Frederick Patrick O'Neill

Former NYS Park Superintendent Frederick P. O’Neill Jr., who hired hundreds of local high school and college students during their summer breaks, has died at the age of 85. Mr. O’Neill passed away Friday March 22, after a brief illness surrounded by his family.

Born in Islip NY, Mr. O’Neill was the son of Katherine and Frederick O’Neill Sr., a World War One veteran and private chauffeur to Congressman William Kingsland Macy, the national GOP leader. Frederick’s early childhood was spent swimming, clamming and sailing on the Great South Bay with brothers Bernard and George, while attending St. Mary’s School. After graduating from Islip High School, Mr. O’Neill worked as a lifeguard at Heckscher State Park in East Islip, and studied and played basketball at Farmingdale and CW Post Colleges.

In 1953, he married Patricia Campion. Later, Mr. O’Neill was appointed by Robert Moses as one of the youngest park superintendents in New York State. “It was an idyllic time living in Wildwood and Heckscher Parks. We lived as if he was Lord of the Manor”, said son Gregory. Our dad taught us to play, laugh, and the importance of "It's All About Family.” During his tenure as superintendent, Mr. O’Neill helped design the Park Management Program at Delhi University and oversaw the transition of the South Side Sportsman Club to the Connetquot River State Park Preserve. In addition, he was a member of the Islip and Wading River Fire Departments, the East Islip Rotary Club, and a CYO coach. In the late 1980’s, Mr. O’Neill was elected President of the NYS Park Superintendents, and the NYS Employee of the Year where he was honored with a reception at Cornell University. He retired in 1990 after 44 years with the NYS Park Commission.

Mr. O’Neill was predeceased by his beloved son Daryll and brother Bernard. He is survived by his adored wife of 60 years Patricia, sons Gregory (Ellen), Randall (Cindy), Terrance (Anne), daughter Carolyn Bright (Steve), brother George, sister Katherine, brother in-law Dr. Anthony LaSorte, sister in-law Margaret, grandchildren Drew, Mark, Andrew, Caitlin, Cara, Aileen, Colin, Meghan, Kaila, Shannon, Ryan, Connor, Emma and many loving nieces and nephews.

A private memorial will be held in Marietta, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, Mr. O’Neill requested that all donations go to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of his wife.