J. Philip “Phil” O’Neil, 90, peacefully said goodbye on February 1, 2023. Born January 8, 1933 in Akron, OH, he was the youngest of eight children to the late Augustin and Marie O’Neil. He is preceded in death by siblings Mary, Robert (Margaret), James (Mary Helen), Patience, Donal (Barbara), Alice Gaffney (Frank) and Margaret Freer (Harry). His favorite pastimes as a child were building blocks and books, a precursor to architecture and a lifelong love of learning and reading. After St. Sebastian grade school in Akron, he became part of the inaugural class of Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, OH, where, as a resident student, he honed his sense of humor with classmates who became lasting friends. He graduated in 1950 and followed his father’s and brothers’ path to The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, graduating with a double major in Math and English in 1954. He graduated from Western Reserve University School of Architecture after his years in the United States Navy.
His love of building was first realized as a Naval Architect, stationed as a LTJG from 1954-1958, in Newport, RI; Bremerton, WA; and Guam where he designed massive scaffolding for ships going in to dry dock. He often quipped that he “saw the world on the US’ dime,” followed by a grin and a “thank you.” Upon discharge, he drove his 1958 MGA from Seattle back to Akron OH.
In 1964, Phil met Mary Karen Killeen in Cleveland, and they were married for 54 years. Every great love story has surprising and beautiful discoveries, and
they would later learn that their immigrant ancestors lived 20 miles from each other in County Cork, Ireland. A highlight of his life was befriending his Irish relatives, and eventually gaining dual citizenship with Ireland. Phil and Mary Karen loved to travel, read, play gin rummy, and sit in their hammock chairs together on the porch. He was a supportive and loving father to Kate, Sarah and Ann Marie, showing love in both his actions and words.
Phil’s long career encompassed residential and commercial architecture. Establishing a firm in the late 70s, he became the go-to guy for architecture work in the ever-evolving Village of Chagrin Falls. There is no place in the Village where you can stand, spin around, and not see several of his commissions. A frequent presenter to the Planning and Zoning Board and Board of Zoning Appeals, he also served on the Architectural Review Board.
He loved the community of the Village and was a fixture at 33-35 River Street office complex which he designed and built, the Chagrin Falls Library, Philips Marathon, Rick’s Café with his Lunch Bunch and later Lemon Falls. Stopping at Chagrin Hardware was not just an errand, it was a hobby. He was an everyday MacGyver and loved the challenge of fixing things – anything, anywhere. Nothing gave him more joy than tinkering on a tractor, saving a dollar by fixing something himself, or calling on friends to help with projects in his barn.
Phil was active in his faith and embodied what he believed through his temperament, kindness, willingness to lend a hand, and compassion for others. He was very involved at St. Joan of Arc Parish, sending his daughters to school there, and later worshipped at Our Lady of Peace at Shaker Square.
Coming from a large family was his pride and joy, as he adored his siblings, 41 nieces and nephews, three grandsons and the family “out-laws”. He performed hundreds of family home inspections over the years and gave both solicited and unsolicited design advice. He was a social butterfly, despite a quiet nature. He was kind, funny, smart, and accepting, qualities that yielded a wide circle of friends. This was most apparent during his last weeks, as a steady stream of visitors told stories, laughed, and cherished another sit-down with Phil.
His blue eyes and bright smile will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Phil suggested to Our Lady of Peace Food Pantry, 12503 Buckingham Ave., Cleveland, OH 44120; or to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192. Family will receive friends on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, from 10 – 11 AM at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church (Shaker Blvd.). Mass of Christian Burial following at 11 AM. Private interment in All Saints Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID.
Send Flowers in Memory of J. Philip “Phil” O’Neil
Offer Condolence for the family of J. Philip “Phil” O’Neil
Print This Obituary & Condolences
thomas gruber
J P was one of my very closest friends. Many a night we would share a scotch or a Strohs. Sometimes giving me the impetus to make major alterations to our house! Living with Phil in his marvelous bachelor pad in days long gone will be fondly remembered. As each of us married, children got to know each other as our families grew up.
Phil, I’ll miss you. And, God Bless!
Tom G
Charles Perrotti
Strong in the faith and family…..thanks to the O’Neil family I receive an envelope for the past 32 years …!!…..God love’s……prayers and condolences to the family….just an ole General Tire employee…. BUONA SALUTE
Sarah Hannibal
Charles – what a lovely message. Thank you!
Gail and Elliott Schlang
Mary Karen,
Although we have not been together frequently, Elliott and I always enjoyed visiting with Phil and you. Our caring thoughts are with you.
Stephanie Govatsos Candon
Sending strength and prayers during this difficult time. Mr. O’Neil raised lovely strong independent daughters. I was blessed to meet Kate, his oldest, and be her college roommate. Thankful for his love of Holy Cross! Rest in peace.
David Deioma
You left a lasting mark on the world Mr. O’Neil. Thank you for your service.
Joe & Laura Cullen
Mary Karen , Katie , Sarah , and Ann Marie , ……sending our prayers and hugs to all of you from your extended Atlanta family. Phil was the absolute best and will be greatly missed. Love to all , Laura , Joe , Joe Jr. and Gibbs!
Monica Chuhna
Sarah and family,
Ed and I send our heartfelt sympathy on your father’s passing. He must have been a lovely and accomplished man. We enjoyed reading about his Irish roots. May the Lord hold him in the palm of His hand. Wish we could be with you. Ed and Monica
Bob Brosnan
Phil was simply the greatest. Always humble, always kind, and always smiling. I miss him already.
An Irish Toast:
We cannot share this sorrow
If we haven’t grieved a while.
Nor can we feel another’s joy
Until we’ve learned to smile.
For the test of the heart is trouble
And it always comes with years.
And the smile that is worth the praises of earth
Is the smile that shines through the tears.
Bob Brosnan (Jr) and Family
Dorothy Rogers Abbey
My deepest condolences to Mary Karen, Kate, Sarah and Ann Marie on the sad loss of Phil and their father. Phil and I were dear teenage friends. Another “Blue Eyes”! I was blessed to have known him as a teenager.
To the entire family and many friends,
God Bless and love,
Dorothy Dannemiller Rogers-Abbey
Kevin Kerwin
Phil brimmed with empathy and care for his fellow humans. This passage by the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw came to mind at his wonderful service this past weekend, as an apt description of who he was:
“This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no “brief candle” for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
Rest in peace, Phil.
The Kovey Family - Robert, Haley, Jack & June
Dear O’Neil Family,
While we have never met, our family currently lives in your previous home on Russell Road. Since moving in 1.5 years ago, we have heard many nice words about the architect that transformed this property into what is now, our family’s dream home. Now after reading this incredible snapshot of his life, the sentiments we heard about Phil obviously ring true.
Mr. O’Neil’s memory will live on here on Russell Rd.
God Bless the O’Neil Family.