Norman “Norm” O’Neil

Norman J. O’Neil, 59, was unexpectedly called home to the Lord on Friday, March 3rd, 2023. He is predeceased by his father, Edward M. O’Neil Sr. and his brother, Edward Mark O’Neil II. Norm is survived by the love of his life for 35 years, his wife, Wendy (Sims) O’Neil; his beloved children, who were his pride and joy, Nathaniel O’Neil, Paige O’Neil and fiancé Adam Gryziec, Tara O’Neil-Floyd and husband, William Floyd, and Dylan O’Neil and significant other Taylor Hettinger; his mother, Patricia O’Neil; sister and brother-in-law, Maureen and Terrence Bocinski and their sons, Mitchell and Brenden; his father and mother-in-law, John and Cheryl Sims, brothers-inlaw, Anthony (Joy) Sims, Timothy (Javier) Sims-Davila, Andrew (Camiel) Sims, sister-in-law, Audrey (Todd) Rozell; his nieces and nephews, John, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, Piper, and Peyton; as well as many cherished cousins and lifelong friends. Norm was born in Endwell, NY and graduated from Union Endicott High School, class of 1982. He graduated from Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica, NY with a degree in criminal justice. Norm gained his exceptional carpentry skills working with Zunic and Rose Construction, until he began his career with the New York State Police as a Trooper. During his 31 years of service, he was promoted to Investigator. Norm distinguished himself in various specialized units, including the Underwater Recovery Team that assisted in the TWA flight 800 recovery operation. He was awarded several meritorious accolades, including, two-time recipient of the Superintendent Commendation Award, Trooper of the Year, and Investigator of the Year. After his retirement, he continued his law enforcement service for a short time as a Lieutenant in the Owego Police Department. He was selected to serve as a Court Security Officer for the U.S. Marshals Service, where he worked at the Binghamton Federal Court House. Norm was a member of Church of the Holy Family and was active in their Holy Name Society. He was a softball Coach for Endicott Youth Softball, Volleyball Coach for Catholic Youth Organization, Volunteer firefighter with O.L. Davis Fire Company, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Additionally, he earned his 1st degree black belt in Aiki-jujutsu, inspiring several family members to pursue martial arts. Norm was an avid outdoorsman who loved golfing (three-time Hole-in-One Club), hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, boating, spending time at the Bracklebrook’s Sportsman Club, “The Eddie O” Fishing Camp, and being in the Genesee Red-Eye Fan Club. He enjoyed spending time with his family at the beach, Disney World, and Page’s Pond. Norm could always be found lending a helping hand and compassionate heart to anyone he encountered. He made time for you. He was always volunteering and he used his many talents to make others’ lives easier. Norm was a humble, well-respected, admirable man, who lived his faith. He worked hard and could be depended upon and trusted in every situation. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, neighbor, and friend who will be deeply missed and dearly remembered.
A Funeral Mass for Norm will be held on Saturday at 10 AM at Church of the Holy Family, 3600 Phyllis Street, Endwell. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends on Friday at Church of the Holy Family from 3-6 PM. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Norm’s memory may be made to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, 212 North McKinley Avenue, Endicott, NY 13760. The family encourages you to share your memories of Norm on the Allen Memorial Home website.