Michael Joseph O’Neill

1936 - 2026

Michael Joseph O'Neill died on February 21, 2026, at Valley Hospital in Paramus, NJ. He is survived by his beloved wife, Una, and their four children: Peggy, Una and her husband, Jay Reilly; Kathleen and her husband, James Yarsky; and Michael and his wife, Lisa. He is also survived by ten grandchildren-Matthew Hetherington; Maggie Reilly McCarthy, Jack, and Michael Reilly; Caitlin, Ned, and Una Yarsky; and Kathleen, Terence, and Andrew O'Neill-and four great-grandchildren: John, Thomas, and Julia McCarthy, and Louisa Reilly.

Mike was born in Huntington, NY, on August 29, 1936, the son of Michael Joseph and Julia O'Neill (née Kelly). He and his three brothers-Nicholas, Kevin, and Patrick-grew up in Oyster Bay, NY, where they attended St. Dominic High School. A multisport athlete at St. Dominic's, Mike excelled in basketball and in baseball. He received a tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers and, during batting practice at Ebbets Field, peppered the right-field wall, but they passed on him. He was an avid sports fan throughout his life.
He graduated from Fordham University, Class of 1958. While at the Rose Hill campus, he joined the Air Force ROTC program. After graduation, Mike was accepted into the Marine Corps OCS program. After six months, he received his Commission and served honorably as a First Lieutenant from 1959 through 1961. Mike loved the Marine Corps. He became an air traffic controller and later, athletic officer at the base. He credited the Marine Corps with teaching him much about life and believed it was his duty to serve his country.

While visiting a friend at St. Vincent's Hospital, he met Una Elizabeth Barrett, a nurse at the hospital. The two were married on May 7, 1960. While Mike was still in the Marine Corps, they moved to Cherry Point, North Carolina, where Peggy was born. From there, they moved to Franklin Square, NY, where Una and Kathleen were born. The family later moved to Huntington, where Michael was born, then to Manhasset. They eventually settled in New Jersey, finally making their home in Glen Rock.

Mike loved music from an early age, especially Beethoven, Broadway, and opera, and spent decades singing in the choir at Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River, NJ. His solo performance of "White Christmas" closed the Christmas concert each year. His love of music and the arts was passed on to his family-each of his children either plays a musical instrument, sings, paints, or sculpts. Mike was very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He never missed an opportunity to tell them he loved them. In addition to music and the arts, he shared his love of skiing with his family. The time they spent at Windham Mountain was truly cherished by everyone.

Mike began his long career in finance and wealth management in 1962, working for Merrill Lynch in Garden City, NY. As a businessman and business owner, Mike ran successful enterprises in the commodities, finance, and wealth management industries. He believed deeply in the importance of his work for his clients and for his country. He often spoke of the responsibility financial managers bear to protect and grow the wealth of families and industries.

Visitation with the family and a funeral Mass will be held at Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River, NJ, on Saturday, March 21. Visitation begins at 9:30 am, with the funeral mass following at 11:15 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Valley Hospital Hospice at www.valleyhospitalfoundation.org.