for Southern Utah University, USD and Utah Technical University (Dixie College). 

Bill is survived by his wife Maria of Cedar City, daughter Maryjean O’Neill of South Jordan, son Liam (Afton) O’Neill of Leesburg Virginia, and four much loved grandchildren: Lincoln 13, Amara 6, (Maryjean) Remi 4, Quinn 1, (Liam and Afton), his sister Katheen O’Neill and partner Michaela O’Neill of Seal Beach, and his first cousin and “brother” Don (Ann) Barnes of Cedar City.

Bill had a great sense of humor, and was always quick to make a joke, even though he was a bit irreverent at times. He always encouraged and uplifted others to reach their fullest potential. His two children are where they are today due to their fathers unwavering belief in their abilities.

The O’Neill family wishes to thank the medical & nursing staff for their care and concern at the Intermountain Cancer Center in Cedar City. Including Dr Bryce Perkins, Dr. Ashton, and all the nursing staff. The family would also like to thank Sun Tree Home Health & Hospice, in particular Ethan Bunker and Janelle Brown for their support and care of Bill in his last days. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Monday October 7th, 2024 at 11:00am.

 

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William “Bill” Francis O’Neill

Our much-loved papa, dad, brother, cousin and husband William “Bill” Francis O’Neill, passed away peacefully in Cedar City, Utah on September 8th, 2024. He was surrounded by family members who loved him dearly in his last few days. He passed away in the arms of God with his wife Maria, (the love of his life) by his side. 

Bill was born on October 4th, 1942, in Glendale, California to John W. and Jean B. O’Neill (deceased). He was the eldest of two children.

He married his beloved “Aussie” wife, Maria J. O’Neill on November 5th, 1977, at San Roche Church in Santa Barbara, California. He was a member of the Catholic Church.

Bill grew up in Southern California and attended elementary and high school in Pasadena.  He graduated from UCSB with an M.A. in history and a teaching credential. Bill also ran on the track team for UCSB and was a force to be reckoned in the 100 & 200-meter dash. He also anchored the 4×100 relay race and was the fastest member on the track team during his time there. 

Besides Bill’s natural ability in athletics, he found his passion for teaching students in middle school. He was an amazing storyteller, and to this day many of his former students have kept in touch. Later in his career, Bill became the Director of Upward Bound, and a University Administrator writing many Federal Grants for Southern Utah University, USD and Utah Technical University (Dixie College). 

Bill is survived by his wife Maria of Cedar City, daughter Maryjean O’Neill of South Jordan, son Liam (Afton) O’Neill of Leesburg Virginia, and four much loved grandchildren: Lincoln 13, Amara 6, (Maryjean) Remi 4, Quinn 1, (Liam and Afton), his sister Katheen O’Neill and partner Michaela O’Neill of Seal Beach, and his first cousin and “brother” Don (Ann) Barnes of Cedar City.

Bill had a great sense of humor, and was always quick to make a joke, even though he was a bit irreverent at times. He always encouraged and uplifted others to reach their fullest potential. His two children are where they are today due to their fathers unwavering belief in their abilities.

The O’Neill family wishes to thank the medical & nursing staff for their care and concern at the Intermountain Cancer Center in Cedar City. Including Dr Bryce Perkins, Dr. Ashton, and all the nursing staff. The family would also like to thank Sun Tree Home Health & Hospice, in particular Ethan Bunker and Janelle Brown for their support and care of Bill in his last days. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Monday October 7th, 2024 at 11:00am.

 

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