William "Bill" Baldwin O'Neill

Granville native and New Mexico legislator Bill O’Neill has died after a long bout with cancer. Known as a fierce advocate dedicated to improving the lives of the people of New Mexico, Bill was born in Newark, Ohio, graduating from Granville High School and Cornell University.

After earning his degree, Bill spent a number of years traveling the country, often by hopping freight trains, supporting himself by working odd jobs, and — always — writing. After several years in Montana, Bill moved to Albuquerque, NM, in 1990. There he began his lifetime of public service, with a special emphasis on supporting marginalized people. 

He initially worked at a homeless shelter and the Bernalillo County Jail through an internship with the nonprofit Center for Action and Contemplation. Over time his responsibilities expanded to working with incarcerated juveniles. Ultimately, he co- founded Dismas House, a transitional living program in Albuquerque dedicated to helping parolees re-enter the community. In 2005, Governor Bill Richardson appointed Bill Executive Director of the New Mexico Juvenile Parole Board. 

Seeing the need for governmental cooperation in addressing the challenges of the people he worked with, Bill decided to enter politics. In 2009, he was elected to the New Mexico House, representing the people in House District 15. He served in the House from 2009 –2013. In 2013, he was elected to Senate District 13, where he served through 2024. 

Bill introduced, co-sponsored, and fought for numerous bills creating opportunities and removing barriers for New Mexicans, with a particular emphasis on juvenile justice issues. Among these were the expansion of arts programs in juvenile justice facilities, the prohibition of life sentences for juveniles, and the creation of the New Mexico School for the Arts, a unique statewide residential public high school.  

In addition to his political accomplishments, Bill was also a gifted and relentless writer. His published works include two collections of poetry, The Freedom of the Ignored and The Definition of Empty; two novels, Panoramic Diaries and Short Session; and the play Save the Bees. Another of his works. 

He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his family members and his many friends. He is survived by his siblings, Nancy O’Neill (Charles Childress) of Austin, Texas; Henry O’Neill (Carol Muranaka) of Honolulu, Hawaii; John O’Neill (Annette O’Neill) of Portland, Oregon; Robert O’Neill (Alexa Robinson) of Granville, Ohio; and nieces and nephews Quinn Ryan, Regan, Kerry, Eaton, Cullen, Bryna, Natalie, Molly, Ellen, and Alex O’Neill.

Bill’s Lying in State, a public memorial and reception, took place at the New Mexico State Capitol on Thursday, April 24.

In Granville, friends are invited to celebrate Bill’s life at a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 A.M. on Friday, May 23, 2025, St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church, and to toast his memory after 3 P.M. that afternoon at the Granville Inn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Santa Fe Community Foundation (https://www.santafecf.org/), the Albuquerque Community Foundation (https://abqcf.org/), or the charity of your choice.

Please visit www.McPeekHoekstra.com to share a special memory or leave a message of condolence.