Michael Philip O'Neil

Benson, NC: Mr. Michael Phillip O’Neil, age 73, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. The family will receive friends from 10:00AM-11:00AM-Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at Rose & Graham Funeral Home 301 W. Main Street Benson, NC 27504. A Graveside Service will follow at 12:00PM, at the NC State Veterans Cemetery 164 Longs Plant Farm Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534, with military honors.

Mr. O’Neil was born in New York, to the late Daniel Joseph O’Neil and Clara Ann Brill O’Neil. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Thomas O’Neil, and Daniel Joseph O’Neil. He retired from the Long Island Railroad in New York, and enjoyed talking about trains all the time. He loved the Brooklyn Dodgers, and his favorite player was Jackie Robinson. Mr. O’Neil served our country in the US Navy. He was known by many, as being a family man, and was there for them no matter what. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and we will miss him very much.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Kathleen Kelly O’Neil; children, T. J. Cox, Kelly Hiatt and husband, Lawrence, and Daniel Joseph Cox; nine grandchildren Kaelee, and husband, John, Alexis, Tristian, Courtney, Timothy, Jr., Abagail, Ethan, Lucas, and Mia, and one great-granddaughter, Faith Marie; sister, Kathy Ann Salak; sisters-in-law, Rose O’Neil, and Dorothy Teresa Kelly; many nieces and nephews.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson, NC.