Eugene Leo O'Neill

Eugene Leo O’Neill age 91, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Nov. 6th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born in St. Paul on Aug 1, 1932. After graduating from Johnson HS, he enlisted in the Navy where he proudly served on the USS Oriskany until 1956. He later attended St. Cloud State where he met his wife Shirley of 57 years, and wonderful life-long friends at the Newman Center.

Gene spent his career as a probation officer, but his first love was sports of any kind. He played basketball throughout high school, the Navy and in college. He spent many summers lifeguarding at Lake Phalen and playing church softball. In his retirement, he enjoyed traveling, tennis and golf until this summer when he was finally slowed down by a recurrence of prostate cancer. Gene loved downhill skiing and was a longtime ski patrol and instructor at Wild Mountain until age 87. He rarely missed a chance to cheer on his 7 grandkids at all their activities.

Wherever he went, Gene made new lasting friends through his welcoming spirit and genuine interest in people. He was an optimistic man of faith who never spoke an unkind word about anyone. He took pride in his Irish Heritage and for over 80 years, marched in the St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Gene is preceded in death by his infant daughter Mary and older brothers Bob & Jim O’Neill. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, younger brother Tim, children Kelli Cox (Stuart), Timothy O’Neill (Amy), and grandchildren Thea, Tor, Belle, Finn, Ryan, Katie & Molly.

A visitation and time of memory sharing will take place on Monday, Nov. 20th from 5-7 pm at Applewood Pointe of New Brighton. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 21st at 11 am at St. Joan of Arc in Minneapolis with a short visitation an hour before. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Emerald Society of St. Paul or charity of your choice.

The service will be livestreamed and the link can be accessed through the St. Joan of Arc Church website: https://www.saintjoanofarc.org/