Martin Patrick O'Neil Jr.

Pat was born in New Orleans, LA on August 1, 1929. He attended Holy Trinity Catholic School and was an altar boy at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He graduated from St. Aloysius High School.

Pat joined the Army Air Corps after high school graduation in 1946. He was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force in 1949. He worked at the Domino Sugar refinery in Arabi, LA from which he retired as a shift foreman. He enjoyed anything outdoors: hunting, fishing, cooking, gardening, and landscaping. He also volunteered at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center where he met his wife Ruth.

Pat was married to Ruth Vetter on December 28, 1993; they were married 20 wonderful years. They have been members of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Covington, LA for the past 20 years.

Pat is survived by his wife Ruth; his loving sister Joan O’Neil Bensel; daughter Peggy O’Neil Simek, Lt Col, USAF (RET); son-in-law Daniel J. Simek, Lt Col, USAF (RET) and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces, and cousins.

Pat is preceded in death by his parents Martin P. O’Neil and Louise Riedie O’Neil; his first wife of more than 40 years Esther Stone O’Neil; his brother Robert J. O’Neil; and his step-daughter Sherye L. Ward.

The O’Neil family wishes to thank the Passages Hospice of New Orleans for their invaluable assistance and support.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Memorial Mass in the Chapel of Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal St.; on Monday, February 24, 2014 at 11:00 am. Fr. Garrett O’Brien of Saint Joan of Arc Chruch, LaPlace LA will be officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am until service time. Interment will follow at Lake Lawn Mausoleum Immediately Following Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed online at www.schoencanalstreet.com

Arrangements under the direction of Schoen Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA.