Rev. Brian O'Neill, SJ Parish Pastor and Priest for Decades; Retired in 2010
Wednesday, April 05, 2023
Rev. Brian Edward O'Neill passed peacefully surrounded by loving family on March 31, 2023 at the age of 82. He was born on July 9, 1940 in Philadelphia and prepared for the Priesthood at Resurrection College in Ontario, Canada and Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology at Seton Hall University.
Fr. O'Neill was ordained for the Diocese of Camden on May 18, 1968, by the Most Rev. George H. Guilfoyle at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He served as Parochial Vicar for St. Maria Goretti, Runnemede (1968-1971); Sacred Heart, Camden (1971-1976); St Andrew the Apostle, Gibbsboro (1976-1977); St Mary's, Gloucester City (1977-1980). He lived in residence at St. Maurice, Brooklawn (1980-1981); Immaculate Heart of Mary, Woodlyn, (1981-1983); St Cecilia, Pennsauken (1983-1988); St Mary's, Gloucester (1988-1999); St. John Vianney, Deptford (1999-2000); St. Pius X, Cherry Hill (2000-2001).
Fr. O'Neill was pastor of St Gregory's, Magnolia (2002-2009) and Senior Priest at St. Simon Stock Parish, Berlin (2009-2010). Since his retirement in 2010, Fr. O'Neill has resided at the Sacred Heart Residence in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Fr. O'Neill proudly served our nation in the U.S. Marine Corps and was later a Military Chaplain at Langley Air Force Base from 2008-2009, a Part-Time Chaplain at Ft. Dix/McGuire/Lakehurst, a member of the Marine Corps League and Fire Chaplain in Gloucester City. For many years, he served as the Director of Deaf Ministries for the Diocese of Camden, experiencing great fulfillment and joy in ministering to the deaf community who warmly welcomed him.
He was the beloved son of the late John and Marie O'Neill. Fr. O'Neill. Devoted brother of the late John F. "Jack" O'Neill and Patricia Covert (William) and brother-in-law of Leslie O'Neill. Loving uncle of Maureen Phillips (Dennis), Brendan Phillips, Paige Hughes (Justin), and many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services were held today, Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at The Catholic Church of St. Mary, 2001 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003. Most Reverend Dennis J. Sullivan, Bishop of Camden, celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment at New St. Mary's Cemetery, Bellmawr.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Diocese of Camden, 631 Market Street, Camden, NJ 08102.