John "Jack" O'Neill

Obituary of John F. "Jack" O'Neill

John F. "Jack" O'Neill Of Waukesha and formerly of New York, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2011 at AngelsGrace Hospice at the age of 85. Jack had struggled with prostate cancer which later spread to his bones. He was born on January 5, 1926 in New Jersey to John and Marie O'Neill (nee Lynch). Jack worked at Fireman's Fund as a casualty underwriter for many years in NY and in WI. After retirement he worked for over 15 years as a school bus driver for Dairyland Bus Company in Waukesha. For the last couple years he has driven special needs students and received many thank you cards from the parents. Jack loved to travel with his companion in life for over 35 years, Sheryl Gist, whom he enjoyed taking hiking trips and traveling through various states with. Jack was always willing to see new places and eat different foods. Sheryl's nieces and nephews will miss him since he was a great adopted uncle. He taught Dawn and Karrie to swim and dive. Erin, Katie and Sarah will miss his interesting conversations even if sometimes they did not understand what he was talking about and how he tried to build up their confidence. Jack also took them on park and hiking trips. Sheryl's 2 young nephews will miss going to the movies with him to see the animated films and also seeing him at their basketball games at Westbrook Church. Nicholas will miss his chess partner. Jack will be missed by Sheryl's mother, Trudy Bandler, whom he took shopping and to her card games. One characteristic was Jack's honesty - you could trust Jack to tell you the truth. He was an avid reader and had a passion for discussing politics, economics and religion. Jack's world view and memorable "Oh's" will be missed by all who knew him. He loved plants; pruning and planting them. Every fall there was a discussion about not bringing the summer plants indoors. Jack was a very serious and logical person. He loved to give Hallmark cards. He could find one for every situation. Reading was one of Jack's passions and he would often discuss readings with Sheryl that he found interesting. Jack had spent time with his children at Sunken Meadows - Long Island, and the best times he remembers with them are at Alley Pond Park, New York. He was proud of his children as they were part of the world and could handle any life problems that were thrown to them. Jack always talked about Paul and playing football with him. He even enjoyed the music of the 70's that Paul introduced him to. Nancy was his princess but also a tomboy. Susan was most like him but different at the same time. Johnny was the youngest and a great hiking partner as well. Jack is survived by his companion in life, Sheryl Gist; Sheryl's brothers and sisters, Norman (Mary) Bandler, Noreen (Jim) Bartlet, and Christopher (Donna) Bandler; Trudy Bandler; Sheryl's five nieces, Dawn, Karrie, Erin, Katie and Sarah; two nephews, Nicholas and Jacob. Jack's is also survived by his former wife, Carolyn O'Neill; children, Paul O'Neill, Nancy (Dan) Winiarski, Susan O'Neill, and John (Veronica) O'Neill; grandchildren Dan Jr., James, Gabriella, and Milo; 4 great grandchildren; many other family and friends. Preceded in death by grandson, Robert. Memorials in Jack's name to AngelsGrace Hospice, W359 N7430 Brown St. (Hwy P), Oconomowoc, WI 53066, are appreciated. ? Private family services will be held at a future date.
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