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Daniel O'Neill Obituary
Gen. O'Neill was born and raised in Pleasant Mount, PA, the son of Eleanor M. and Paul L. O'Neill, and was a lifelong resident of Wayne County.
He was a graduate of Pleasant Mount High School Class of 1955, where he was a basketball star who averaged over 30 points a game as a senior.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Scranton in 1959, where he was a six time letter-winner in basketball and baseball.
He is an inductee of the Wayne, Lackawanna and Luzerne County Sports Halls of Fame. Gen. O'Neill went on to earn Master degrees from the University of Scranton and Lehigh University.
Gen. O'Neill was a career educator. He began teaching in the Susquehanna School District, where he also coached varsity baseball and basketball.
In 1969 Gen. O'Neill moved to the Wayne Highlands School District, where he served as the Honesdale High School Assistant Principal until 1972 and High School Principal through 1989.
Gen. O'Neill was then appointed Superintendant of Schools for Wayne Highlands School District where he served from 1989 through 1999, and where he oversaw numerous building and sports complex projects.
In all, he spent nearly 40 years serving his community as an educator to thousands of students in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Gen. O'Neill had over 35 years of distinguished commissioned service in the U.S. Army and Pennsylvania National Guard.
He received his commission in the Military Police as a Distinguished Reserve Officer Training Corps Graduate from the University of Scranton in 1959.
Thereafter he attended the Military Police Officer Basic Course and served on active duty as a platoon leader in the 716th MP Battalion at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Upon returning to Pennsylvania, Gen. O'Neill joined the Pennsylvania National Guard. Gen. O'Neill is a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College, the National Security Management Course, and in 1984 graduated from the United States Army War College.
Gen. O'Neill served in numerous Pennsylvania National Guard command and staff positions including as the Commander of Company A, 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry (Mechanized), Honesdale, PA, Commander of the 1st Battalion, 109th Infantry (Mechanized) and as the 55th Brigade Commander in Scranton, PA.
In 1989 Gen. O'Neill was appointed commander of the 28th Infantry Division (Mechanized), its 30th Commander, where he led over 17,000 Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers and served with distinction from 1989 until 1994. He held every command position from platoon leader as a 2nd Lieutenant through Division Commander as a Major General.
Gen. O'Neill was awarded numerous awards and medals through his military service, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Component Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
Gen. O'Neill was a tireless community leader. He served on numerous boards and charities, including serving as the President of the Suburban Football Conference; Director of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association's District 12; a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Board of Controllers; a member of the Board of Directors of Wayne County Bank and Trust Co.; and Chairman of the Wayne Memorial Hospital Authority Board.
He was a founding member of ""E-Z Construction Company,"" an organization made up of Honesdale community leaders who organized and built the Honesdale Community Pool, and he led many more civic minded groups and movements all toward the betterment of the Honesdale, Wayne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania communities.
Gen. O'Neill was also a private pilot of fixed wing aircraft with a love of flying and aviation that he shared with anyone who would join him aloft.
He was a sports enthusiast who was a fixture in the bleachers at Honesdale High School sporting events and an avid reader and authority on military history.
He also refereed high school and college basketball games for nearly 25 years.
For the past 10 years, Gen. O'Neill enjoyed spending winters at his home in Florida golfing and entertaining many friends.
Of all Gen. O'Neill's accomplishments, his greatest was his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 55 years, Alice (Hauenstein), to whom he was married at St. Juliana's Catholic Church, Rock Lake, PA on December 19, 1959.
He is also survived by his four beloved children and 10 grandchildren: his daughter Kelly Maton, M.D., her husband Bruno, and their children Marie and Michael Maton; his daughter Erin Shine, MBA, her husband Michael, and their children Chelsea Shine Wilson (Tyler), Regan, Daniel, and Madeline Shine; his daughter Sandra Rickard, MS, her husband Martin, and their children Elizabeth and Jack Rickard; and his son Michael J. O'Neill, Esq., his wife Erin, and their children Emelia and Eleanor Grace O'Neill. He is also survived by his siblings Gerard O'Neill, Benjamin O'Neill (Mary), and Kathleen Merring (Elwood).
He was preceded in death by his infant son Daniel J. O'Neill, Jr., and brothers Paul O'Neill (Marie) and John O'Neill (Ruth).
He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.
General O'Neill's legacy of leadership, service, integrity and unwavering commitment to his family, community and country will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.
Friends may visit at the Lemnitzer Armory in Honesdale on Sunday, August 2nd from 3:00-7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church, Honesdale. General O'Neill will be laid to rest with military honors in St. Juliana's Cemetery in Rock Lake. Arrangements by Hessling Funeral Home, Inc., 428 Main St. Honesdale.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that any donations be made to the Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors Foundation at PAWW c/o Helen Sajer, President, 1117 Country Club Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Daniel O'Neill
Sponsored by His Family.
Rich Valentino
July 24, 2025
An outstanding educator and commander. I had the privilege of working with Dan as an educator and as a solider. The relationships he developed as an administrator in education and as an officer in the military can only be described as "once in a lifetime experience"!
Simply an honor to say we were friends on a professional and personal basis.
God bless you sir.
May you rest in peace, knowing you have given so much to so many!
Tim Noto
March 20, 2017
I was deeply saddened to hear of the General's passing. He was a tremendous influence on my career. Kind and firm, I owe him much of my success.
Thank You Sir! Rest in Peace, roll on
Pat Stanford
August 15, 2015
Alice and their children,I was shocked to see that Dan passed away..He was a great coach and one of the most respected people that I had the privilege to know,he was a great mentor to all who knew him,sorry for your loss.
karen Nuschke
August 6, 2015
My deepest sympathies for the family and friends of Mr. ONeill. He was a role model and inspiration . He lived his life to the very fullest and will always be remembered fondly and lovingly by many. Mr. O' neill was the principal at Honesdale High when I attended there. He kept a steady and firm hand on the the expectations of how we should behave and I personally never wanted to disappoint him!
Mr. O'neill was a wonderful friend of my parents and I know they are struggling with his loss.May his family and friends find comfort in knowing his legacy will continue on . Celebrate a life so fully lived and all his amazing achievements!
Karen Hankinson Nuschke
Ed Gahres
August 5, 2015
To the O'Neill family,
MG O'Neill was an outstanding leader. So sorry for your loss.
CMSgt (ret) AL KLANSEK, USAF, PIAA, NEIU
August 4, 2015
To the O'Neil Family,
My hearfelt condolances on your loss. I was saddened to learn of Danny's passing.
I was privileged to know Danny on three different levels over the past 50+ years.
First, as officials in the PIAA.
Second as members of the military,(He in the Army and I in the Air Force), where we would swap stories and information on various topics that would affect us.
And lastly, we would see each other occasionally when he attended meetings at the NEIU or I had an opportunity to visit Wayne Highlands on IU business.
I always enjoyed our conversations. He showed respect and received it in return. He had that effect on people.
He was a leader. The areas that he was involved in, benefitted greatly by his knowledge, and dediciation.
Certainly he will be missed. More importantly, he will be remembered.
John Judge
August 4, 2015
My sincere condolences to the O'Neill family. When I came home from the Army in 1972 and was assigned to HHQ 1st Battalion of the 109th (Mechanized) INF. I had the privilege of being Lt. Gen. Daniel J. O'Neill APC Command Post operator along with being a member of his S-3, And S-3 Air operations group as a specialist.
He was a great leader, educator, and all around great man. He was one of the few men who encouraged me to continue my college education, and stressed the importance of having a college degree. He will be missed.
COL Mark Westbrook
August 4, 2015
I am extremely sorry for your loss. General O'Neill was an inspiration for me to join the military which I spent 30 years. He was a phenominal Officer. God Bless
LARENE (LORI) BEDFORD BARTON
August 3, 2015
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO DANNY'S FAMILY. HE WAS A VERY POLITE AND WONDERFUL MAN. REMEMBER ALL THE MEMORIES OF DANNY.
August 3, 2015
General O'Neill, a true leader who inspired all. Thank you for your dedicated military and community service. Mrs. O'Neill and family, I am very sorry for your loss. SGM Arnold
Bill & Jackie Parker
August 3, 2015
Alice and family, I know you are all heartbroken at this time and that Dan will undoubtedly receive many tributes so I will keep this short. Since high school I have always been impressed that Dan seemed to remember, keep track and ultimately encourage everyone he has ever come in contact with. Since then I been lucky enough in my life to meet and know several so called great men, Politicians, philanthropists & statesmen. However I can say without reservation that none of them have ever had a greater positive effect on his community, state and country than Dan did, he was simply the best of us. We will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ed Criddle
August 3, 2015
Mr O'Neill was my Baseball Coach/teacher in Susquehanna. His "Don't take drugs lecture" in Health class is the single reason I never did and I told him so at our 20 year reunion and It made him happy. He sure did not "Get Cheated" I don't know how he could find time to do so many wonderful things. I am a better person for knowing this great man
Ed Criddle
August 2, 2015
Mr.O'Neill was my Honesdale High principal until he took the Superintendent position. He had a profound impact on my young life. I am so deeply saddened to hear of his passing. To Mike (whom I graduated with) I send you and your family my heartfelt sympathies at the passing of your father.
Terry Blaisure
August 2, 2015
To the O'Neill Family: I had the pleasure of being in one of "The General's" classes when I was going through my educational leadership program. I have to admit that at first I was terrified of him - he threatened to lock us out of the room if we were late! There were a few mornings when I might have driven a bit too fast or ran down the hallway of the Valley View School but I was never late to his class! He earned our respect very quickly with his no nonsense attitude and we knew that if he said something, he meant it! He was a great teacher and shared his years of experience and wisdom with us in a way that showed how passionate he was about education. My deepest condolences to all of you through this difficult time of loss. God Bless.
Ken Baumgarten
August 2, 2015
General O'Neill had a profound influence on my life as he intervened in my very troubled adolescence. Seeing that I ill suited to remain in high school, he orchestrated circumstances that would force my family to withdraw me from school, but he coordinated the timing so that I dropped out at 8:30 am and sat for the GED exam at 3:30 pm the same day. He knew what I needed and thanks to his efforts, I later graduated suma cum laude from college, and completed a graduate degree with honors. I could've (would've) wound up in jail, but the general saw something in me. He orchestrated a better future for me without ever saying that he was doing it. My happy family, sobriety, education, and entrepreneurship are directly attributable to the guidance of Dan O'Neill, and I will be forever grateful for having known him.
My deepest condolences to his loved ones.
Rhondra Baldwin
August 2, 2015
Mrs. O'Neill and family, I was shocked & sorry to hear about Mr. O'Neill (General) I graduated from Susquehanna High School & I had Mr. O'Neill for a teacher. He was loved by all of us from the class of 1967. He is always mentioned when we get together. He was a wonderful teacher & great mentor. He will be missed. God be with you all.
David Parinisi
August 2, 2015
Dear Alice,
we are so sorry for your loss I used to work with him at the scranton armory. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God bless
109 th Infantry Regiment Association
August 2, 2015
Dear Alice and family, On behalf of the Officers and members of the 109th Infantry Regiment Association our sincere condolences to the entire O'Neill family. It was an honor and a privilege to serve with General O'Neill.
He truley was a mentor and brother to all members of the Pa Army National Guard. His service to Country and Community will never be forgotten. God Bless you all
August 2, 2015
Alice, so sorry for your loose,I will never forget him as my favorite basketball coach. Fred Towner Susquehanna class of 1961.
Nancy Boyer
August 2, 2015
Dear Alice and family, I am so sorry for your loss, for Dan's passing is a loss for us all in this community. Yesterday, my daughters sat around my table and recalled their memories of Mr. O'Neill as their principal. His presence in the hall demanded the respect that he gave as well as received. He was my boss while teaching at the Middle School and his professionalism and dedication to education will live on. Sincerely, Nancy L. Boyer
August 2, 2015
I have few memories of Gen. O'Neill when in high school, having graduated long ago in 1969, and never having played team sports, because of lack of ability and interest. However, if one word comes to mind about Gen. O'Neill, upon reflecting, it is RESPECT. He was one of the favorite teachers throughout the school. For teenagers, to sense respect upon meeting him and being in his class, and for this to be so widespread, was most unusual. His high position and most distinguished service to his state and nation, was due to this natural attribute, among his others. For in a military sense, with respect comes TRUST, and that, in a leader, is critical to mission success and one's survival on a battlefield. My deep condolences to his family.
Terry Stanton DPM LTC(ret)
August 1, 2015
So very sorry. Words cannot describe the respect and admiration I will always carry for Dan. Truly one of America's finest! He will live on, as long as even one, who remembers him still carries the feelings of compassion and warmth he gave to us all.
May God Bless you and be with you during this time of unbelievable loss.
We have all been blessed to have been touched by him. I will never forget my friend and mentor.
Rich Valentino
August 1, 2015
Mrs. O'Neil So sorry to learn of the passing of your husband, Danny. In reading his obituary, it brought back fond memories of my friend in both the field of education and officiating many high school basketball games together. Dan was a very impressive person who possessed the traits of honesty, integrity and leadership skills which were admirable in both his professional and non-professional endeavors. Dan's legacy will remain forever in the Wayne Highland School District and the Honesdale community during his educational and military careers.
Dr. E. C. LaCoe Retired Supt. of Schools Abington Heights School District - Retired District 2 Basketball Official
John Greene
August 1, 2015
To the O'Neill Family'
I wish to extend my personal condolences to you all. Danny was an exceptional man and I never knew him but met him twice in passing.
Danny was 6 years older than me when he was breaking all basketball scoring records at Pleasant Mount HS IN 1954-55 and I believe his average of 33 points per game is still the Wayne County record.
I was at Preston and graduated in 1960. But Danny was someone I admired even then. I believe Danny touched more lives than you may realize by his example throughout his life. May Danny Rest in Peace and Your love for him Sustain you in this difficult time. God Bless, Danny and those who loved him.
May we all be forever young in his remembrance and smile with the loving memories of his life.
Bob Altier
August 1, 2015
Dear Alice,
I too am devastated, as I know you and family surely are! I had not seen Danny since the early 80s when we were both in the Guard. Of all my classmates at University of Scranton, Danny was always "The Best" person anyone could ever be. We roomed together, struggled together, and were mutually supportive.
I am a better man because of His examples and grit. I regret not seeing him for so long a time. May God Bless you and your family.
Most Humble Regards,
Dan Soden
July 31, 2015
O'Neill Family,
He was a great and respected man. He has touched the lives of many including my wife and I. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dan and Kristen (Simmons) Soden
Fred Garm
July 31, 2015
Dan will live on in the hearts, minds, and habits of so many people that he touched in his rich and exemplary life. He was genuine, moral and intense; he made us all feel valued and valuable; he awakened always "the better angels of our nature." He was a man of lasting impact who made us all better and made us all proud.
Ltc.(R) Keneth Ault
July 31, 2015
Please accept my condolences. LTG. O'Neill was a man of strength and resolve. He was a man who wore the whole body of God's armor. LTG. O'Neill mentored and taught me lessons that served me well during my military career. I still carry those lessons with me today. LTG. O'Neill believed in God, Family, and Country. These were his priorities and LTG. O'Neill lived his life according to Gods plan. I will always remember him.
Jay Tiernan
July 31, 2015
Mr. O'Neill was my principle at HHS from 1986 to 1989. I was a rebellious kid, he and I weren't in good standing, although the last two years of my time there were much quieter in that aspect. The man gave me more than a couple second chances, and thinking back now, I did sense that he was a good man, a patient one, ..he had to be! He and I came from completely different backgrounds, I grew up with artist parents and I am one myself, and surely I lived a less structured life, and in a different mind. I should have looked him up and just had a conversation with him in the years after I graduated. Maybe we could have been friends. My condolences to The O'Neill family and all those close to Mr. O'Neill. I am sorry for your loss.
Carl Granquist
July 31, 2015
Daniel O'Neill was a respected company commander of the Honesdale National Guard when I served with the National Guard while he was the company commander. Sympathy to the family.
Libbie and Gene Hobart
July 31, 2015
Mr. O'Neil will always be remembered as one of our best, most respected and favorite teachers at SCHS.
For all the things he "died on his sword for" to make our world a better place....
Laura Davis
July 31, 2015
It was a pleasure and an honor to know Mr. O'Neill I had many graduate classes with him as I worked on my principal certification through Wilkes. He had many life stories to share and was full of good old common sense. He cared deeply about his students, his community and his family. He was a great role model for us all.
Howard Karschner
July 31, 2015
I'm sorry to hear the sad news. Mr. O'neill was a blessing to me and my family.His kindness is remembered.
Robert & Ceil Drake
July 31, 2015
My husband Robert Drake and I are so very sorry for your loss,Robert remembers him .He truly was a very nice person.Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of need.May he rest in peace.
July 31, 2015
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathy to you and yours.
Sincerely, Hugh and Norma Murphy
Lisa Bond
July 31, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. O'Neill was a great man, always there when needed and wearing such a sincere smile on his face. He will be missed by many. My love to each one of his children and his wife. You did your job here on earth. You served your country. Thank you, Mr. O'Neill for all that you did and all that you were.
William Quaglio
July 31, 2015
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Terry Glossenger-Hasan
July 30, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was one of the most amazing men I ever had the honor of knowing. He made us all strive to be better students, friends and members of the community by leading by example. My deepest sympathy to the O'Neill family.
Al Holzman
July 30, 2015
Dan was quite a guy. Outgoing, interested in his students, an energetic and compulsive overachiever. He coached one of the greatest basketball teams Susquehanna has ever had. Wayne Richards, Phil Dontini, Rick Thompson.
When I was a kid, he lived on the corner of Elm Street and Universal Terrace in Susquehanna near my Uncle Andy. I'd go down the street to talk to him. This was before he married I think. Seemed like an OK dude at the time
Then he was my teacher and I discovered what a special person he was. Clearly my good fortune. There were days, many days actually, when class consisted of just shooting the bull. No lesson plan for those days. The whole class would just kind of hang and talk, about what I can't remember because it was 47 years ago, perhaps issues of the day. When Rick Tingley and I played on the golf team, he always asked our scores. I was so proud when he asked and I had shot a 37 against Blue Ridge. I've never forgotten the last time I saw Dan. It was Christmas time 1970 at the Viewmont Mall in Scranton. I was shopping for leather boots. There were only a few stores in the mall at the time. I saw Dan in the commons area and we started talking about this, that, and other things. He asked what I was doing and when I told him I was going to Pitt he quickly asked, "what the heck happened to them [the football team] this year?" Pitt started out winning the first 5 games and then losing the last 5.
Dan O'Neil was a one heck of a great guy. When he went to Honesdale, it was certainly a loss for everyone at SCHS.
Al Holzman
SCHS Class of 1970
July 30, 2015
Alice,
Can't tell you how much I've been thinking of you both. Dan was one of my teachers at Susquehanna as you know and of course, we taught together at the UofS. My condolences. Tom Collins
July 30, 2015
LOVE AND PRAYERS TO ALL OF YOUR FAMILY AND YOU, ALICE. THE COMMUNITY HAS LOST A STRONG AND GOOD MAN, AND ALL OF YOU A GREAT DAD AND HUSBAND. LOVE AND PRAYERS. WE WILL BE UP..JANICE AND ROGER
TOM & GALE TURNER
July 30, 2015
TO THE ENTIRE O"NEILL FAMILY ,SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS TOM&GALE TURNER
Stan Gumble
July 30, 2015
Certainly one of the finest leaders, both educational and military, that I have ever known. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for him. My prayers and condolences go out to his family and friends.
Basil & Peggy Mushala
July 30, 2015
Our prayers are with the family, he was our teacher and Commanding Officer when I was in the National Guards.
Karen Novobilski
July 30, 2015
Dear Alice, Kelly, Erin, Sandy and Mike, Such heartbreaking news to hear. Dan "Mr O'Neill" was the gentle giant of HHS. Never was there a time that we didn't pass the Principals office and he was there watching over all of us. He protected us just as he did his family. So very sorry for your loss.
Bob Stiepock
July 30, 2015
Dan and I were friends. Best friends, actually. Lucky for me, because Danny was an especially kind, generous and caring person. We met as freshman at the University of Scranton where we were teammates and roommates. Fortunately, we stayed in touch over the years. I always enjoyed the pride, delight and exuberance with which he described the achievements of his children and grandchildren. I miss him. He was a wonderful man.
Stanton Pratt
July 30, 2015
My sincere condolences to the entire O'Neill family. It has been my honor and Privilege to work with General O'Neill numerous times over the years. His service to his community will never be forgotten. God Bless you all.
john bugbee
July 30, 2015
you were a good and fair man . Alot of students learned values as they went to school under your watch sir. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family in this time of sorrow . I know you touched many lives of the people in the military to the students that walked down your halls rest easy sir ! It was a pleasure going to your school and knowing you .
July 30, 2015
I went to Honesdale high. I ended up in the office a couple times shaking in me boot's. I remember when it came time to graduate he told me to put a tie on or you don't graduate . I found one pretty quick. He was a Great guy he will be missed .God Bless .
David and Susan Seber
July 30, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Dan was a great man he had a kind word for all. His leadership qualities were a true gift from God, he will surely be missed .
BOB & ANNE LYNCH
July 30, 2015
Dear Alice and Family - we were shocked and saddened to hear of Dan's untimely passing. He was truly a great man who did so much for so many. It was a privilege to have know him. Please convey our sincere condolences to the entire O'Neill family. We regret that we are away during his services. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Love, Bob and Anne Lynch.
July 30, 2015
our hearts and prayers are with the whole family, he will be missed terribly by many people's life he has touched in many ways. Janet & Don armstrong
Jamie & Mary Pole
July 30, 2015
I was indeed a pleasure to consider "Dan" as one our valued friends. We enjoyed many great times with Dan & Alice. Dan was a positive influence on everyone he met, and always lifted their spirits. Jamie & Mary Pole.
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