Philip "Phil" Patrick O'Neill

Philip O'Neill – Profile – Obituary

A native Philadelphian, born in 1923, he received bachelors and master's degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. As a naval officer in World War II, he spent a year aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific and participated in the first atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll.

A practicing mechanical engineer in the field of pumps and compressors, and turbines, he contributed to the Chemical Engineers Handbook among other technical publications. He retired from the DuPont Company in 1982 as manager of materials handling facilities design. As a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers he served as chairman of the Process Industries Committee. He was a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania.

He moved to Palm City, FL in 1983. Local activities included Eucharistic Minister at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, chairman of the Architectural Review Board of Crane Creek Homeowner's Assn., Meals on Wheels, and the Florida Oceanographic Society. For many years he taped books for the blind at the Second Sight Taping Studio, serving as its past president. An active golfer and fisherman, he was a frequent wader in the Indian River. He and his wife, Virginia, were world travelers, often on cargo ships. In 2002 he published a book on freighter travel, chronicling his extensive adventures.

In 2012 he moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, to be near two of his children. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, the former Virginia Mitchell; his eldest son, Philip of Miami, Florida; son, Peter and his wife, Marie of Fort Collins, Colorado; daughter, Christine and her husband, Eric Napelbaum of Fort Collins; sister, Barbara (Mrs. James T.) Philpott of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; three grandchildren, Rebecca Napelbaum of New York, NY, Kyle and Anna Napelbaum both of Ft. Collins. He was pre-deceased by his parents and brother Edward P. O'Neill of Malvern PA.

After moving to the Winslow he began exploring Fort Collins by bicycle. He was an avid sports fan, especially major league baseball. He added allegiance to the Rockies and local colleges to his favorite Philadelphia teams.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Pathway's Hospice of Northern Colorado - 305 Carpenter Rd, Fort Collins, CO 80525, or to your favorite charity.

A Rosary will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, November 21st with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton Parish, 5450 S Lemay Ave, Fort Collins. Following the Mass, a Reception will be held at the church and later the Interment at 2:00 PM, Grandview Cemetery, Fort Collins.