Mr. Thomas D O'Neil's Obituary
Thomas Delano O’Neil, age 76, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 3, 2016, in the presence of his family. Tom was born on September 28, 1939. Clarence and Helen O ‘Neil raised him and his siblings, Robert and Janet. Tom proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines right out of High School. Tom was on the Muskegon Fire Department when he married and was blessed with two daughters, Debbie and Tammy, whom he loved dearly. In 1966 he met and married the former Dianne Kruger and together they enjoyed 41 years of marriage, until her passing in 2007. In 1966 Tom and his wife, Dianne moved to California to start a new life. In 1966 he applied to the Los Angeles Police department and got accepted into the academy in 1967, where he served as a police officer, moving up in the ranks to a detective, until he retired in 1993 serving 27 years. Tom went on to work for American Express in the fraud department for 10 years. After retiring from there, he and Dianne enjoyed traveling in their RV around the United States. Tom loved taping and organizing movies, watching sports and old western movies on TV. He was a selfless, affectionate man who was tough on the outside, but soft on the inside, always putting others before himself. Tom is survived by his two daughters, Debbie (John) Chapman and Tammy (Steve) Hefley; grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael, Tiffany, Crystal, Cheyenne, Charmayne, Candice and Cody; great-grandson, Mikey; sister, Janet Miller; and nephew, Scott Miller. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Dianne; and brother, Robert O’Neil. A VISITATION and CELEBRATION of Tom’s life with a light dinner will take place from 3-5pm on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at The Lee Chapel 6291 S. Harvey St. 231-798-1100. A time of sharing will take place around 4:30pm and the family asks that friends come with a great story to tell about Tom. Memorial Contributions can be made to Michele’s Rescue, 301 Alten NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 (231-798-4935).
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?