We join in the grief on behalf of Bard’s extended family. My mother is Bard’s cousin Vicki, one year older than he & also from Poughkeepsie, where the two were playmates in the 1950s. Bard’s mother (Edith) & my grandmother were sisters. I was very close with my grandmother. She inspired my interest in genealogy & the Civil War. She always spoke glowing of, “Barry” as the family called him back then. I’ll always remember the occasions when my grandmother’s voice announced to the house, “Edith called, Barry is going to be on tv tonight”. I’ll always remember seeing him on the screen & being in awe. By then, Bard was a legend throughout extended family.  As my research into our ancestry progressed, my grandmother urged me to meet Bard, whose military and historical background & perspective she thought might interest me. She was right. I remember being nervous the  first time meeting the Legend.  A private walking upon General Longstreet on horseback. (A reference Bard would love & perhaps only my uncle Jon would understand.) The illusion I had conjured disappeared the moment he greeted me with that warm smile he wore so well. He had a distinct voice and I wasn’t there five minutes before he handed me a beer. I didn’t see a horse. We connected instantly. He listened intently and smiled often as I shared the remarkable story of Bard’s great great grandfather and four brothers who served together in the Union Army. This extraordinary circumstance in the 1860s, inspired a great family connection 130 years later  when my  Uncle Jon enlisted in the regiment. We traveled to many battlefields together including  a run of consecutive years at Gettysburg where we enjoyed a brief and somewhat macabre tradition I called, “Happy Hour in the Peach Orchard". He embraced my enthusiasm for  learning,   He recognized & cultivated my teaching talent. So much of my success I owe to him.  My name is Lawrence and I am honored to be Bard's family  & his friend.

It was my honor and privilege to work with Bard at the National War College in 2000.  His impact on the college and its students, faculty, and staff over so many years were enormous and  so deeply appreciated.  I offer my deepest sympathies to the O'Neill and National War College families.  He will always be missed!

Bard was a cherished friend and colleague. His untimely passing leaves a painful hole in the hearts of not just his wonderful family, but all those who knew him and experienced  his generosity, kindness, decency, and grace. You could always count on Bard to be there for you with an encouraging word, intelligent advice, or a timely joke. We wrote two books and several articles together in an almost uncanny mind meld. I miss him terribly. Lani

Pa,

I don’t really know how to put it into words.  The impact you have had, and will continue to have on my life, and all those that were fortunate to meet you, is immeasurable.  You were an unbelievable father, husband, grandfather, and friend.
Simply put, you are my hero; you always have been.  I watched, I learned, and truly came to understand what it means to be a man.  Thank you for loving me.  Picking me up and dusting me off when necessary,  and quietly, without criticism, getting me back on the right road.  I will miss our conversations,  wicked sense of humor, and goodness.  I will miss you and carry you in my heart Pa.  Love-Andy

I had the pleasure of knowing Bard at the Air Force Academy and the National War College. Of the many outstanding professors who have served at the National War College, Bard was the best--simple as that. 

Not to be forgotten was his great skill as the shortstop on the faculty softball  team at the War College. He will be missed by tens of thousands of fine folks. 

Perry Smith, Commandant, The National War College, 1983-1986. 

I am so sorry to learn of Bard's passing.  I am doubly sorry that I just now--after Christmas--learned of your loss.  Bard was special. He mentored me through a long and ultimately successful research project at the National War College, which ultimately served as the basis for a briefing I gave to President Obama.  Bard was always approachable and patient. As an adjunct professor teaching graduate students at Georgetown University, his book was my textbook.  As an intelligence analyst, I leaned on the book and his insights greatly.  He was a scholar and a gentleman.  He will be missed!

OBITUARIO

Bard Emmett O'Neill

21 julio, 1941 – 29 noviembre, 2020

Demaine Funeral Home

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