Captain John W. (Jack) O'Neill, U.S. Navy (Ret), 95, of Chula Vista died March 2, 2014 peacefully at home with his family at his bedside.
Captain O'Neill was born in Newport, Rhode Island and lived in San Diego County for many years. He served in the Navy for 38 years, advancing through the ranks from seaman recruit to Captain. He had six commands at sea over the years and was also Commanding Officer of the San Diego Fleet Training Center from 1972-74. He was a Pearl Harbor survivor (U.S.S. West Virginia BB 48), a member of the assault force which struck Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, and was an active combatant in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. His many decorations included four Legions of Merit and two Bronze Stars.
After retirement from the service, Captain O'Neill received a BA in Public Administration from San Diego State University and then served eight years on the Chula Vista Planning Commission.
He was a member of Chula Vista Elk's Lodge 2011, the San Diego Seniors Golf Association and the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.
He was predeceased in 2007 by Bertha Ellen, his wife of 65 years. Survivors include his son John W Jr. and wife Susie of La Jolla, daughters Peggy of Chula Vista and Norah of Seattle, WA, four grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Cremation is planned with ashes inurned in the Columbarium at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on April 25th at 12:00pm. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Sharp Hospice Care.
Arrangements under the direction of Glen Abbey Mortuary, Bonita, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 29, 2015
Bob Harmuth
Our Captain was a mentor for all hands. The Navy and Country has lost a great man.
March 14, 2014
Kevin Reidy
Captain Jack O'Neill was a leader among men. Through his leadership, he inspired all of us to do our very best. My wife Nancy expresses, and I strongly agree, he was always a gentleman.
It was truly a privilege to have served under Captain O'Neill on the USS Floyd B. Parks.
Kevin Reidy Communications Officer 1960-1962
March 12, 2014
Carey S
We miss you, Grandpa Jack, but we are so happy that you & Bertha are reunited and in each others' arms again.
March 12, 2014
Captain, my captain. Sending our deepest sympathy from the USS Floyd B. Parks, proudly served under you 60 - 64. Don F. Dennis.
March 11, 2014
Larry Ray
Captain Jack was an inspiration to us all and a kind and gentle man. I served proudly under him on the Parks.
March 8, 2014
"captain Jack"was truly an officer and a gentleman who was admired and respected by all who knew him. he was an inspiration to all, especially his shipmates. he will be sorely missed by many. the world and the U.S. Navy is a better place because of "Captain Jack". James "Robby" Robbins
March 7, 2014
Cammie Byerley
I was very blessed to have such a wonderful, loving Grandpa who was such an amazing husband, naval captain and community volunteer. I will miss being able to call him up and get first hand information about the 1920's, and to hear how proud he was of me.
March 7, 2014
Gloria Syverson
Sending out deepest condolences.
USS Floyd B Parks 1953-1956
Family of Ron Syverson
March 7, 2014
John O'Neill
Grandpa was a man that all men looked up to. He lived a life that was filled with great acomplishments. I hope that one day I can look back on my life and know that I lived up to the family name that he created. I love you Grandpa.
March 6, 2014
Good-bye, Daddy.
March 6, 2014
As I came aboard the Parks in 1970 I never met Capt. Jack until a few years ago and you are all right he was a very gentle man and never forgot the crew of the Floyd B. Parks. So sorry for the loss of a great Navy man. David Lewis 70/73
March 6, 2014
Mel Wright
Sorry for our loss of a Father and Dad as well a outstanding Commanding Officer we of the F.B. Parks family will truely miss him.
March 5, 2014
Captain Jack epitomized a great naval officer and commander. He and Bertha provided a perfect leadership and social life to the entire crew. His example and professionalism demanded respect from all hands. When I departed PARKS for Submarine School, I never again would experience a CO that was always a dozen steps ahead of me on the bridge especially in reading signals and tactics. Thanks Captain for a great tour of duty. Bob Harmuth (Oxnard, CA)
March 5, 2014
Bill Wirth
An officer and a Gentleman (truly a gentle man) who gave wonderful and life long advice to a group of brash young Ensigns and Ltjg's in the early 1960's aboard the FLOYD B PARKS - none of us ever forgot those lessons - provided to us by our Captain's words and deeds.
March 5, 2014
Bob Bahler
I will miss Capt. Jack. I come a good friend, To him. We go out to lunch one or two time a month. He will be miss Capt.Jack
March 5, 2014
Charlie DeGross
So very sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy to the family.
Charlie (FB Parks 1967-68) and Patti DeGross
March 4, 2014
David Whitehead
An inspiring leader with whom I will forever be grateful for having had the opportunity to serve. With one look he could communicate his unhappiness with my performance. On the other hand, he was quick to praise when things went well. I have tried to be his kind of leader but fear I never quite made the grade. Thanks, Jack for the lessons you taught me.
Dave whitehead, Gunnery Officer USS Floyd B. Parks DD-884, (1960-1962)
March 4, 2014
John, Peggy & Norah...the USS FLOYD B. PARKS DD884 ASSN. wishes to extend our very best to all of you during this time when you have lost your dad. Every one of us loved him so. He was a great man and his men who served under him aboard the ship are always very proud to say that they had Captain Jack as their Captain. For Bill & I, losing Jack is a personal huge hurt as we loved him so very much. It was always our pleasure to come to San Diego and take him to lunch. We were extremely blessed to have him in our lives and will miss him terribly. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. He is now at rest with his sweet Bertha. Love and hugs to all of you, Bill & Sue Birdsong
March 4, 2014
John O'Neill Jr.
Greatest Dad ever.
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