Robert O'Neil

Robert P. “Bob” O’Neil, age 93, of Bloomingdale, NY died on Thursday October 12, 2023 with his wife and family by his side.

Robert was born on July 17, 1930 in Franklin Falls, NY, the son of John and Margaret (Brewster) O’Neil. He married the love of his life, Shirley Jean Golden on September 16, 1950 in Ausable Forks, NY. They celebrated 73 amazing and wonderful years together!

Robert grew up on the O’Neil Family Farm where he worked and honed his love of tractors. Robert enlisted in the Army in 1951 and served during the Korean War. After serving his country, Robert returned to Bloomingdale and worked as a driver for Norman’s Store and Swift’s Meat Company. In 1963, Robert began working for the New York State Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer. He worked as a Corrections Officer for 20 years, Sergeant for 7 years and 3 years as a Lieutenant until he retired in 1980 with 30 years of service. While working at the Department of Corrections he also worked as a bus driver for the Saranac Lake Central School District.

Robert was a lifetime member of the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department where he held various positions throughout his membership, from Treasurer to Fire Chief. Bob enjoyed being the chair person and staffing the Fire Department’s Annual Labor Day Chicken BBQ dinner with family members. Robert was a proud and devout member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Bloomingdale, NY. Robert became a member of the North Country Honor Flight after taking his initial flight to Washington, DC in 2017. Robert loved spending time with his family and boating at their camp in Franklin Falls, NY. He was loved deeply by all who knew him and is often remembered as the “greatest man” they ever knew! Bob not only raised his seven children and many grandchildren, he raised a community, his community!

Robert is survived by his wife Shirley of Bloomingdale and their children; Cheryl Faucher (Larry) of Guilderland, NY, Michael O’Neil (Nancy) of White House, TN, Margaret O’Neil of Schoharie, NY, Kathleen McGuigan (Henry) of Duanesburg, NY, John O’Neil (Gaye) of Bloomingdale, NY, Tricia Casey (David) of Sandwich, MA and daughter in law Queenie O’Neil of St. Augustine, FL. Robert is also survived by his grandchildren Felicity Lothrop, Nicole Murray, Rachel McEver, Gretchen Robinson, Peggy Krafft, Robert (Bobby) O’Neil, Henry (HB) McGuigan, Chelsea McGuigan, Brooke Martineau, Tyler O’Neil, David (DJ) Casey and Parker Casey, as well as 12 Great Grandchildren (expecting the 13th) and 1 Great Great Grandchild.

Robert was predeceased by his son William (Bill) O’Neil and granddaughter Hayley McGuigan.

Robert is the last of the O’Neil family and was predeceased by his siblings Harold O’Neil, Mildred Howard, Catherine Suchan, Geraldine Goff, Dorothy Smith, Frances Wood, Betty Columbe and Johnny Wood.

Funeral arrangements are in care of Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Calling hours are Monday, October 16, 2023 from 4-7 pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, October 17, at 11 am at Assumption Church in Gabriel’s, NY and burial following at the St. Paul’s Cemetery in Bloomingdale, NY.

Family and friends wishing to remember Robert P. O’Neil may make contributions to the North Country Honor Flight or BVFD (Truck Restoration) in care of Fortune Keough Funeral Home. Family and friends can also share their memories, send condolences and sign the online guest book at www.Fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.