Obituary of Kevin D. O'Neil

Kevin D. O'Neil, 76, of Sarasota, Florida formerly of Binghamton, New York, died on July 4, 2024 after a long and courageous battle with cancer and other related illnesses. He was predeceased by his parents, James M. O'Neil and Mary H. Hogan O'Neil as well as his siblings, Chief James T. O'Neil, Sr., Sharon O. Kahn and Eileen A. O'Neil, three brothers-in-law B. Patrick Costello, Sr., Charles A. Reese, LTC Philip J. Kahn, Sr., as well as one sister-in-law, GunMarie O'Neil, and two nephews: Ronald D. Davis and Christopher J. Reese. He is survived by three sisters: Mary L. Costello, Margaret C. Reese and Kathleen T. Isleib, one brother, Edward M. O'Neil and one sister-in-law, Arlene Murphy O'Neil Longcoy and her husband Thomas H. Longcoy. In addition, he is survived by 42 nieces and nephews and 66 grand/great-grand nieces/nephews, many cousins as well as some special friends in Sarasota and Binghamton; Sandy and Robert Toppin, Jack Hager, Daniel Fish, Freddie Stone, Gina Baresi and Mary Pascual. Kevin also appreciated his neighbor and eucharistic minister Paula Pikulski and all the other eucharistic ministers who delivered him Holy Communion. Kevin loved being part of his tremendous O'Neil family. It was one of his most precious treasures. He spent his summers traveling north visiting his family and friends. During the school year Kevin was a beloved high school English teacher admired for his ability to engage his students and foster their love of classic literature. He would really get a thrill out of directing performances with his students; one of his favorites was Our Town by Thorton Wilder. Kevin retired after a distinguished career from Sarasota High School in 2011. Kevin was very proud of his Irish Heritage. He was a loyal member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and a subway alumnus of the University of Notre Dame. He was a huge college football fan and loved rooting for the Fighting Irish! Kevin was a parishioner of Saint Patrick's Catholic Church of Sarasota and its Knights of Columbus as well as a former parishioner of Saints John and Andrew Parish in Binghamton, New York. The family would like to thank his friends in radiology as well as the rest of the staff at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, The Meadows Rehabilitation Center and the Sarasota Hospice House. A Funeral Mass will be offered at the Church of Saints John and Andrew, Vestal Avenue, Binghamton, Saturday July 20, 2024 at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Friday July 19, 2024 from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Kevin's alma mater, St. Bernard's College in Cullman, Alabama. Donations should be directed to St. Bernard Alumni and Development Office, 1600 St. Bernard Drive, S.E. Cullman, Alabama 35055.