Robert James O'Neill

Robert James O'Neill, 86, of Via Del Villetti Drive, Venice, Florida passed away at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida on September 18, 2023.

Known as "Bob" or "Mayor Bob," he was born March 12, 1937 to Thomas and Margaret (Murphy) O'Neill in Plattsburgh, New York, and grew up in AuSable Forks.

He graduated from Albany Business School in 1957. In 1957 he worked for Lowe Brothers Paint Company for 2 years. In 1959 he went into the Army and served for 3 years in Germany during the Vietnam War. From 1962 to 1966 he worked at the Armour Packing Company. From May 1966 until he retired in 1999, he worked in the Accounting Department at Ayerst Laboratories in Rouses Point, NY.

On July 2, 1966, he married the love of his life, Marilynn (Sue) Snow in AuSable Forks. The two were blessed with 49 years of marriage, 4 children and 8 grandchildren.

He was a life-long fan of the New York Giants, Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Red Sox. He attended multiple Montreal Canadiens hockey games and went to watch the Detroit Tigers Spring training games while being snowbirds with his wife Sue in Lakeland, Florida. He also got to see the Boston Red Sox Spring Training game with his daughter Beth in North Port, Florida earlier this year.

Bob was a member of American Legion Post #912 in Rouses Point, NY for 40 years and served a term as Legion Commander.

Bob served his community in multiple ways. He was a board member on the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Sportsman's Club and Treasurer for 13 years, a Ridge Runners Charter Member and Treasurer, a Trustee of Rouses Point in 1985 and Mayor of Rouses Point from 1986 for a term of 9 years. He served on the Municipal Electric Utilities Association of New York State (MEUA) Board of Directors in 1986 and served as President from 1993 to 1994.

Bob is survived by his children, Lee (Megan) Smith of Westport, Connecticut, Beverly (Smith) Gover of South Burlington, Vermont, and Beth (Andre') LaFountain of Venice, Florida; son-in-law Joseph Duquette of Rouses Point, New York; sister-in-law Kathryn (Mauran) O'Neill; 8 grandchildren, Christopher (Katie Fahey), Caroline, Claire and Sophie Smith, Michael (Shyla) Gover, Brandon and Cole (Megan) LaFountain, and Ryan Duquette; 3 great grandchildren, Hunter, Sophie, and MJ Gover and extended family.

Bob was predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Sue (Snow) O'Neill, his daughter Susan (O'Neill) Duquette, his brother Thomas A. O'Neill, Jr., sister-in-law, Bev, brother-in-law Chiefo, and nephew Bobby Wilkins, brother-in-law Forrest (Bud) and sister-in-law Helen Snow, and nieces Jari Snow Thwaits and Kim Snow.

Public calling hours will be at the Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, 3 College Street, AuSable Forks on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 11 am to 1 pm. with a funeral service at 1 pm at the funeral home; burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery in AuSable Forks immediately following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob's honor to the American Legion Post #912, P.O. Box 63, Rouses Point, NY 12979.

Services were entrusted to Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, Au Sable Forks, NY. Online condolences may be left at www.hzfuneralhome.com.