Richard (Dick) P. O'Neill

Richard P. “Dick” O’Neil of Maitland Florida passed away July 5, 2016. He was born July 4, 1936, in Lynch Kentucky, to the late Paul C. and Elizabeth O’Neil. He moved to Orlando, Florida, at age 7 when his father took over the head, coaching job at Orlando Senior High School in 1944. He attended St. James, Orlando High School (OHS), Edgewater High School, Centre College in Danville Kentucky his father’s alma mater, and The Florida State University. He had scholarships at both colleges and was a multi-sport athlete. He was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and for many years had season, football tickets to FSU and was a life-long Seminole fan – “Go ‘Noles!” Dick was a life, fire and casualty insurance agent and manager representing many companies. As he had affectionately been known as a “car nut” he also spent time in car sales which was his first love. He coached city league basketball for 10 years taking 3 teams to the AAU tournaments. He managed men’s, fast pitch softball teams for 25 years going to the regional tournament and world, invitational tournament where he was pleased and proud to play with his son Patrick O’Neil (1960-1981). He also included his children in his coaching duties as he coached his son’s farm league, baseball team and for several years also coached his daughter, Maureen’s, St. Margaret Mary basketball team. He was a past president of the Maitland Jaycees, member of the Maitland Rotary Club, Masonic Lodge 243 AFM, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church and served in the U.S. Army. He was predeceased by his parents and son. He is survived by his forever love, Jalna, wife of 57 years and was proud that they had been married this long and had known each other for 61 years. He is also survived by his daughter Maureen O’Neil Di Giorgio Fern Park, Florida, grandson Vincent Patrick DiGiorgio, Fern Park, Florida, brother Paul C. O’Neil, Casselberry, Florida, niece Nedra Goettling, Maitland, Florida, nephew Kurt Goettling, Maitland, Florida and additional nieces and nephew. Through over 15 years of health concerns Dick kept his sense of humor by being the “King of one-liners”. He also had an old, blond, shaggy wig from the 70’s that he would bring out and wear for special occasions and holidays. He had also acquired several nick names including The Dickster, Tricky Dickie, Dickie Do and Mr. Wonderful. He truly loved life, his family, Maitland, Central Florida, country and God. A funeral mass will be held July 30, 11am at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church Chapel, 526 Park Ave., Winter Park. A reception/celebration of his life will be immediately following, 12-3pm, at The Venue on The Lake Maitland Civic Center, Maitland Ave., Maitland.

Richard (Dick) P. O'Neill

July 4, 1936 - July 5, 2016