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Seamus Oneal Obituary
For Seamus Oneal, the idea of having one career and one name was much too timid. By 52, he had worked in five widely different professions, using three different names. As James, he studied drama at the University of Oklahoma, and as Seam, he acted, danced and sang in Off Broadway shows. "It would be fair," said John Oneal, his brother, "to call him a hippie."
Seam Oneal the hippie joined the Army, became Captain Oneal and won medals for his work in hospital administration. Nevertheless, after converting to Mormonism, he and Janet Kaye, his wife, and their three children moved into a bed and breakfast by a big Maryland temple and ran it together. Eventually, though, he returned to college to study advanced computer science, moved to Manhattan and took a job with eSpeed, a division of Cantor Fitzgerald.
Along the way, he composed liturgical choral works that were played by the Mormon temple's orchestra. And he dropped Seam and became Seamus. "He said, 'There might be other Jameses,' " said his brother, " 'but there won't be other Seamuses.' He was something. A piece of art."
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Seamus O’Neill
September 11, 2024
My name is Seamus O’Neill, spelled a little differently than yours but still the same name. I grew up in Philadelphia and would visit NYC for a day with my family every year. When they built the 9/11 memorial we went and visited. After a long day we finally got to the memorial and standing by the fountains I was tired and put my hand down in the fountain to rest. I look at the name my hand is next to, and it’s you. I felt God with me in that moment and I hope you are with God as well. May God bless your family and anyone reading this.
Emily Schaefer
September 11, 2023
I read about you today. My step brother does a name every year. You're my 3rd today. I love how you seemed fearless in all that you did. You knew who you were. At least, that's what I took from what I read. You were talented and much loved it seems. Prayers to your family and friends.
Deb Harman
September 11, 2021
I am remembering you today, Seamus. In 2009, I wrote about your life for a memorial project. It's been twelve years. I remember you and wanted to say to your family that I'm thinking about all of you. Thank you for being such an amazing person, who continues to inspire others.
Ann von Kaenel Mann
September 10, 2021
I knew you as Jimmy. We grew up at Ft Sill OK and went to Eisenhower HS and worked on yearbook together. I didn´t think I knew anyone in the Twin Towers 9/11 because I knew you as Jimmy I later found out about your name change and your fate that awful day. In October 2019 my husband and I went to the 9/11 Memorial in NYC and found your picture inside the Memorial and your name on the Memorial outside. It didn´t seem real. I remember your smile and how you would tease. Tomorrow is the 20th Anniversary. I´m so glad on found this page.
May peace be with you and yours
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Keith Harris
July 20, 2021
Keith Harris
July 20, 2021
Keith Harris
July 20, 2021
Keith Harris
July 20, 2021
Today as I was visiting Napa California I, strolled around enjoying a beautiful summer after and notices a striking structure built of huge steel beams. As I got closer I realized it was a memorial for The Twin Towers and listed names of life´s lost. I took several photos and was reminded all the life´s lost and their families. I did know Seamus personally but thought that his family and friends be proud to know he and so many that perished on that day. Would feel proud
Debra Harman
September 11, 2019
I think about you every year. What an amazing life.
John Mahoney
September 10, 2019
Seamus I just finished reading your daughters Anna's "In Memory" and it shook me to my core. I'm so sorry. I cant even imagine the pain your family has endured. Anna - I worked with your Dad on the 103rd floor . We were on the same Team. I came onboard after him. He did everything he could do to make my job easier. I always turned towards him for advise. I have a lot of really good memories of him. You should to link up with our old manager "Paul Lyons". He could offer up some good info. I don't have his contact info but I bet if you dig hard enough you could find him. Best of Luck John
I created several memorial tributes for our Eisenhower High School Class 1967 classmates who had passed. This is the one I created for Seamus (Jim). Our class has not forgotten those who have passed before us. We remember Jim and wish his family well. D
Don Longfellow
November 12, 2018
I created several memorial tributes for our Eisenhower High School Class 1967 classmates who had passed. This is the one I created for Seamus (Jim). Our class has not forgotten those who have passed before us. We remember Jim and wish his family well. Don (Donnie) Longfellow, EHS Class '67.
S J. Friscia III
January 14, 2016
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
S J. Friscia III
October 15, 2015
In memory
With Honor & Respect.
Nicol Sigerson
September 19, 2015
Thinking of you, Seamus (Jim), and remembering you with love and friendship.
Deb Harman
September 18, 2015
I shared your biography that I wrote on my Facebook page on 9/11, and many people enjoyed reading about your very rich life. I am praying for your family, as I know what a loss they feel still.
You are loved every day, and never forgotten.
S J. Friscia III
September 16, 2015
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Deb Harman
September 12, 2014
I thought of you yesterday, and read the information about you that I put on my blog if you years ago. You live on in our memories!
September 11, 2014
Anna O'Neal -
Thinking of you and your family today. We finally had to replace the flag in the back yard this year. Very proud to have it flying there.
Sue O'Neal
September 11, 2013
Thinking of Seamus and his family today. Always in out thoughts. We still have the flag for the Saint Louis Memorial in our garden. We regularly talk to Seamus as we walk by. Funny thing, it can be the calmest day outside, but that flag is always waving!
September 9, 2013
Hey Seamus - i still have your candle holders that you gave me before moving to NYC for eSpeed. i remember picking up anna from school and know that you are in good hands. the morgan annex folks wont forget you. mike
Nicol Sigerson
September 11, 2012
I knew Seamus as Jim in high school and college (Eisenhower in Lawton/OU in Norman). He was one of my best friends, and we loved to just hang out together, walking in nature, talking about ideas. He was such a talented actor, dancer, singer, musician. He was also funny, sweet, generous and loving. I just found out a few weeks ago that he died on 9/11, so the grief for me is still fresh. I will always remember him as an extraordinary person and a beloved friend.
Suzanne O'Neal
September 21, 2011
I wrote a tribute a few days ago, but wanted to add something. We have placed the flag that we purchased with Seamus' info on it in out back yard. Every morning, on the way out to the car, my son (8) passes the flag and calls out "Morning Seamus!"
Debra Harman
September 20, 2011
Seamus, I wrote a tribute for you a few years ago. One of your daughters wrote me. Your magic, your charisma, your love and zest for life live on. I thought about you on 9/11, but that event does not define you. You were an amazing person, and the world misses you.
Suzanne O'Neal
September 19, 2011
Seamus O'Neal became a very real person to me yesterday. There was a 9/11 memorial erected at the St Louis Art Museum that place 2,996 flag on Art Hill, the front lawn of the Art Museum. My son and I walked around in the rain yesterday for hours just looking at all of the flags and the names on them. We went back this morning while they were dismantling the memorial and purchased the flags that was placed for Seamus. Reading these tributes to him shows me that we chose the right flag! We will display it proudly!
John Mahoney
September 13, 2010
Hi Seamus - Thinking about you today. Wanted to say that your an amazing man. My heart still smiles when I see you. You were always so friendly. Your brilliance was second to none. It was my pleasure working with you at Cantor [Espeed] - God Bless. Your colleague John Mahoney
Rest in peace, my friend. You are the only one of the 9/11 casualties that I personally knew. You will never be forgotten in my heart.
January 28, 2010
Carol Vela
January 28, 2010
Despite my post yesterday, I just had to add something. Seam volunteered to sing a solo at my daughter's baptism in 1988. His rendition was so moving and emotive that the memory of his singing has never left my consciousness these 22 years. I feel so strange having learned of his death only yesterday, and many people will not understand that I am deeply sorrowful TODAY, even though he has been gone since 2001. For me, his departure is fresh and wounding. I wish I could have said goodbye and told him how much he has impacted my life.
Carol Hindmarsh-Vela
January 27, 2010
I met Seam Oneal in Seoul, Korea while both our families were stationed there. He and I often planned and arranged musical pieces together. He, as choir director, decided the choir would perform a portion of Handel's "Messiah" at Christmas. Seam entrusted me with the alto solo, helping me to overcome my performance anxiety. I only today, while searching for him and his family on Facebook, found that he was killed on 9/11 in the World Trade Center. Seam was a brilliant, talented, kind, hospitable man. I consider it an honor and a privilege to have been his friend.
Debra Harman
August 12, 2009
I am currently writing a tribute for Samus L. Oneal, reading everything online that I can learn about him in order to honor him. My tribute is in progress and I love that I was assigned to write about this man: he is so warm, so clearly passionate about life, his family. What beautiful tributes have been written about him online. Co-workers and family alike are teaching me about him: he truly was a renaissance man...Please write to me if you can tell me more about him? Thank you, Debra
Jennie Barrett
July 7, 2008
Even though the years have passed, I find myself thinking of Seamus often. I had the fortunate experience of having Seamus work for me just before he made the transition out of the DC area to New York. Seamus was a true, strong, hardworking man with the heart of gold and integrity that would go on forever. I will treasure knowing him as an employee and meeting him as a fun-loving individual. The image I will have always burnt into my memory of him is the day he came to work and stood in my cubical wearing a kilt. That is a proud and honest man. I will always think of him and will continue to miss him. He brought joy to those around him and made the world a better place for it.
Anna Oneal
Anna Oneal
January 10, 2008
My Father, Seamus Lee Oneal, was the finest man that I have ever met. I am almost at a loss of words right now as I try to express what kind of a man my Dad was. The experiences and lessons that my Dad taught me are priceless. The impact he had on me and my life has been profound and unforgettable.
I fear sometimes the world will forget or may not even know the caliber of human being it lost on that day. It is so heart warming to see this tribute page here. It’s a very nice surprise!
I miss you Dad. You are will always be my hero.
Don Longfellow
June 11, 2007
I knew you as Jim. It was Eisenhower High School, Lawton, Oklahoma. We were fellow thespians and we enjoyed our Senior year and all the plays. But our legacy shall always be "Bye Bye Birdie." You had the lead and I the title character. It was so much fun. Our paths crossed one more time after high school. We met briefly at Fort Sill Officer's Club during a commemoration for a post-wide fund drive. We were both in command as Captains and I enjoyed the brief moment to visit about the good ole days. Too short on time that day and I do wish we could have had more time. Now, there is no more time. But you are not forgotten. May God hold you close. May God bless your family with love and protection.
P Tabbernor
January 21, 2007
In memory....
Kristine
November 22, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Sarah Reynolds
September 10, 2004
I had no idea who Seamus Oneal was until today. At school we were each given a red ribbon and a sticker to wear in memory of someone who died on September 11. He is more real to me now. The people who died that day all have names and faces, personalities, families, friends, things that make them unique. We should Remember them with honor. Everyone who died that day is a hero.
Halina Dabrowski
September 11, 2003
Seamus lived vibrantly. His friendship,kindness,creativity and love will always shine. I will miss his wonderful views on the many different facets of life.
Barbara Taylor
August 27, 2002
Seamus was one of the most fascinating and diversely talented individuals I ever had the good fortune to meet. I can still remember his expressive mannerisms and dry wit while attending classes with him at the University of Baltimore and will always think of him with a smile.
Mary McClain
May 20, 2002
Our prayers are with the O'Neal family. How blessed we are to know that he is with a loving father in Heaven and that you will see him again some day. God bless you all.
Angie Campbell
May 8, 2002
May you rest in peace forever more. I did not know you but I will never forget you or that horrible day. May God bless and watch over the ones that you left behind.
Tom Miller
April 22, 2002
On rare occasions a truly remarkable person is introduced into our lives. Such a man was Seamus Oneal: a man of integrity and conviction, one with an unparalleled understanding and appreciation of what life has to offer. He was a man of many levels and talens, a man unafraid to love without boundaries. Seamus was a composer and actor, a father and educator, a disciplined soldier and tender human being.
The world has far too few Seamus Oneals. I thank God that he was a part of my life. I learned from Seamus. I grew because of him. The music in Heaven is a little sweeter since September 11th. The songs in the hearts of those who knew him are a little sadder.
Uncle Seamus and Owen, April 2001
Fran Oneal
April 22, 2002
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Revelation 21:4
Michael Iezzi
April 19, 2002
Father we entrust our brother Seamus to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
March 18, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN...SEAMUS L.ONEAL AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS AND ST.PATRICK GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Teresa Jahn
December 17, 2001
We thank Seamus for serving our country in the Army. Such service of protecting America and the American people comes with a warm and caring heart. May his adventures for life, his music, and love live on through his children. We are deeply sorry for your loss of Seamus. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Mike K
October 24, 2001
From the Washington Post: One of the signal moments of Seamus Oneal's life took place on a summer night in 1993, in a chapel on the grounds of the Mormon Temple in Kensington. For years, Mr. Oneal, a retired Army officer and amateur organist and pianist, had worked virtually full time at his home on Stoneybrook Drive in the shadow of the massive temple, orchestrating and composing....
On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, tragedy at the World Trade Center claimed the life of SEAMUS ONEAL. Beloved companion of Thomas Miller; loving father of Elen, Isaac and Anna; son of Roberta L. Oneal and the late Wilton K. Oneal; brother of John Oneal. Also survived by his sister-in-law, Frances Oneal, his niece Adelaide, and his nephew Owen. Memorial service to be held on Saturday, September 29, at 11 a.m., at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 1772 Church St. NW, Washington, DC. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Union Mission, 1350 R. St. NW, Washington, DC 20009, (202) 745-7118.
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