Joseph Ryan O'Neill

Joseph Ryan O'Neill, 45, of Simpsonville, South Carolina passed away on August 31, 2022 of natural causes. He was born on December 11, 1976 in Dearborn, Michigan. Joe is survived by his children Rylee, DJ and Molly. Loving son of Mary O'Neill and the late Daniel O'Neill. Dear brother of Kevin (Danielle), Kelly (Don) and Patrick (Devon). Joe was a caring uncle, nephew and friend to so many he met along the way.
Growing up in Twinsburg, OH and attending St. Rita's Elementary school, Joe found success at an early age as a wrestler in the Longwood YMCA wrestling program. He became a multiple-time state champ in Ohio & Pennsylvania and became a Penn State fan due to his numerous tournaments and championships won in Pennsylvania as a youth wrestler. Joe carried his accomplished youth career to Walsh Jesuit High School, graduating in 1995. At Walsh, Joe continued his success as both a state champion wrestler and an all-state linebacker and was part of the Walsh Jesuit National Title wrestling teams from 1993-95. With all of Joe's success as a wrestler, his passion was football. After graduating from Walsh, Joe went on to have a decorated college career at Bowling Green State University as an all-conference linebacker. In true Joe O'Neill style, he burst onto the scene as a freshman linebacker and had 15 tackles against legendary Alabama. After graduating from BGSU in 2000, Joe followed his passion to the NFL where he spent 2 seasons with the Detroit Lions & won an NFL World Bowl in 2001 with the Berlin Thunder.
Once Joe's NFL career was over, he took his win-at-all-costs mentality and toughness to the construction world. He spent over 20 years in the industry tackling projects all over the country and quickly rose to the top of his industry as a superintendent.
It was impossible to not laugh and smile when Joe was in your presence. He was not afraid to talk to anyone and made everyone he came across feel like they were lifelong friends.
Of all of Joe's accomplishments on the mat & on the field, his biggest and best are his 3 children. While Joe was a true road warrior in his construction life his children were always his number one priority, always staying on top of what they were doing. He was never more proud or happy to discuss what Rylee, Molly & DJ were accomplishing in school and on the athletic fields.
Known as simply "Joey" he will be missed by so many people and had so much more to give, but he is now back with his dad, Papa Dan. Looking down on us, just as he did while alive, he will no doubt be watching over his family & friends.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 am on October 15, 2022 at Holy Name Parish
8328 Broadway, Cleveland. Inurnment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 480 W Highland Rd
Northfield, OH. Celebration of Life will be held immediately after services at, Gambitta's Party Center
160 E Aurora Rd, Northfield, OH.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a college fund created for his children; issue to "CollegeAmerica" and send to Kevin O'Neill 3310 W Big Beaver Rd # 137, Troy, MI 48084. Donations can also be made to TreatmentWorks, Inc. 7835 Harvard Ave. Cleveland, OH 44105