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John O'Neill Obituary

John O'Neill EDISTO ISLAND, SC - On Monday, February 14, 2011, John O'Neill of Edisto Island, SC, died peacefully at the hospice of Charleston. Retired from the New York City Fire Department, his fire company was one of the initial responders to the tragedy at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Following that, John spent an extensive period of time in the rescue and clean up operations at that site. There will be a ceremony conducted later this year by the FDNY to honor both his service and heroism. After retirement from the FDNY in 2004, John moved to Edisto Island, SC, where he enjoyed many outdoors activities such as mastering fly fishing and raising his own personal kennel of displaced dogs. His boundless energy, insatiable curiosity, deep compassion and wry humor earned him the profound respect, admiration and love from all that knew him. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/ deaths

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Feb. 22 to Feb. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John O'Neill

Sponsored by anonymous.

21 Entries

R M

August 28, 2024

John. Thank you for your courage and bravery. "Gone but not forgotten" †††

Nicola simpkins

September 24, 2023

bless him seeing him on the 9,11 story my condolences to his family friends he was a lovely man a brave man

Kathyrn Carse

February 16, 2012

I knew John growing up in Tottenville. I remember seeing his shiny little black dog darting out behind him when he came out the door on Main Street. I bumped into him over the years. I think the last time I saw him was with some relief when he popped up in a Sept. 11 documentary some years ago. I always thought I would bump into him again sometime. I was so sad to hear he died. It's good this memorial is here and to see how affectionately he is remembered. I'll always remember him.

January 24, 2012

I cannot believe you're gone John. I'm so sorry...Marilyn

September 23, 2011

Hi all I am Pam O'Connor that only means I was a cousin of Johnny.I find it very hard to talk about. I have prayed for a long time to get to this point. He loved his Brothers in the NYFD and family. He overcame many situations in his life AND WON. I am proud to have shared, his blood as part of mine and so is his Grand Ma Aunt Helen. I am sure that Peg, Delores and Helen have him in their arms. AMEN

John George

September 15, 2011

What a nice guy! What a great hero! What a great loss! Thank you John for your courage and dedication to the safety of your fellow Americans. Rest in peace cousin. God has a special place for you with Pop and Uncle Junie. You will always make our hearts swell with pride.

September 14, 2011

John was a good friend of mine here on Edisto & we both shared a love for animals..both us had rescues and I do rescue work. I watched alot of the coverage on Sept 11 last week, including the ABC special where he was featured! He adored his dogs Sam,Roscoe,Sootie, Pirate and Ringo. All have been placed in wonderful homes and here is his special boy Sam who is available for adoption.
http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/20616914
I didn't know that he had family left and hope that he was able to make connections with you before he passed...He fought the good fight and Edisto 'takes care of her own'...he had friends on the island/neighbors who reached out. Please feel free to email me...I miss him. Walton Salley [email protected]

September 13, 2011

John when I was a young girl you were always so nice to your little cousin Kim. Sorry we didn't keep in touch it was nice to talk to you when my dad died. I am so proud of you and all of FDNY. I wish you peace and you will have I am sure after taking care of all those four legged friends of ours.Love your Cousin Kim George Glens Falls, NY

Nancy Androvette

August 27, 2011

John, What can I say? I will look forward to when your gang can get together. I am sure you are in the place of healing that God had prepared for you.

Nancy Androvette

Janice Breitwieser

July 20, 2011

Oh John...I'm so sorry I didn't know! It was about a year ago that I told you I was going to Ireland...me, Pam, Ken and his wife, Maria and my daughter Kirsten. How I wanted you to be there with us.
I am so proud of you and am proud to speak of you! Remember the poem I wrote for you after 911.....well, here it is again............
It's Time for a new beginning
before I get too old.
I've felt the grip of danger
and the touch of death so cold.
Spring is now upon the everlasting land.
And it's with all of my strength that I've given a hand.
To help bring to closure a time of despair.
And now to take in the breath of God from within the air.
It's time for a new beginning before I get too old.
I now know that I was chosen to be a part of the story told.

Be well my brother. You are loved and sorely missed. May God Bless you with all his graces and may you find everlasting Peace and Salvation!

Your loving cousin,
Janice Marie O'Connor Breitwieser

April 14, 2011

Say "Hi" to Spooky and Arrow for me. I am sure they are so happy to see you.

Dot

April 13, 2011

I hope you have finally found your peace.
RIP

Dot

Steve Androvette

March 21, 2011

John,The New York Rangers are playing well and I'm remembering you.How you got us all into loving hockey back when there were ice ponds in Tottenville.I thank you for that love of the sport and thank you always for the love you felt for all your friends.I'll always remember that about you,your hoping that we all achieve a sense of worth in this life.Rest in peace my friend.

Nicholas Borrillo

March 12, 2011

I also had the great fortune of working with John in Ladder 1. I was assigned to Ladder 1 out of probie school and learned a lot from John. He loved the job and was a great fireman. Rest in peace brother.

February 26, 2011

Had the honor of working with John on Duane St.. Proud to call him my brother. Rest in Peace.

J. Gallagher FDNY Ret.

walton salley

February 25, 2011

John you are missed and loved by so many on Edisto. Your 4 legged girl Sootie is with you now and your 4 other 4 legged children have wonderful, wonderful homes..thanks to the Wonderful Brotherhood and love amongst the firefighters.Your friend and neighbor, Jean, couldnt' let Sam go so he has a wonderful home with her and Bunky.
Love Walton
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

February 24, 2011

My heart will always belong to you. I will miss you so much!
Love your Sue

February 24, 2011

You were loved and appreciated by many at Edisto. You were a hero to me. It was a pleasure to know you and your dogs and to witness the love you had for each other. Rest in peace, another 911 firefighter and friend. You will never be forgotten. Karen Jarrell

Jack Kleehaas FDNY

February 24, 2011

REST IN PEACE BROTHER.

February 24, 2011

Brother you served us well and made us proud...Joe FDNY

Jennifer/Mary Abbott

February 23, 2011

A very good man who left us far too soon.
'In the rising of the sun and in its going down we will remember him' for 'So long as we live, he too shall live, For he is now a part of us.
Take your well earned rest knowing you were and are well loved.
Jenn and Mary

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