Capt Richard Patrick "Dick" O'Neill

9/5/1947 - 12/28/2023

Bethesda, Md. - Captain Richard Patrick "Dick" O'Neill, USN (ret.) passed away peacefully in the arms of his beloved wife Deborah Dec. 28, 2023. He was born Sept. 5, 1947, in New London, the son of Andrew V. and Agatha (Santaniello) O'Neill. He is survived by his son Gene O'Neill and wife Kristen of Bend, Ore.; his brother James O'Neill and his wife Dorian of New London; and his sister Kate O'Neill Cook and her husband Tim of Abingdon, Md. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Sean, Rocco and Skye O'Neill; a niece Lauren Cook; and nephews, Drew Cook and Casey O'Neill and his wife Michele and son, A.J. of Colchester.

He was a true son of New London who attended Harbor School, played Little League baseball at Mitchell Woods, secured a job as beach boy at Guthrie Beach, went to the Coke Dances at Ocean Beach, and made friendships that lasted a lifetime. Dick graduated from New London High School, Class of '65, and went to The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., where he graduated in 1969, with a degree in political science. It was this college experience that also provided him with close friends and a foundation of faith that he embraced for a lifetime. His plan to attend University of Virginia School of Architecture was sidelined when he received his draft notice in the summer of 1969. He joined the U.S. Navy and reported for duty at Great Lakes Naval Station. Upon completion of basic training, he was assigned to Radioman School in Newport, R.I. where he later entered Officers Candidate School. Upon graduation from OCS, Dick rose rapidly through the ranks eventually attaining the rank of captain. He served in aviation squadrons and shore sites all around the world, including commanding officer of the Naval Security Group Activity, Kunia, Hawaii, and ultimately the staff of the assistant secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence, where his vision and experience provided critical insights to a rapidly changing world. He also graduated from the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., in 1988, and while there was awarded the Middendorf Award for presenting the best scholarly research on strategic concepts. His consummate professional expertise and bold leadership garnered him numerous personal awards including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three awards of the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal.

After retiring from the Navy in 1998, Dick and Deborah founded the Highlands Group, a multi-disciplinary resource supporting a long list of distinguished clients across the globe. Dick spearheaded a series of conferences called The Highlands Forum. It was at these gatherings that Dick continued to ensure that Defense Department leadership would be exposed to non-intuitive takes on topics that he forecast would become active concerns for national security officials. In 2002, the O'Neills were invited to Singapore, where they assisted in launching the first of several Island Forums and later the International Risk and Horizon Scanning Symposium (IRAHSS) and Foresight Conference.

Dick was a one-of-a kind: a quiet patriot, comfortable seeking out those with differing beliefs or complex, interesting points of view. He taught us to be humble, curious and open to new ideas, especially those that challenged our preconceptions. He was always learning, and sharing that knowledge with colleagues, up until the very last days of his remarkable life. Dick will be remembered as a generous man with the sort of kindness that resides deep within, not artifice, but with a genuine care and respect for fellow human beings. It is not surprising that he maintained strong friendships from his grammar school days at Harbor school, his high school days, his college years, his naval career, and his distinguished service as leader of The Highlands Group. Yet, it was his family that was the center of Dick's life, from his inspiring relationship with Deborah, to his love and care for his child and grandchildren, to his unbreakable connection with his New London family who were so proud of him and his achievements. Dick traveled the world in adventurous style in the service of his country and yet, in some ways never left New London.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 9200 Kentsdale Drive, Potomac, MD 20854. An Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery will take place in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.