Richard
O'Neill
June 11, 1923-Nov. 19, 2014
San Jose, CA
Dr. Richard M. O'Neill, M.D. passed away after 91 years of a wonderful life. As a pediatrician in San Jose he kindly took care of many of the valley's young ones.
Dick was born in San Francisco and graduated from St. Ignatius High School and the University of San Francisco. After attending Gonzaga and Northwestern for officer training he served in WWII as an officer in the Navy. He met his wife Nancy in Yosemite and they married after the war. He completed his medical degree at Creighton University in Omaha and did his medical internship and residency at UCSF. In 1954 Nancy and Dick moved to San Jose to begin his pediatric practice.
Dick and Nancy lived in San Jose for the duration of their lives. Nancy passed away a few years ago. Dick is survived by his children Richard, Kevin, Kerry, Barry and his grandchildren Hayley, Sean and Catherine. Richard's wife Regina and Kevin's wife Barbara also loved him much. Dick gave so much to his family, friends and patients. He was respected and loved by all.
Friends and family are invited to St. Christopher Church at 9:30am Monday November 24, 2014 for a memorial. 1576 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Nov. 21, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard O'Neill

Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.

28 Entries

Carol O'Leary Smith

July 23, 2018

Dear Dr. O'Neill, Staff & Family

It was March 1979 for the birth of our first child and then the 2nd child in Dec. 1982 Christmas Eve! You came 1st thing on Christmas morning to come and see her and said how beautiful she was and that she was in perfect health. How you always had a smile on your face and your calm demeanor brought comfort to us.

My girls truly enjoyed going to your office as I knew that your advice reassured us always.

Your positive personality and love for kids had to be your fountain of youth. You were truly one of Gods angels and you will forever be a great part of our lives. Only to find out yesterday that you were gone. I shared this with our grown daughters as we all have happy memories first hand. Were sad for all of those who never had you as their doctor but thankful to have had the best doctor ever. Peace be with you Dr. O'Neill and to your family.

irene burgos

April 15, 2016

For you Doctor O'Neill. He was my Doctor from 1954-1973. I am sorry I just found out. I was thinking about him and google his name and wish I knew then.

December 10, 2015

Dr. O'Neill was an extraordinary doctor. He took good care of my brother, sister, and I while we grew up. He was also my daughter and son's Dr as well as my nieces. We all have fond memories of Dr. O'Neill and I can hear his voice. He was and will be the best doctor My deepest sympathy to his family. Thank you. Dr. O'Neill, for all you did for the care of children. As I read the condolences, we all feel the same way. May you rest in peace.

Marie Lema and family

Kim Jobke

September 18, 2015

I am so sorry about Dr O'Niel's passing...I just found out...He was my doctor from 1962 into my late 20's...then he became my daughter's doctor...now my kids go to Dr Yoshida. ....He was such a awesome person .....he was the only person who was allowed to give me a shot..

Shirley Small (Gullo)

April 30, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing I just found out from someone online. He was a great Dr. he cared for me and my brother a kids and my oldest daughter. He was a very loving and caring man. So sorry for your lose. Shirley Small (Gullo)

January 12, 2015

MY BROTHERS AND COUSINS OF MINE WENT TO DR. O'NEILL HE WAS A VERY NICE AND FRIENDLY MAN. NEVER AFRAID OF HIM WHEN HE ENTERED THE EXAM ROOM. I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS IN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL I ASKED HIM TO GIVE ME SOMETHING TO GAIN WEIGHT SINCE I WAS SO SKINNY! HE SAID, "NO, SOMEDAY YOU WILL ASK ME FOR SOMETHING TO LOOSE WEIGHT"! HE WAS SO RIGHT!!
GOOD MEMORIES OF DR. ONEILL!
DIANA PIAZZA SORRENTINO

Michael LoMonaco

December 27, 2014

Dr O'Neil was a great humanitarian, a gentle spirit and treasured friend. He leaves behind so many past patients and friends, and his amazing light of love will continue to shine in our memories of him.
He has been our family pediatrician, family friend, and pal for nearly 60 years!
I loved his many stories and can still hear his gentle voice and always the kindest words.
I was so grateful to read an autographed copy of his novel. It was a great reflection of the way he treasured people, relationships and his life!
I know that he and his wife are united again and God has another angel in heaven!
I am blessed to have called him friend!

November 26, 2014

I will always be grateful that Dr O'Neill lived across the street from us. When my baby girl was born with a heart problem, I could call Dick night or day and he would come with his stethoscope and reassure me that she would be ok. He was such a gentleman, and wrote the most lovely thank you notes after every gathering, in his most beautiful penmanship. The epitome of class and kindness. We will miss him.
- Nancy Freschi

Yvonne O'Brien

November 26, 2014

All 6 of my children were raised under the medical wing of Dr. O'Neill. He gave our family wonderful care and lots of love. A few of our children went to school at St. Christopher's with his, so many years ago. I'm 87 but still have such fond memories of he and Nancy. God bless you both!

O'Neil Wright

November 25, 2014

My brothers and I went to Dr. O'Neil. I remember going often to get my allergy shots. Many thanks for a profession well done. An admirable life! Rest in God's love.

Linda Burkhart

November 25, 2014

Dr. O'Neill was a rare human being, and will always be remembered in my family for his kind and gentle, caring manner. He was my pediatrician, and I so loved him, that I asked him to care for our two daughters, Amy and Danielle. I can still hear his soft voice as he entered the room, with his signature greeting, "How's my pal?" Like others who have commented here, I continued to go to him beyond my childhood years because he was so special. He even wrote a recommendation for my college scholarship application. Thank you, Dr. O'Neill, for all of the loving care over the years and many fond memories. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him.

Jaime Pini

November 24, 2014

My deepest condolences to the family. Dr. O'Neill was a wonderful man who delivered me 38 years ago. I recently ran into him & he looked amazing. We will miss our beloved doctor.

Barbara Weagle Wilkie

November 24, 2014

Dr. O'Neill was an extraordinary doctor. He took good care of my brothers, sister, and I while we grew up. We all have fond memories of Dr. O'Neill. I know that he, along with his partner, Dr. Sanfilippo, reassured my parents on many medically serious occasions. My deepest sympathy to his family. Thank you. Dr. O'Neill, for all you did for the care of children.

Sharon Cerra

November 23, 2014

I loved Dr. O'Neil. He was a wonderful Dr.
He had patience and understanding .
As a new mother at the time he was
Always so considerate and patient with me.
He was truly a great Doctor and friend.
Sleep in peace. May god bless you and
Yours.
Respectfully
Sharon Cerra

Liliane Sebban

November 23, 2014

He was my pediatrician for my two daughters for 15yrs , Bernadette & Gisele .
My deepest sympathy ,Liliane Sebban

Rod Gibino

November 22, 2014

I remember so well i was about 7 or so, and Mom called Dr. Sanfilippo's office for the Dr. to come to our house...I was sick (always according to Mom). Well it was Dr. O'Neill, the first time i met him...and thank God Mom wasn't home...so we talked (like adults) and he said that i needed antibiotics and that meant a shot...so i said that i was allergic to shots...had to have pills, so he left a prescription. Well he was now in his car when mom came home...needless to say i had a painful rear by the time he left the house!!! We became good friends over the years...when i needed to see him, i would go in the back door and wait...wearing my Bellarmine Jacket. I finally stopped going to see Dr. Rich when my wife and i moved to LA. Still visited this wonderful man after his retirement. He was the best of the best and blessing to all of his patients.

Joe & Betty Helf

November 22, 2014

Dr. O'Neill was pediatrician for both our sons, now 52 and 54, and knew how to give reassurance to a worried new mother. He was the most loving and caring man, and took excellent care of them until they left for college, with a big hug from him.

Kevin Ragsac

November 22, 2014

My favorite doctor in the late 60s at the clinic next to O'Connor. Always a smile on his face. I'm sure other kids felt the same way. To the family....no harm can ever come to him.

Maryann Martinez

November 21, 2014

Dr O'Neill was a great man and pediatrician, he will be dearly missed. He took care of my family since the early 80's.

Debra Pappani-Goodman

November 21, 2014

I am regretfully out of town to attend, will be remembering all his light and love he showed to everyone. Thinking of you Richard, Kev, Kerry and Barry XOXOXO

November 21, 2014

I would like to honor this dear man today to the fullest. Not everyone is blessed to say that their pediatrician was their friend for life. I pretty much grew up in his house, and shared each chapter of my life.
To think he knew me as a baby, and yet sat at my beside through my adult surgery. That's the kind of man he was. Purely, simply, THE BEST.
My confidante, extra dad, angel to all. RIP Dr. Richard O'Neill. I love you.
Debra Pappani-Goodman ( " Deb " )

Anthony Murabito

November 21, 2014

Dr. O'Neill was our family pediatrician since the early 60s. He was a great man and saved my finger from a terrible cut/infection. Our family loved him.
Tony Murabito

Mark Freschi

November 21, 2014

Dr. O'Neill was one of the best of the Greatest Generation. We had the honor of living across the street from he and Nancy for twenty years. they became the block parents for all of us (now middle-aged) kids on the street.

He was a young navy 2d Lieutetant at the liberation of the Philippines. He was the pediatrician for half the kids in the Valley.

He had the best stories: From selling a yearbook ad to A. P. Giannini, in his St. Ignatius days, to recounting a time in San Francisco when the SFFD could be persuaded to surreptitiously put his date into her second floor bedroom after curfew. The time he made a house call to a house up on blocks, being moved to make way for what would be Valley Faire. All of his "is there a doctor in the house" stories. On and on.

He was terminally nice. His license plate said "Kids Doc." We thought he would be there, on the corner, forever . . .

As much as we will miss him, a life like his can only be celebrated.

November 21, 2014

Dr. O'Neill cared for my three boys from their infancy through their teenage years. He was caring, kind and thoughtful and it was a sad day when we had to transition to an 'adult' doctor.
Sue Nave

November 21, 2014

Dr O'Neill was the best pediatrician! He most influenced our lives when another doctor told us our son had ms (this was on the first visit at 6 mo old and my son wasn't sitting up yet). Of course we were very scared. We went to Dr O'Neill as soon as we could get an appointment and were told positively that our son did not have ms! Dr O'Neill was a very loving and kind doctor and an asset to the medical profession.

Lori Morton

Lori Boyles

November 21, 2014

Dr O'Neill was our family pediatrician from the early 1960's. Our visits were never rushed and always reassuring for my parents. As we became parents my brother, sister and I asked Dr. O'Neill to also be our children's pediatrician.This man helped our family for many generations through many ailments. Thank you Dr. O'Neill for your kindness. I will miss seeing you at Safeway and other Willow Glen establishments. I know you have joined your lovely wife and will enjoy eternal happiness.

Sandy Fremont

November 21, 2014

He was my daughters pediatrician many years ago, loved him!

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