O'NEILL

Posted by Cathy Gowdy on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at 05:56:21 :

Marin Herald
May 10, 1934

Father O’Neill Funeral Rites Held Tuesday

Hundreds of friends, both of the clergy and laymen, of the late Father Patrick O’Neill, crowded St. Anselm’s church, San Anselmo, Tuesday morning when a solemn requiem high mass was said for the beloved pastor of t he local parish.

Archbishop Edward J. Hanna delivered the funeral sermon and eulogized Father O’Neill for his fine work and splendid leadership. Father Cornelius Murphy was celebrant. Others at the altar were Father J. Hartnett, Monsignor Thomas F. Millett and Father William O’Neill, the latter a relative of the late pastor.

Members of the clergy from all parts of the bay district were present to pay their last respects, and hundreds of the friends Father O’Neill has made in his pastorate in Marin county attended the services.

Father O’Neill was born in Castletown, Berehaven, County Cork, 49 years ago. He entered St. Bredan’s College, where he was a ranking scholar. Later he attended St. Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and was ordained in 1912, receiving the D.Ph. degree.

A short time later he came to California, where he resided until his death. He served as assistant pastor at Oceanview parish, San Francisco; St. Matthew’s, San Mateo; St. Leo’s, Oakland. His first parish was at Pleasanton, later coming to Mill Valley, then to St. Anselm’s. He took a very active part in all cultural movements in addition to his religious work, and taught for some time at the Dominican College in San Rafael.

Father O’Neill made many friends in Marin county and is mourned by hundreds of Marin citizens of all faiths. An outstanding scholar, a man of the highest character, and a benevolent clergyman, his death has been a distinct loss to the community.