Amityville, New York
Like Father, Like Son
Their firstborn's name was debated and decided, but the baby looked too much like his father to be a Brendan. He was a Peter J. O'Neill Jr. — case closed — his mother, Jeanne, decided when she caught her first glimpse. Peter O'Neill shared all of his father's interests and an extra virtue: enamored of firemen from the time he was 2, he joined his local volunteer crew in Amityville, N.Y., at 17.
At home, he and his father were known as "the twins." Handy and outdoorsy like dad, Peter Jr. knew his way around the family boat, the basement toolbox, the lawn mower; he also hunted duck and shot skeet, a bonding ritual for the O'Neill men.
He considered working alongside his father, a Wall Streeter-turned-painting contractor, but realized his business degree from Bentley College would get a better workout at his uncle's firm, Sandler O'Neill & Partners, at 2 World Trade Center. He was a natural there, too, and he and four friends were stockpiling their salaries in hopes of renting a Manhattan apartment.
Shoe-shopping on the Sunday before the attack, Peter, 21, told his mother he intended to take classes to become an emergency medical technician. When she asked why he wanted to do that rather than go to graduate school, he said, "Because, Mom, I want to help people."
Peter, it´s like how you looked out for me in high school, but in my heart for 22 years. We love you, man. O´Neils, I´m sending the big love always. Like a kid with a lacrosse stick and a magic smile, just tossing you the game ball.
Timmy
September 12, 2023 | Friend
Still thinking about you everyday Peter. Every year that passes I keep wondering what you'd look like today now that we'd both be about halfway through our careers. Would you be running that investment shop, or would you be out on your own? The years have taken me across the country and around the world, and every time I look out that airplane window I'm reminded of you and how fragile things are. I still see your photo, frozen in time, and every time it takes me right back to that day. ...
Paul
September 14, 2022 | Sacramento, CA | Classmate
Peter,
I can't believe that 20 years have past. I think about you every year on this day. You were a great classmate and friend at Bentley and I know we were both looking forward to starting our Wall Street careers. I still can't believe that a few months after we left Bentley that you were gone. Rest in peace and condolences to your family. May God bless them. You were gone way too soon, but the impact you had on this world and so many people is obvious and something you...
Greg Floyd
September 11, 2021 | Irvington, NY | Classmate
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Amy McDonnell
September 11, 2021 | Portsmouth, RI | Family
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Amy McDonnell
September 24, 2020 | Middletown,, RI
Still in our thoughts. Much love and respect to the O'Neill family.
Michael Heller
September 11, 2020 | Webster, NY | Friend
My Condolences to you and your family. taken too soon'. "God Bless You ALL"
Judy McDaniel
November 17, 2019 | Nashville, AR | Acquaintance
A prayer to you from Maynooth, County Kildare, Ireland.
Sean Patrick Doran
September 30, 2019 | Kildare
I never knew you but I am an O'Neill cousin from Ireland! I am so sorry for your family and I hope they are finding comfort! Hard to believe it's been 16 years! So sad for New York and so many affected families
Avril O'Donnell
September 11, 2017 | Cork Ireland