Bernard Thomas O’Neill

Bernard Thomas O’Neill, lovingly known as Tom, passed away on July 13th in Pensacola, Florida.

He was born to loving parents, Bernard and Rosemary O’Neill, in Atlantic, Iowa.

He graduated high school in Charles City in 1967. Tom married the love of his life, Stephanie, in 1969 in Charles City. They were happily married for over 55 years.

Tom joined the military and became a Cryptologic Technician Operator in the United States Navy in 1969 and retired after 20 years of service in 1989. He was in NSGA Morocco 1970-1972; NSGA Edzell 1972-1976; SubGru6 Charleston, S.C., 1976-1978; NSGA Adak, Ark., 1980-1984; NTTC Corry Pensacola, Fla., 1984-1987; Direct Support, Rota, Spain, 1987-1989.

After his Navy career he worked at Pensacola Junior College (currently Pensacola State College). After that, Tom worked several years as a volunteer at the Navy Marine Corps Relief society (NMRC) at NAS Pensacola. Tom received his Bachelor of Science from The University of the State of New York and his Master’s degree from Troy State University.

Tom’s life’s passion was his family and making memories. His motto was to create a significant emotional event in the lives of those around him so that he might leave a legacy of kindness and love wherever he went. You’d often hear him say, “We’re here, we’re happy.”

Preceding him in death were his parents, Bernard and Rosemary O’Neill; his father and mother-in-law Steve and Shirley Schmitt; grandson, Scott Charles O’Neill II; and granddaughter, Myleigh Kathryn O’Neill.

He is survived by his wife, Stephanie (Schmitt) O’Neill; son, Bernard Thomas O’Neill III (Malaysy Douangkesone); son, Scott Charles O’Neill (Leaona Andrews); daughter, Nicole (O’Neill) Matson (James Matson); 18 grandchildren (two deceased); and eight great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Bernard will be held Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 10650 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507. A funeral service will occur Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 11 a.m. to noon, 10650 Gulf Beach Hwy, Pensacola, FL 32507. A committal service will occur Monday, July 29, 2024, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Rd, Pensacola, FL 32508.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of Tom to the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, 10650 Gulf Beach Hwy., Pensacola, FL 32507, or to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, c/o Amanda Shadden, 91 Radford Blvd., Bldg. 191, Pensacola, FL 32508.