Thomas D O’Neil

Thomas D. O’Neil, 91, died peacefully on Friday, March 7, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Jean O’Neil. Tom will be cherished in memory by his children: John (Katy), Mike (Amy) and Dan. He is also survived by his ten adoring grandchildren: Madeleine, Kathryn, Erin, Ryan, Ellie, Claire, Francie, Mollie, Patrick and Thomas. Tom is also survived by his youngest sister, Jane O’Neil.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Irene O’Neil, and his dear sisters, Jean Dohnalek and Joan O’Neil.

Tom was born in Findlay, OH on February 19, 1934, and after graduating from Findlay High School, he attended Case Institute of Technology for one-year, then transferred to the Ohio State University, where he was able to complete his undergrad studies in one more year. Tom then enrolled in the Ohio State University School of Dentistry. Upon graduation from dental school, Tom enrolled as a captain in the United States Army. Tom’s claim-to-fame while in the army was filling a cavity for Elvis Presley. He also loved to tell the story of countless rookie pilots showing him the helicopter’s “autorotation” function. Look it up…it’s scary. After discharge from the Army, Tom went back to the Ohio State University to complete his Orthodontic training. He then moved to Akron, OH to start his professional career.

Tom met Jean on a blind date in Akron, and a few short months later, they married on November 28, 1964. After marriage, Tom primarily focused on his orthodontic practice. He truly loved being an orthodontist. He loved that he was helping his patients, and that his work made those patients more confident in themselves and their appearance.

Upon retirement in 1986, Tom and Jean purchased a second home in Stuart, FL and Tom expanded on his love of fishing and being out on the water. He could regularly be found on either his boat on Lake Erie or on the Intracoastal Waterway and rivers around Stuart.

Since Tom retired at such a young age, he and Jean were able to spend a great deal of time with their grandchildren. Whether visiting their grandchildren in Colorado or in Cleveland, they were always on-call as babysitters, and they rarely missed a grandchild’s athletic event, piano recital, or Sunday night family dinner if they were in town.

The family plans a private memorial service.

In lieu of donations, the family would prefer that you spend time with your loved ones.