Eugene W. O'Neil

Eugene W. O'Neil, 84, of Fairhope, went to be with the Lord on January 25, 2022. Born November 18, 1937 in Meyersdale, the son of Michael and Susan (Kern) O'Neil. Preceded in death by his parents; brother: W. Dean O'Neil; sister-in-law: Rita G. O'Neil; and nephew: Roger O'Neil.

Survived by his wife of 59 years, Emma Jean (Brocht) O'Neil; daughters: Tammy Hoover and husband Jeff; Heidi O'Neil; son: Michael S. O'Neil; brother: Kenneth O'Neil and wife Lynnie; sister-in-law: Kay Crissinger; brother-in-law: C. Richard (Michele) Brocht; nieces and nephews: Ryan and Jacque O'Neil, Cindy and Patrick McCormick, Brenda and Ron Burner, and Emily Brocht; and several family pets.

In his youth, Gene spent his summers working on the family farm. He graduated from Meyersdale High School in 1956, and served 2 years on the USS Robert F. Keller in the United States Navy. He was employed as a driver for Yoder's Milk Trucking, New Enterprise and retired after 30 years of service from PennDOT as a highway maintenance manager.

During his life, while Gene resided in Meyersdale, he served the community in several capacities. He served as a volunteer with the Meyersdale Fire Department; a member of the Meyersdale Area Jaycees, where he served as President in 1967. He was instrumental in the design and construction of the Queen's float for the Maple Festival.

He was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Glen Savage; member of the Mountain Field and Stream Club; Berlin Fife and Drum Corp; and lifetime member of the 2 C's and a Bee Club.
Gene was a craftsman and learned the art of making rustic hickory furniture and was a well-known beekeeper in Somerset and surrounding areas. Gene and Emma Jean became the owners of O'Neil's Whitehorse Mountain Apiaries and they operated it alongside their family.

Like his mother, he had a love for animals and enjoyed being outdoors. He especially liked hunting with Brittany Spaniels and working with his honeybees. He also enjoyed watching westerns, listening to country and southern gospel music, sitting on his porch watching wildlife, and admiring the beauty of the scenic mountain, on which he built his homestead.

Eugene loved and was devoted to his God, church, family and friends and worked endlessly to serve and support them. He became a mentor to many, leaving behind life-long legacy. He was a loving husband and father, who will be greatly missed.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, at Price Funeral Service, Meyersdale. A graveside service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery at Glen Savage, with Pastor Mark Ruppert officiating. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Masks can be worn at the discretion of the individual.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church of Glen Savage, 630 Church Road, Fairhope, PA 15538 or 2 C's and a Bee Beekeeping Association, Attn: Helen Evans, PO Box 545, Colver, PA 15927.

Price Funeral Service, Inc., Meyersdale is honored to serve the O'Neil Family. (www.WilliamRowePrice.com)

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