John Stephen O’Neil, a man who defied expectations and lived a life marked by unwavering resilience and deep compassion, passed away peacefully at his home in Kettering, Ohio, on January 5, 2025. Born on March 22, 1954, in Miami, Florida, John O’Neil, known affectionately as Steve to his family and friends from New York, was 70 years old. His journey began with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis just days after his birth, a condition that doctors at the time painted a grim picture of. However, John O’Neil was not one to be defined by limitations. He embraced life with humor and an indomitable spirit, exceeding all medical predictions and crafting a legacy of hope and inspiration. He often quipped about his long life despite the initial prognosis, joking that his epitaph should read, “The doctors finally got it right.”
Growing up in Watertown, New York, John O’Neil developed a strong foundation of character that would serve him throughout his life. In 1976, he moved to Dayton, Ohio, embarking on a career as a computer programmer with NCR Corporation. Despite the constant health challenges posed by cystic fibrosis, John O’Neil never allowed his condition to dictate his path or dim his spirit. Instead, he transformed his personal experiences into a beacon of hope for others. He became a mentor and guide for countless parents navigating the complexities of raising children with cystic fibrosis, offering invaluable support and understanding born from his own lived reality. Throughout his health battles, John O’Neil’s deep-seated faith in God provided him with strength and solace, nurturing his unwavering optimism.
Beyond his professional life and advocacy, John O’Neil was cherished for his remarkable memory and his ability to forge lasting connections. He possessed an extraordinary talent for remembering birthdays, names, and personal details, making everyone around him feel genuinely valued and seen. He often described his mind as a “steel trap,” a testament to his sharp intellect and his genuinely caring nature. These qualities made him a beloved friend to many, with friendships that spanned decades and distances.
John O’Neil’s commitment to fighting cystic fibrosis extended beyond personal mentorship. He dedicated significant time and energy to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, serving on its board and contributing tirelessly to fundraising efforts. Notably, he was a key figure in the annual Charity Concert for Cystic Fibrosis at the Fraze Pavilion in Kettering, Ohio. His involvement in these initiatives underscored his deep commitment to finding a cure and improving the lives of those affected by CF.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Carol Lechner O’Neil, his mother, Constance Exley O’Neill, his daughters Katie O’Neill and Maura O’Neill, stepdaughters Danielle Brower and Alissa Deines, grandsons Noah and Ethan Brower, and brothers Tim O’Neill, Chris O’Neill, and Patrick O’Neill. John O’Neil was predeceased by his father, John Frederick O’Neill.
A service celebrating John O’Neil’s life will be held at Southbrook Church, 9095 Washington Church Road, Miamisburg, Ohio, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 10 am. Following the service, a visitation will be held at NCR. A memorial service in Watertown, NY, is planned for early summer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in John O’Neil’s name to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, continuing his lifelong dedication to this cause.
John O’Neil’s legacy is one of strength, compassion, and unwavering hope. His life serves as an inspiration to us all, and his memory will forever be cherished by those whose lives he touched. May his example of resilience and kindness bring comfort and guidance to those who mourn his passing.
