James Timothy O'Neill

James Timothy "Buddy" O'Neill, 63, of Allendale, NJ, passed away on March 25, 2025, the Solemnity of the Annunciation, surrounded by love.
Born on May 17, 1961, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson, New Jersey, James was best known to his friends and family as "Buddy" or simply "Bud." He was the second of five siblings: Teri, Patrick, Kelly, and Maureen. His childhood was full of adventure, including camping trips, neighborhood games, and early Sunday dinners spent with his large, tight-knit family. His family later moved to Clifton, NJ, where he graduated from Clifton High. He was raised not only alongside his siblings but just as closely with his many cousins, building lifelong bonds.
His parents, James G. O'Neill and Regina "Jean" O'Neill (née Ohlmeyer), both worked for the Passaic County Sheriff's Department. His father served in the U.S. Navy and later became a Captain in the department. His mother worked in administration, right alongside him. They worked hard to provide for their children and serve their community. James was predeceased by his father, whose strength and service left a lasting mark on him.
Buddy began his career in trucking and rigging before transitioning into the corporate world. Over ten years, he worked full time while attending night classes to earn not one, but two associate degrees. He went on to contribute to meaningful projects in the engineering field, including work with Schoor DePalma and later Partner Engineering. He cared deeply about the quality of everything he built, and his face would light up when he had the chance to share his passions with others.
James met the love of his life, Maryanne Krysa, at closing time during a night out and from the start, their connection was electric. He sported a mullet, a mustache, a shiny red convertible, and a sharp wit that instantly caught her attention. Their early relationship was a whirlwind of punk rock, new wave, and nights spent dancing until morning. They were wild in the best way, full of laughter and adventure, deeply in love through every high and low. In their early years together, they endured tragic loss, which only deepened their bond and strengthened their devotion to one another.
After marrying, James and Maryanne settled in Allendale on land preserved by generations of the Krysa family. It became the foundation of their life together. There, they transformed a former barn and carriage house, once home to horses and pheasants, into a warm and welcoming family home. Buddy completed much of the work himself, by hand. From renovations to repairs, he approached every project with curiosity and skill, often bringing his daughters along on trips to Home Depot and teaching them in the process.
His greatest talent was in his creations. A true handyman and engineer at heart, he could fix or build anything. From bikes to roofs, engines to electrical, plumbing, painting, carpentry, and even technology, there was little he couldn't solve. Skillfully, he built his own solutions to everyday problems. He wore his Levi jeans with pride, and the scars on his hands told the story of decades of honest labor and quiet dedication to his crafts.
James had a deep love for guitars, among other instruments, and collected them throughout his life. The soundtrack of his home and his daughters' childhood was filled with the music of Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the Eagles. Music was one way he always got projects done.
As a father, he was all in. He taught his daughters to fish, to throw a ball, and to swing a hammer with confidence. Megan remembers trailing behind him in her blue jeans, wearing his hats, and doing everything she could to be just like him. James was on the sideline of every game, coaching his daughters at home and supporting them win or lose. No challenge was too big to face and no defeat was enough to let us give up. Through his example, he passed down resilience, humility, and a strong moral compass that continues to guide both of his daughters.
As a parent, summers were spent elbows deep in the sand, building sandcastles or having dinner and watching the sunset on the bay as a family. They were also spent catching fireflies at dusk after a day of swimming at the lake with his girls. Other summers were shared in the country with his siblings, cousins, and their children. Those summer nights often stretched until sunrise, full of guitars, singing, and endless laughter.
Many of the best nights as parents were spent around the fire with their longtime neighbors and found family, the Richards. Their bond endured across decades. Buddy, Maryanne, their daughters, and their neighbors were brought up with built-in lifelong friends and a second family that continues to honor the memory of Buddy and Maryanne.
James was predeceased by his beloved wife, Maryanne, in December 2021. He is survived by his daughters, Megan and Sarah; his mother, Regina; and his siblings, Teri, Patrick, Kelly, and Maureen. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and colleagues who will carry his memory forward with love and gratitude.
It feels especially meaningful that James passed on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, a day that marks divine purpose, new beginnings, and the sacred bond between Heaven and Earth. His life, much like the spirit of this feast, was a quiet testament to devotion, craftsmanship, and the power of love in action.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nativity Church of Midland Park or Carousel Horsemanship 1 Carlson Place, Pompton Plains, NJ. 07444 (973) 839-0077, a nonprofit program his daughter created, which he proudly supported. https://gofund.me/55b43bc3
The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday March 28,2025 5pm-9pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ 07481
A Funeral Mass is planned for Saturday March 29,2025 10:30am at The Church of the Nativity 315 Prospect Street Midland Park, NJ 07432
Interment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery Mahwah, NJ
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