The family moved to Kansas City in 1933 where he attended Visitation and Rockhurst High School. He then went on to attend Notre Dame University where he competed on the Dive Team his freshman year. He then transferred to the University of Kansas, where he graduated in 1950 with a degree in business. It was there that he met his wife Margaret, “Margie” of 70 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Norbert and Madelyn O’Neill and sister Peggy Soden. He is survived by wife Margie, children: Richard Jr. (Irina), M. Colleen, Tammy (Warren), Norbert “Jeff” (Janna), and grandchildren: Richard III, Weslynn, Barrett, Brooks, Brennan, Halle, Kyle, Carter and great-grandchildren: Tristan and Maverick.
He enjoyed golfing, attending KU sporting events and Kansas City Performing Arts. He spent his career in the car business and was a member of many dealer associations.
Additional accolades and positions held:
President of the following: University of Kansas Alumni Assn. of Greater Kansas City 1956, Automobile Dealers Assn. of Greater Kansas City 1960, Oldsmobile National Dealer Council 1972, Kansas City Golf Association 1974, Mission Hills Country Club 1975-1976, Drury Lane Investors Group
Served as Board Member of the following: UMB Bank, American Royal Board of Directors & Board of Governors, Starlight Theater Executive Committee, University of Kansas Athletic Board, Junior Achievement, Mission Hills Country Club, Bacchus Ball Board of Governors, Citizens Association Board of Governors, Oldsmobile Advisory Committee for the State of Missouri, Missouri Automobile Dealers Assn. Executive Committee, Kansas Automobile Dealers Assn., Oldsmobile National Dealer Council, Oldsmobile Regional Dealer Council, National Automobile Industry Relations Committee, Overland Park Chamber of Commerce
Past Member of the following Associations: Automobile Dealers Assn. of Greater Kansas City, National Automobile Dealers Assn., Kansas Automobile Dealers Assn., Missouri Automobile Dealers Assn.
Honorary Directors Assoc. of Rockhurst, University of Kansas Alumni Assn. of Greater Kansas City, Young Presidents Organization (YPO)