In Memory
Michael Dennis Patrick O’Neill
Michael Dennis Patrick O’Neill, 85, passed away at Saint Paul’s Senior Community in South Bend on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Mike was born on May 30, 1939, to the late Cletus O’Neill and Pauline (Myers) O’Neill. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister (Sheila) and brother (Terrence). Left with lasting memories of his life are brother Daniel (Angie) O’Neill and sister, Judith O’Neill.
Mike graduated from Riley High School and received his BA degree from Ball State University. He joined the Marine Corps and remained a “proud Marine” throughout his life.
In 1964 he met Judith Ann Starr from Buchanan, Michigan. They married on January 23, 1965. Mike and Judy are the parents of three sons: Sean Michael (Boran) O’Neill, Terrence Edward O’Neill, Thomas Fitzgerald (Christine) O’Neill, and two grandchildren; Taylor McKenna and Bodhi Michael.
Mike delighted in his nieces and nephews; Carrie, Erin, Ryan, Amy, Kim, Mark, Kelly, Jason, and niece/goddaughter; Rachel. Mike’s niece Carrie (Stephen) Piscotty was the “daughter he never had” and they shared a loving bond that will last forever.
Proud Marine, State Trooper, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Friend, Neighbor, and Faithful servant were just some of the titles Mike held.
He worked many years for Edward Lowe Industries (Tidy Cat) when it was a family-owned business and family-oriented company. Many of the friendships formed during those years have lasted to this day.
Mike truly never met a stranger. Often when he was a State Trooper, he would bring strangers who were stranded, for whatever reason, home for dinner and offer them a room for the night. A place to stay until their problems could be resolved.
Mike was happiest surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors. Laughing, eating, and telling stories brought him joy.
Through the years as the cruel disease of dementia robbed him of memories, he most often returned to his happiest days when his sons were home, and he was involved in their activities and accomplishments, and he relived the pride he felt for them.
Mike was blessed with a loving family and fantastic friends. Steadfast friends like Robin and John Sullivan. Neighbors for over 25 years and friends forever. They have walked every step beside us through joy, sorrow, pleasure, and pain and never waivered in their kindness, generosity, and love, not only for Mike but for our entire family.
Semper Fi
We echo the words of our heavenly father “Well done thou good and faithful servant”. “Michael Dennis Patrick O’Neill, Stand Down!”
A mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11am on Friday October 25, 2024, at St. Matthews Cathedral, 1701 Miami St. South Bend. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10am at the church. Entombment will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mike’s name may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project 230 W. Monroe St., Suite 200, Chicago IL 60606 or to the Gary Sinise Foundation PO Box 40726, Nashville, TN 37204.
Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
10/21/2024 EJS
Peggy Beth Reasor (Frierdich) (1957)
There were four of us that sat together at a table in home room all through high school. Mike was one of the four and we stayed in contact for many years. He visited his 'table mates' at one time or another after we scattered to the four winds. He was always a good listener and a friend. Mike was a very giving person, something that took me years of living on my own to appreciate. The only thing he ever bragged about was his family. Mike was a good man and I will miss him.