Kevin O'Neil

Kevin O’Neil, of Akron, Ohio, age 81, passed away April 30, 2021 from complications brought on by a long term illness, Inclusion Body Myositis. Kevin was born in Brookline, Massachusetts on January 11, 1940 to parents Henry and Catherine O’Neil. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Cathleen.

Kevin moved to Akron, Ohio to begin a 36 year career with Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, after graduating in 1961 from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He met his sweetheart, Lynda, at Goodyear and they married in 1964, raising a family of four children, Cathleen, Patrick, Susan and Brian. During his career, Kevin was credited with several patents for tire compounds and quickly rose to management positions. He eagerly accepted promotions and challenges, moving to Michigan in 1973 to work for Motor Wheel Corporation, a subsidiary of Goodyear, as Director of Product Engineering. In 1980, Kevin was promoted to Director of Goodyear Technical Center in Colmarberg, Luxembourg. He and his family spent three years in Luxembourg traveling and making wonderful memories. Kevin returned to Akron in 1983 and in 1987 he was selected by Goodyear to be the General Manager of Technology of South Pacific Tyres, a joint venture with Dunlop Tyres located in Melbourne, Australia. Kevin returned to Akron in 1993, finishing his career with Goodyear as Director, North American Tire Programs, retiring in 1996 at the age of 56 to pursue his interests.

As much as Kevin loved his work, his greatest joy came from the time he spent with his family, traveling and vacationing with them as often as possible, including a special Christmas in Fiji, a Mediterranean cruise, and many family reunions on Cape Cod.

Kevin is survived by a large loving, grieving family, wife and loving caregiver of 57 years, Lynda (Franz), daughter Cathy (Blate), son Patrick (Jobie) of Spokane, WA, daughter Susan Markowitz (Steve) and son Brian (Meredith) of Melbourne, Australia and ten grandchildren, Alyssa, Adam, Thomas, Ryan, Gwyn, Jonah, Ruby, Rowan, Eve and Aisling. In addition, Kevin leaves his brother Charlie, sister, Nancy Eckstein (Bill), brother, Richard (Carol), and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Kevin was a true inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him. In the face of a disease that left him virtually dependent upon others to help with all aspects of his life, he never complained, never lost hope, and never expressed anger.

Calling hours 4pm-8pm Monday, at Ciriello and Carr Funeral Home in Fairlawn. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00am Tuesday at St. Hilary Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to, St. Hilary Parish Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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