Timothy William O'Neil

Timothy William O'Neil, 65, of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, passed away on January 16, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. Affectionately known as Tim, Timmy, Dad, Pops, and his favorite, Grandpa Tim, he was most proud of being a father and grandfather.
Born on October 17, 1959, in Plainfield, NJ, he was the son of Jeremiah P. O'Neil and Vivian C. O'Neil. Tim had a deep love of music and history, but his greatest passion was art. After studying at the Maryland Institute of Art, he grew that passion into his business, Artco Renderings. Tim made a later-in-life career shift to become an adjunct professor at Kean University, having returned to school to study graphic design. He was a funny, vibrant, and relatable professor who adored teaching, often using his storytelling abilities to keep his classes informed and entertained. His booming voice was unmistakable and will be greatly missed at both his job and boisterous O'Neil family gatherings.
Outside of his family and career, Tim loved a good book, landscaping/landscape architecture, taking a long nap, and learning to play the piano. His daughters fondly remember taking trips to New York City and getting the "insider" tour from their dad. Tim was immensely proud of his Irish and Italian heritage and instilled that pride in his daughters. He loved to crack a joke, especially a bad "dad joke" and you could always find him on the dance floor at a family wedding when a Sinatra era song was played. He will be remembered by family and friends through his art, stories, and loving family.
In addition to his 98 year old mother, Vivian O'Neil, Tim is survived by two daughters Jamie Leigh Bennett (Robert) and Erin Elizabeth O'Neil Taylor (Austin), three grandchildren, Kyllian, Ronen, and Kentley Bennett, and life partner Kathleen Hart Figurelli. Tim is also survived by brothers Patrick (Maryadele), Joseph (Kathleen), sister Kathleen (John), sister-in-law Carole, and several nieces and nephews. Tim was preceded in death by his brother Christopher O'Neil and father Jeremiah O'Neil.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, April 19 from 2-4pm, at Memorial Funeral Home, when the birds are chirping and flowers are blooming, as Tim loved that time of year most.
In lieu of flowers, a one time art scholarship will be set up for a deserving student of Kean University in Tim's name. Please make donations to @JamieLeigh30 via Venmo or contact Jamie Leigh at 828-290-7978