OBITUARIES
Obituaries » LTG (Ret.) Daniel J. O'Neill Burial Date August 3, 2015 Funeral Home Hessling Funeral Home Place of Service Saint John the Evangelist Share your Memorial with Family & Friends
I wish to extend my very deepest condolences to Mrs. O'Neil and the Family of Mr. Dan O'Neil, Yesterday when I saw the cover photo of the Wayne Independent and I read the caption, I was completely stunned to learn of General O'Neil's passing. For some reason I was even more stunned at his age. Even now in my mind's eye I can only envision Mr. O'Neil as the very tall and imposing Principle that he was at Honesdale High School during my years there. I graduated HHS in 1979, but I will always remember him standing somewhere in the halls, watching as we students crowded the halls moving on to our next classes, etc. After reading that he was an MP in the Army I now understand that watchful stance was pure military. I joined the U.S. Navy in 1988, so I regret that I never had the honor to serve w/ General O'Neil, but from all I've heard, he sounds like the kind of honorable officer that I would have been proud to work with. I regret that I didn't know of his passing sooner - I would have been proud to honor him at his viewing. I do have one other notable memory of Mr. O'Neil - and it happened several years after I graduated, and it happened at the bar downstairs from Cordaro's Restaurant. I was there to meet a friend for dinner, and he was talking to a couple of gentlemen at the bar. I didn't realize who I had just sat down next to, until after ordering a drink of some sort (that I no longer remember), I was surprised when I heard the man I was sitting next to, had turned to look at me and asked "Are you old enough to drink that, Miss Stine?" I literally froze as I looked at him, and realizing who he was I felt that same kind of sinking, "guilty feeling" like I did when I'd gotten caught smoking in the Girl's Room at school. I'm pretty sure I stuttered as I told him that I had in fact had my 21st birthday a year or so before. He laughed at me, and then told the bartender that he would pay for my drink! I just remember how surreal it felt, so completely weird to sit there talking to him like he was a "regular" person - and not my High School Principle. He had even told me I could call him Dan, but I just couldn't do it, and even now over 35 years later, I can only think of him as "Mr. O'Neil". I'll be honest, he had remembered me as a "Stine," but I did have to remind him which one I was. That was understandable - after all there was 4 of us Stine girls. It was such a nice thing being able to talk w/ him like a normal person, and it is a very fond memory for me. Honesdale, Wayne County and America were very lucky to have had such a strong principled and honorable man choose to spend his life in service to his community and his country. Again, my respectful condolences to the O'Neil Family. Respectfully, Kelly E. Stine, HHS Class of '79
Posted by Kelly E. Stine on August 5, 2015
Our deepest condolences to the O'Neill family. Mr. Oneill was highly respected and a great mentor. He will be missed. Our paryers are with the O'neill family.
Posted by Judy (Pykus) & Terrence Regan on August 4, 2015
Our deepest sympathies in your time of sorrow.From Little League playing with Mike through high school having Mr.O'Neill as principal Dan was always a larger than life figure.No matter when or where I saw him he would take time to visit and make you feel like a long lost friend.Thank you for your service to our country and community alike Dan you have truly made a never ending impact on us all.....God speed General.
Posted by Michael Goodenough on August 2, 2015
Dear Alice & all the General's Children: Our sincere sympathy and our prayers are with you. My first encounter with the General, was a meeting @ Walmart. Being a Manager there, we were meeting with other local Principals to discuss a Walmart Scholarship, to be awarded to one of our youths. His passion and general concern for who would receive the award was so inspiring. His stance on the importance of education and the youth of our country were two of his top priorities. He was a great inspiration to many and will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Steve & Mary De Gennaro
Posted by Steve&Mary De Gennaro on August 1, 2015
Dear Alice and Family, Our hearts are breaking over the sad news of Dan's passing. Although we have not seen as much of you over the last year, we are often remembering past times together. Bob is always remembering Dan's stories. Playing golf with Dan on mixed couple Wed. was always a great time. And Bob would always get a kick out of Dan saying "Alice spot the ball for me". Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family. Ellen & Bob
Posted by Ellen & Bob Brown on July 31, 2015
A great leader and much respected man.
Posted by Kim Teeter on July 31, 2015Check your settings when you are happy with your print preview press the print icon below.
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