Gene O’Neill was born on April 16, 1945 in Chicago to John and Mary Agatha (nee Cummings) O’Neill. He passed away February 29, 2024 in Naples FL.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years Maureen O’Neill (nee Casey); his daughters Jennifer (James) Sullivan, Karen (Thomas) Kurka; his eight grandchildren James Jr., Daniel, William, John and Maureen Rose Sullivan and Patrick, Emily, and Ben Kurka.
He is also survived by his sister Maureen (late John) Owens, nephew Kevin, his wife, Michele (Mago) Owens, their sons Sean and Patrick Owens and his niece, Sheila (Richard Smart) Owens.
Many memorable times were spent with his nieces and nephews from the Daley family, Joan and Jack and their children Terry (Ed) Caliendo, Charlie (Barbara), and Erin (Scott) Morgan and the Marsh family, Bonnie (the late Peter) and their children, Laura (Doug) Hager, Bill (Octavia), Andy (Joie) and Libby (Jeff) Blumberg
He was preceded in death by his beloved son Danny O’Neill as well as his parents.
Gene attended Little Flower Grade School, Leo High School, and received his Undergraduate and Masters degrees from Loyola University Chicago. He served in the United States Air Force.
As a youth, Gene enjoyed spending time at Kennedy Park participating in sports and making lifelong friends in the process. Gene spent lots of memorable times with his cousins the Potes. He was fortunate to have traveled the world with his aunt, uncle and cousin. No one who knew Gene would be surprised to learn that he’d kissed the Blarney Stone twice.
Gene and Maureen were active with the Misericordia Parents Association while Danny was there.
Gene worked at Prudential Insurance as an Underwriter and taught at St. Martin School before joining Allstate Life Insurance. He retired in 2000 as a Director of Allstate’s Quality Effort and Diversity team.
Gene loved spending time with his own family especially his grandchildren whom he called the Great Eight. He enjoyed rooting for the Cubs with his children, grandchildren and friends and was fortunate to watch the Cubs win a World Series. He sang well and his favorite artist was Bob Dylan.
Gene was a devout Catholic and an active member of St James in Arlington Heights. While at St James he participated in many ministries including as lector, member and subsequent head of the Parish Council, served with PADS and sang in the choir. He also played Jacob in the St James production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.
Gene and Maureen spent winters in Naples Florida where they attended Mass at St Finbarr. He became a member of the Knights of Columbus through St Finbarr.
Of all of this the biggest love of his life was Maureen Casey O’Neill.
Memorial Visitation Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 1:30pm until 2:30pm at Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd. located at 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Mass is at 3:00pm at St. James Catholic Church 831 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. The Funeral Mass will be Live Streamed on St. James' website at www.stjamesah.org Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Leo Catholic High School 7901 South Sagamon Chicago Illinois 60620-253 773-224-9600 leohighschool/org/online-giving/ or Misericordia Home 6300 North Ridge Ave, Chicago IL 60660 773-273-2038.
Funeral information and condolences can be given at www.GluekertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.
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