To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
michael kelley
March 9, 2024
Over 20 years ago, I attended Evan's Funeral (Dewhirst & Conte) and waited in the long line to pay my respects. The first thing I saw was a video showing Evan as a little boy. Then when I saw Evan in his uniform, and his fellow soldiers standing by him, it reminded me of my own recent loss of my youngest son Richard, who also was born in April like Evan. I was given a prayer card with Evan's photo on it. Afterwards, I got to meet Evan's Mom and Dad, and I told them I was a retired army NCO and a Vietnam combat veteran of the Air Cav, and that was why I had attended Evan's funeral and explained how I had recently lost my son. We hugged each other and had a good cry together. We parents know first-hand, there is no greater loss than the loss of your child. I still have
the image of Evan's young face in my head and will never forget his brave sacrifice for our country and his platoon buddies. Sleep easy soldier, we will never forget you. Michael Kelley MSG USA Ret.
Jim Kim
January 27, 2024
Hello Evan,
Just letting you know I have been thinking about you and your parents.
Godspeed brother.
Jim
jose joubert
February 22, 2016
omg I was just watching a documentary on the NGC and his name and story came up...so close to home so sorry
Shawn Baker
December 25, 2013
Merry Christmas Brother. Always in our hearts - Bake
Pam Martin
November 7, 2013
Forever may your life be celebrated for your selfless sacrifice. Never ending thanks.
Julie Boda
April 16, 2013
We love and Miss you so much Evan,,Each and every day you are thought of and never forgotten ,,Julie (No. Andover,Ma)
Charlie Gili
April 13, 2013
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the O'Neill Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Beth McGurk
September 30, 2012
I wrote on the Heroes website yesterday Evan, but I will join the others and say, "thank you for your service and sacrifices, Evan...Rest In Peace... You have Climbed To Glory....
September 29, 2012
Sept 29 2003-Sept 23 2012
On the nineth anniversary of his passing,we honor this young soldier. We remain in eternal debt for his service and sacrifice.
Mark Stahley
September 29, 2012
Your courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Thank you Evan!
Officer Ryan Johnson
September 29, 2012
Hey brother, I am honored to say I knew you. Our time together was short lived, but you had a tremendous impact on my life. Issues prevented my deployment and that sticks with me forever. Your service and sacrifice are what makes this the greatest nation in the world. You were one of a kind and a true class act. We all miss you and hold you in our hearts. A co 1/87inf. "Gators"
Beth McGurk
October 1, 2011
Never forgotten, always remembered Evan...
Peggy Childers
September 29, 2011
To the family and friends of Pfc. Evan W. O'Neill:
Please accept my remembrance of Evan on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Shawn Baker
September 29, 2011
GLTW, miss ya brother. 8 years and it still hits me like it did when RJ called me at home. Hope were doin right by ya brother none of us forget nor shall we ever. RIP brother
Shawn Baker
September 29, 2011
Miss ya bro, just wanted to drop in and let ya know none of us have forgotten nor shall we. You gave your life so someone else didnt have to. Will continue to live my life in honor of you and th eother brothers we lost, I just hope I dont let ya down. GLTW
stephen schreyack
June 19, 2011
I wish I could meet you uncle evan you would be the best uncle ever
I will never forget you.
Drew James
May 30, 2011
Just wanted to drop you a line brother in rememberance of Memorial Day. I am sure all of us still think about you every day. I am flying the flag at half mast in honor of you tomorrow. RIP Brother
Shawn Baker
April 20, 2011
Hey brother, just wanted you to know that the bros all love and miss ya brother. Many hearts broke when we lost you bro. You were a great man and are still a cherished friend. It is however some comfort knowing you are there with others like you watching over us all. Thanks bro love and miss ya.
Sarah O'Neill
April 19, 2011
I miss you soooo much Evan , I miss the long talks, the jokes and even the pranks. I miss you coming by the house and staying up all nite watching movies. You were my best friend. It kills me that your twin- niece Sage& nephew aiden never had the chance to meet their hero of an uncle. I know you keep your eye on them because they know who you are and love you so much.
Love Sarah, sagie & aiden
We all love you and will see each other again.
Mark O'Brien
February 19, 2011
Rest in peace Evan. God bless you and your family. We will never forget your sacrifice to mkae our world safer.
Drew James
December 4, 2010
Hey Brother,
This just doesn't get any easier as time goes by. It just seems to get harder and harder i can only imagine how your parents feel. I can't believe it has been over 7 years, it feels like it was just yesterday when i heard over the Radio. I had a special KIA bracelet made in your honor that i wear and never take off. Soon i will have a tattoo with your name on that i will always wear with pride.
I was just conducting some research for school about PTSD and i was using some of the blog entries on here about how your family is coping with your loss. RIP brother i will see you in the future!!
September 29, 2010
Miss you brother and will never forget you. Still have and still read the books you gave me. You are still to this day an amazing person and one hell of a soldier. It was an honor to serve with you as a squad leader for that breif time and is an honor today to say I knew you well. I wear your name on my sleeve with all those we have lost and honor all your memories with the man I present to society for to do less would be a dishonor to all who have fought and fallen so that many may stay free.
Shawn Baker
Squad Leader
2plt Aco 1/87 Inf
Peggy Childers
September 29, 2010
To the family and friends of Pfc. Evan W. O'Neill:
Remembering Evan on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
September 24, 2010
I love you and miss you soooo much! Not a day goes by that I don't think about you.
We will meet again!
Love you,
Mom
Shawn Baker
August 22, 2010
Sorry Evan I cant count. It is coming up on seven years and eight since we parted ways. My apologies brother
Shawn Baker
August 21, 2010
Evan, its coming up on 6 years brother and seven since you last called me Sgt.Not a day goes by that I do not remember getting that call from Johnson. Iam sorry I wasnt there brother as you had asked me so many times to be. I carry your memory in my heart and your name on my sleeve. I still remember talking to your mom and telling her what an amazing son and soldier you were. Thank you Evan for you gave your life for your comrades, your family and mine, and your country. I wish you were here in body as I know you are in spirit and as long as I have breath left in me I will always remember you and the sacrifice you made for all of us.
"All the Way"
Sgt Shawn Baker (Former)
DOD GS-4
2Plt Aco 1/87 Inf
97-03
PAUL FARRELL
August 7, 2010
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kenna Larra
January 4, 2010
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,850 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Dan McKenrick
December 21, 2009
Pfc. Evan O'Neill will be forever in our memory. We are so sorry for your loss.
Peggy Childers
September 29, 2009
To the family of Pfc. Evan W. O'Neill:
Evan gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Bruce McFarlane
September 5, 2009
I have just finished reading The Unforgiving Minute and was tremendously moved by Craig Mullaney's story of Evan. Craig's immense regard and respect for Evan touched me and caused me to feel similarly toward him. I am a Kiwi, on the other side of the world, but felt a measure of closeness to Evan through the book.
a grateful citizen
August 20, 2009
I never knew Evan, but I read The Unforgivable Minute and wanted to leave him a thanks. God bless.
Future Soldier
August 8, 2009
I just got finished reading The Unforgivable Minute wherein Evan is mentioned many times and described with admiration. The significance of PFC O'Neill's service and sacrifice rings clear through the words of Craig Mullaney, his platoon commander, in his book. I recommend anyone who knew Mr. O'Neill read it, in fact, even those who never had the honor to know such a man, as it pays homage to such an incredible hero.
billy schreyack
October 22, 2008
evan you may be gone but never forgotten. you live on in the hearts and minds of the people you touched. i'll always love ya bill
Drew James
September 30, 2008
Evan its been 5 years since we lost you. My wife and I think about you all the time. I remember when you first came to Drum, you were the most squared away soldier i have ever seen and the best member of my fire team i ever had. Thanks for watching over all of us for the remainder of that tour. Every year i fly the flag at half mast just for you and you alone. you are always in my thoughts and prayers, I will see you on the other side some day my brother.
Shannon Ferrick
September 29, 2008
5 years have passed, we have moved on but somehow your name is always present. We think and talk of you often, I talk to my children about the uncle they were supposed to have. Lorenzo is 6 now and everyday wakes up to a picture of you on the fridge, he knows who you are and knows you are his hero. We love you and every year on this day we as your one time future family- in -law stop and remember you together. It just dosn't get easier, love you always Shannon
sarah ferrick
September 29, 2008
Miss you and still love you evan, your always with me.
In Memory of Evan ~ (Debra Estep)
September 29, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Evan, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
Matt Overton
September 29, 2008
I love ya brother and I'm always thinking about you..... 5 years.
Never forget!
May 15, 2008
Mortar tube guitar!
May 15, 2008
Soldiers with their new Afghani friends
May 15, 2008
Our hero
May 15, 2008
In Heroe's Walk,Ft. Drum,NY
May 15, 2008
Nice ride!
May 15, 2008
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
January 1, 2008
My heartfelt sympathy to the O'Neill family in the loss of Evan. I did not know Evan, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Evan it has been over 4 years since you were taken. Know that you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
November 20, 2007
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Pfc O'Neill!
sharon rice
November 18, 2007
Evan will always be with us. His memory lives long and strong in my sons heart. Adam is not forgotten. My son served in Afghanistan with Evan. He introduced us to Adams memory and asked that we not forget the men who died for our freedoms. His name is worn daily on a memory bracelet by serveral members of my family. I dont forget to wear it and I dont forget Evan.
Defender of freedom and friend of my son.
Mom of a soldier
Matt Overton
September 29, 2007
I posted on the other one, but I feel like I must get them all... 4 years brother... Amazing how quick time goes by. If I'm still around in another 50, I know I'll still remember every minute of that day. We fought without fear. I'll see you on the flip side man.
Nathan Cote
August 21, 2007
Words can only touch apon what a great man Evan was.
Denise Sheehan
August 21, 2007
I worked with Evan at Regan Ford. He was just learning to drive and was so excited about it. I am honored to have worked with him and get to hear his stories about how he wanted to fight for his country. Will always miss him
August 6, 2007
I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY
July 7, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Pfc O'Neill and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless you all!!
Laural Gaudette
July 3, 2007
Evan,
I cannot think of a better way to thank you for your service than on the Fourth of July. Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice. Your heroism will live fovever. You are forever in my thoughts and prayers.
I wish I had gotten to meet you when you and my son (Chris Dumas) were at Whittier.
From the heart of the mother of a soldier,
Fondly -- Laural Gaudette (formerly Dumas)
Barbara(MOM) O'Neill
June 19, 2007
Hi Baby,
Know you never liked being called that! But you were,and still are.
Miss you so much.
The soldiers that knew you and also loved you at Ft. Drum are gearing up to go back to Iraq in September.You kept watch over them their first tour there,hopefully you can do it again.
I love you buddy!
Mom XOXOXOX
Beth McGurk
February 3, 2007
Hi Evan: Today is Saturday, February 3, 2007. I just dropped you a note on the other web site. God bless Evan. Never Forgotten.
Shannon Lovejoy
November 12, 2006
Evan,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your ultimate sacrifice!!! You are always in my prayers. You're folks, commrads, family and friends will never let you be forgotten.
Thank you,
Shannon
Jim Grimshaw
November 11, 2006
Evan,
Though I never met you, I know you because you are a soldier, as I once was. You bravely paid the supreme sacrifice for your fellow soldiers and countrymen, and you will never be forgotten.
Major Jim Grimshaw
USA Retired
Infantry, Airborne, Ranger, Special Forces, Vietnam Veteran, 5th Special Forces Group, 2/503 Infantry, 173d Airborne Brigade
Cindy and Doug Calderwood
November 10, 2006
Hi Evan:
I never got to know you, but I feel as though I had, you see I have met your dad, and let me tell you he is a great man that really loves you and misses you. You two will be together someday, until then thank you for your sacrifice.
Beth McGurk
September 30, 2006
Hello Evan: Today is Saturday the 30th of September. I just read what your dad wrote to you. We will always remember the loving sacrifice you made on that dreadful September 29th 2003.
Next Friday, October 6th, is the Military Ball. Your dad will be there to represent you. He and Chris will have a few "cold ones" I am sure. They will make a toast to you.
LTC. Mike Howard is in Afghanistan once again. I keep in touch with him and let him know how Chris is doing. I know your dad stays in touch also.
Thank you again, Evan, for watching over OUR guys while they were in Iraq and bringing them home safe. You are forever in their hearts.
If you have some time one day Evan, look up my husband MSG George J. McGurk. The two of you can talk some Army talk. Always remember, never forgotten. TO THE TOP
Love, Mrs. Beth McGurk (Chris' mom)
Mike O'Neill
September 29, 2006
Year three son and it doesn't get any easier. I will make sure you are never forgtten as I continue to walk your slack back here in the world. I love and miss you but know that you are with me always in heart and mind son.
Garnet Jenkins
September 21, 2006
May Pfc. Evan W. O'Neill rest in God's Loving Care and know that he is a True American hero, that shall NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
I Pray that God's Grace and Comfort will continue to be with the O'Neill family.
There will never be enough ways,
to humbly thank these Heroes,
for their Supreme Sacrifice,
my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
" What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose,
for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us"
~ Helen Keller ~
Linda Flannery
June 16, 2006
Remembering and honoring a brave young soldier.
I did not know Evan, but he shares the same name as my youngest son, who also served in Iraq, and in Afghanistan.
Your Evan will always be remembered in my prayers.
My flag flies in his honor.
Mom of 2 Marine sons and widow of a VietNam Army Ranger.
Mike (Dad) O'Neill
April 16, 2006
Hi son and happy birthday, 16 April Easter and your 22nd on the same day,I love you and miss you all the time. I remember when you were small and we'd hide eggs on Easter morning, you always found them and were so excited!! I miss your great smile and your laughter. You were the light of my life son and now that you are gone the light has gone dim and I just stumble along in the dark waiting till we are back together, until then I'll keep going and will have you in my thoughts every day, I also will not ever let anyone forget the tale of Evan W O'Neill, a HERO to all.
Beth McGurk
April 14, 2006
Hello Evan: I just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday on April 16th.I pray for your mom and dad every day. Thank you for watching over my Chris and all the Gators in Iraq. Never Forgotten. TO THE TOP. Mrs. Beth McGurk
Beth McGurk
February 11, 2006
Hi Evan. Today is Saturday the 11th of February, 2006. I was checking out the sites where people have written to you and your family. No entries for a while.
I just couldn't let that happen. I spoke to Chris for a few minutes yesterday on Yahoo. Your buddies are doing pretty good. They are at the half way mark of their tour in Iraq. You have been doing a darn good job watching over them Evan. I know you are with them every day. Please keep up the good work. Rest peacefully, Evan
TO THE TOP NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN.
Love, Mrs. McGurk
Dennis O'Neill
December 27, 2005
Evan, you're my shining example of everything that is right and good in our country. I have to believe we will win out against everything evil with people like you on our side. Knowing you has been and continues as one of the golden moments in my life. "Soldier on, I'll see you when I get there." Uncle Dennis
DAD O'NEILL
December 24, 2005
I LOVE YOU SON,MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Q Madp
December 23, 2005
Thank you for serving this great country of ours. Thank you for what you have given us all.
I will not forget and it's my mission to remind all of who you are and what you have done for us.
Iraq War Heroes
Don't Let the Memory Of Them Drift Away
DR. MGBADA GOCHEZ
November 28, 2005
IS A NICE SITE SO KEEP IT UPI THRY HERE BIKOOO
Aunt Joan Townley
November 21, 2005
With love and pride, I think of you every day.
Everett Redner
November 21, 2005
The frist time i met Evan i thought wow now heres a real hooah kid he's a lifer and he was and still is, Evan was one of my soldiers when he got to Fort Drum at first and i never thought of him as any less, after a while he was more then that he was like a little brother that i picked on and stuck up for and will always sick up for. To a little brother and and a great family i will always be there for you.
CW4 Todd Woodard
November 19, 2005
I will never forget you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I have been truely blessed to have known you and your family. The love that is shown makes me know that you are truely loved by many. The lord will always bless and keep you. Todd Woodard (widowmaker 41)
SSG Christopher McGurk
November 18, 2005
Evan,
I want you to know that I carry your memory with me everywhere I go. I will never forget the sacrafice you made; so that so many of our brothers may live.I owe you my life as well as my eternal gratitude. May God hold you softly in the palm of his hand.
Mike O'Neill
November 18, 2005
To all of you who sign this guest book, thank you. I will never let our sons name and what he did on Sept 29th 2003 be forgotten and all of you are a big help in keeping his memory alive. I love and miss you son.
To The Top-All The Way
NEVER FORGET,
DAD
Elizabeth McGurk
November 14, 2005
Hi Evan: SSG. McGurk's mom here. Just wanted to let you know that Chris and all the Gators are holding their own in Iraq. Thank you for watching over them. You are in their hearts and minds each time they go outside the wire. Today marks the 4th month completed for their tour. God Bless you, Evan. TO THE TOP, Love, Mrs. Mcgurk
Laural G.
October 26, 2005
You were my son's friend. Know that you will never be forgotten by him or by me.
Jessica Michel
June 6, 2005
I hear a lot about you. Im sorry I didnt get a chance to meet you. But you are greatfuly missed. 1-87 carrys you around with you everyday and know that youll be with them in iraq, not there fighting but there helping to protect them. Dont cause too much trouble..
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