John J. O'Neil

John J. O'Neill 84 Retired school teacher. John J. O'Neill of Pawleys Island stepped into his new adventure 8/6/2012. John was born 6/18/1928. He was formerly from Ridgewood N.J., John was a high school English teacher for many years at Westwood High School and also taught at Park Ridge High School, Paramus Catholic, and Milton High in Alpharetta, Ga. John was affectionately known to his students as 'ACE'; He enthusiastically shared his love of English Literature with his students, but also related to them on a personal level that he always hoped would prepare them for the world beyond school. John taught us all many valuable life lessons by example. John is survived by his wife and soul mate Evielee Gibson O'Neill, his daughters and son-in-laws: Cathleen(Cathy)and Bill,of Alpharetta, Ga;, Christine (Chris) and Mark of Saranac Lake, N.Y.; his sons and daughter-in laws Jack and Carol, Tim and Gail,of Allendale, N.J.; daughters Caren of Alpharetta Ga, and Annie of Wilmington,N.C.. John had two step sons Mark and Glen Gibson of Murrells Inlet,S.C.,, eleven grand children and three great grandsons. John was predeceased by his daughter Connie and two sisters Delores Ventura and Anne Ouellette John had many interests including 'great' music from the thirties and forties; he was a great dancer and loved sports of all kind. John was a Boston Red Sox fan. He especially enjoyed playing tennis at The Litchfield Tennis club and the camaraderie of his fellow tennis players. John was very interested in politics and very supportive of his party. He was an avid reader and cryptogram puzzle solver. He also loved reading and reciting poems by one of his favorite poets Robert Service.We are all so much richer for having had John in our lives. We will always remember with much love and respect this gentle,kind, loving man with a smile that could warm the coldest heart. John had been a volunteer for Public Radio and T.V. and supported our local PBS stations. He had also volunteered with Hospice, John supported Doctors without borders, and Operation Smiles. There will be a Memorial Celebration of John's life Saturday, September 15, at First Baptist Church, 3891 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet, SC, at 3:00 P.M. For details and RSVP, contact Evie O'Neill at 843-237-4991.