Rev. Charles Edwards O'Neill

O'NEILL Rev. Charles Edwards O'Neill, S.J., departed this life on the afternoon of December 19, 2009, at Ignatius Residence Infirmary in New Orleans, LA. A native of New Orleans, Father O'Neill was born on November 16, 1927 and attended school in this city, being graduated from Jesuit High School in 1944. He entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) on August 14 of that same year at the Jesuit novitiate of St. Charles College in Grand Coteau, LA. Having completed part of his studies for the priesthood at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL, Father O'Neill finished his theology studies in Belgium and France. He then earned a doctorate in church history at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Father O'Neill ministered with distinction in the fields of education and scholarship. He taught at Jesuit High School in New Orleans from 1951-54 and at Loyola University at various times in the 1960s and 1970s; likewise, he served on the faculties of the Jesuit juniorate in Grand Coteau, the Gregorian University, and the Catholic University of America. From 1976-1993, Father O'Neill was Director of the Jesuit Historical Institute in Rome, where he oversaw research projects on the history of the Jesuits. Much of Father O'Neill's own research centered on the history of French colonial Louisiana and on the development of the numerous local cultures that have shaped this region of the country. He was well known as an expert tour guide-especially for walking tours-in Rome, New Orleans, or any other city in which he had lived. Father O'Neill is preceded in death by his parents, John Henry O'Neill and Mary Albion Edwards, and by his siblings, Mrs. Catherine Celina Summers and Dr. John O'Neill. His loss is mourned by his sister-in-law, Peggy O'Neill, by his nieces, Kathleen O'Neill Feldbaum and Anne O'Neill Summers, by nephews, Kevin O'Neill, Brian O'Neill, Bill Summers Jr., and Richard Summers, and by many grand- and great grand-nieces and nephews. Father O'Neill is likewise mourned by his numerous students and colleagues and by his brother Jesuits. A Memorial Mass will be offered at Holy Name of Jesus Church in New Orleans on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at 11 AM with visitation at 10 AM. To acknowledge his life of service and to provide for the education of young Jesuits and the care of elder Jesuits, donations are requested to "The Jesuits," 710 Baronne St., Ste B., New Orleans, LA 70113.