Obituary of David Richard O'Neil

David Richard O’Neil passed away peacefully on January 13th, 2025, at the age of 76 while being comforted by his son, Chris O’Neil, and ex-wife, Jackie O’Neil at the Canadaigua VA Hospital. Dave was born on June 2, 1948, in Rochester, NY, to his parents Richard and Fern O’Neil who predeceased him. He also had two sisters, Patricia and Kathy O’Neil who also predeceased him as well. Dave was a beloved father, son, brother, and although divorced, had a supportive and loving ex-wife. 

He went to Penfield High School and graduated in 1966. He was then drafted into the Army to serve in the Vietnam War. Once he returned home, he attended RIT and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing/Sales. He went on to have a very successful career being a senior manager at Wise Foods and earned many accolades and achievements along the way. 

David was an avid fisherman, athlete, music lover, sports fan, and most importantly, a die-hard member of Bills Mafia. Dave and his son, Chris, would watch every single Bills game together, always praying for the day they would finally win a Super Bowl. Although he passed before that day came, his spirit will live on through his son to finally witness what they both always dreamed of seeing—the Bills hoisting a trophy in western New York. 

Dave was the epitome of love and kindness. He quite literally would give the shirt off his back if he knew it would give someone comfort. His love for his son was completely and utterly unconditional and always did everything in his power to support him in any way he could till his very last breath. They had a bond that transcended being just a father and son; they were also best friends and were ride-or-die partners in crime till the very end. 

Although he had divorced his wife, Jackie O’Neil, a few years back before his health declined, she was still there every step of the way, offering all the assistance and love that she could for him as he was going through his health crisis. Some things transcend marriage, and Jackie’s dedication and love towards Dave was something that would never end. The effort she put in to make sure Dave was taken care of and was as comfortable as possible was nothing short of miraculous. 

He had the most infectious sense of humor and never took himself too seriously. Dave was also a fantastic baseball and basketball coach for his son’s teams. He would spend countless hours practicing with him and making him a much better athlete as a result. He was also great with coaching all the other kids on the team as well. 

David’s never give up attitude was apparent all the way till his last day. Although he suffered from a debilitating neurological disease later in life which was a result of Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam, he stayed so strong and still worried about others over his own health. Dave would want his legacy to be that he stood for love and as much of it as possible, that life does not have to be taken too seriously and to be kind to each and every person you encounter in your lifetime. 

God speed David, you have eternity to explore the universe. 

Services will beheld privately for the family.  A Celebration of Life will be planned for the spring.

We ask that in lieu of flowers to donate to the Canandaigua VA and make check payable to Canandaigua VAMC, mail to VA Medical Center c/o Voluntary Service (135), Canandaigua, NY 14424  volunteer.va.gov/apps/VolunteerNow/ (online) 

or Dementia Society of America https://www.dementiasociety.org