William F. O'Neil

of The Fairfax Retirement Community, Ft. Belvoir, VA died at Ft. Belvoir Community Hospital on December 7, 2012. Born in Harvard, Illinois on October 23, 1913, he was, during the mid 1930's, a Senior Leader with the Conservation Corps. He enlisted in the Navy in 1941 and during the early years was schooled in meteorology. He entered the Naval Intelligence Service in 1946 and was in the initial group forming AFSA, which later became the National Security Agency (NSA). During his years with that agency, he saw service in England and Japan, rising through the ranks of Lieutenant. In 1963 he was transferred to the Defense Intelligence Agency during its formation. He remained there as an Intelligence Specialist until retiring in 1976. Lt. O'Neil was in one of the first groups to be selected for the rate of Master Chief Petty Officer when the Navy established it in 1958. His awards included the Navy Commendation Medal and The Department of Defense Joint Services Commendation Medal. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy O'Neil. He is survived by daughter Helen Rasmussen and her husband Dave, by daughter Ann Gamble, and son Paul O'Neil, PHD and his wife Sara. He also leaves a brother, Monsignor Philip O'Neil, 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews." in lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Catholic Charities of Virginia".