George M. O’Neill, 72, of Hoopeston, passed away at 8:36 a.m. Friday, January 12, 2024, at his home.
He was born on March 14, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of John “Jack and Dolores “Dolly” (Bergeron) O’Neill. He later married Arlene Jozefiak on December 29, 2000, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, in Morris, Illinois. She survives.
He is also survived by his daughter- Elizabeth (Adam) Condon; two sons- Peter (Kim) and Quinn (Michelle) O’Neill; children’s mother-Melody McIntosh O’Neill; three brothers- John Patrick (Kathleen) O’Neill, Michael (Denise) O’Neill and Joseph O’Neill; three sisters- Mary Margaret Dyas, Donna Coleman and Mary Beth (Dr. John) Timmons; brother-in-law- Bob Hoyt; eight grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two daughters- Michelle O’Neill and Coleen O’Neill, brother- Daniel O’Neill, sister- Barbara Hoyt and step-mothers- Fran and Betty.
George graduated from Lockport Central High School and Governors State University, with his master’s degree in communication. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War era. Following the service, George worked as a nuclear reactor power operator for 20 years, in Dresden, Illinois. He later worked as an estimator for the Metropolitan Company, in Romeoville, Illinois, until his retirement. George and Arlene then moved to the Hoopeston area to be closer to family. He was a faithful and active member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. He believed in the Church teachings regarding Confession and forgiveness and found a wonderful support and spiritual director in Pastor Father Mulenda of St. Anthony’s Parish.
George was gifted with superb artistic talent, award-winning writing, and excellent chess skills. He loved good books as much as he savored multiple bowls of pasta with cheese. His willingness to help others was shown when they needed him most. His mother-in-law, Irene, benefited from his efforts to move him closer to family after she developed cognitive decline. Whenever he was able, he always made sincere efforts on behalf of those weaker or more fragile than himself. He was the quintessential Christian man.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 20th, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with Father Ignatius Mulenda officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston. According to his wishes, cremation rites will be arranged following the Mass and he will be buried in Floral Hill Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made in George's name to either St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Iroquois Memorial Hospice, Greatest Needs Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center or Greatest Needs Carle Foundation Hospital. The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring George’s life. Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com..
