Frank Edward O'Neill

1922 - 2022

November 12, 1922 - December 2, 2022

Frank Edward O'Neill was born on November 12, 1922, in Grass Valley, CA, where he attended primary and secondary school and graduated from Grass Valley Union High School. After graduating from high school Frank enrolled at Placer College and worked in the ship building industry before enlisting in the United States Army Air Force.

Frank served during World War II and from 1942 to 1944, the engine of his B-17 Bomber roared. Frank flew a total of 29 missions. Honors came in abundance for Frank. Frank was awarded The Air Medal with three oak clusters four times, The European Theatre Operations (ETO) Ribbon with three stars, The Rhineland Ribbon, The American Campaign Medal, and The World War II Victory Medal.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the military, Frank returned to California where he enrolled at Chico State University and earned a bachelor's degree and teaching credentials. Frank went on to have a fulfilling 30-year career in public education.

Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen O'Neill; two sons, Michael and Larry O'Neill; and his sister, Dorothy Payne of Marysville, CA.

He is survived by his daughter, H. Peggy Hornsby of Oroville, CA; two granddaughters, Kristen Anaya (Tim Giles) of Marysville, CA, and Chantel Smith (David) of Bethlehem, GA; two grandsons, Patrick O'Neill of Portland, OR, and Buck O'Neill of San Francisco, CA; six great-grandchildren, Ohnalies and David (DJ) Smith, Sebastian and Dorian Anaya, Sydney and Adair O'Neill; and one great-great-grandchild, Kash Malik.

Services will be held on a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery in Oroville.