Entomology Professor, Bob O’Neil, passes away

Journal and Courier
February 7, 2008

Robert James O'Neil, 52, died February 6, 2008, at home. He was born July 14, 1955 in Boston, MA, son of Harold and Margaret Ryan O'Neil. He graduated from Belmont High School, Belmont, MA, earned his bachelor's degree from University of Massachusetts, his master's degree from Texas A&M University and his PhD from University of Florida in Gainesville.

In 1978, he married Elizabeth McDonough in College Station, Texas, and she survives. He came to Purdue in 1984 and was a professor of Entomology.

He is survived by his children, Jennifer, of West Lafayette, Nathaniel, of Indianapolis, Jonathan, of West Lafayette, and Elspeth, of Richmond, IN.

Also surviving are his brothers, Harry (Eva Baker) of Sherman Oaks, CA, Paul (Beth) of Belmont, MA, and sisters, Phyllis O'Neil of Lexington, MA, and Barbara Brett (Charles) of Arlington, VA.

Robert James O'Neil, Bob to his friends and family, will be dearly missed. To many Bob will be remembered as a renowned researcher, focusing on providing sustainable pest management resources to farmers and agricultural communities across the state and the world. He particularly found meaning in his work with the Pan American School of Agriculture (El Zamorano) in Honduras.

Locally, he was a member of the West Lafayette Human Relations Committee. Annually, he participated in the Hunger Hike and the Feast of the Hunters Moon. He supported his children's interests in soccer and music and volunteered his support and time to all of their endeavors.

He will perhaps be most remembered as a vibrant source of love and joy. His wit, laughter, passion for service and social justice were an inspiration to many. He enjoyed fishing, playing poker, hiking and hosting dinners for his family and friends. He was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan and died incredulous that the Red Sox had won the World Series twice in his lifetime.

The memorial service will be Monday, February 11th at 6 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, West Lafayette, IN. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Lafayette Urban Ministry,525 N. 4th St. Lafayette, Indiana 47901.

Hippensteel Funeral Home entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralhome.com

Love cannot remain by itself - it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.

I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy. I woke and I saw that life is all service. I served and I saw that service is joy. - Mother Teresa