Robert Francis O'Neill

Heaven gained a new angel in the early hours of Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Robert Francis O'Neill formerly of Stamford, Connecticut and a resident of Sarasota, Florida for the last 32 years, peacefully passed away. Robert "Bob" Francis O'Neill was born on December 8th, 1935 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was the younger of two children.

He was predeceased by his mother (Margaret), his father (Francis) and his sister (Marguerite).

Bob is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 58 years, Myrna (Dolan), his two daughters, Elizabeth O'Neill Sullivan, and Margaret O'Neill Caraher (Michael) and his cherished grandson Shane O'Neill Caraher.

Bob was a graduate of Central High School in Bridgeport, Connecticut and attended The University of Bridgeport. In 1956, Bob enlisted in the United States Army. He was first stationed with the "8th Infantry Division" in Fort Carson, Colorado in preparation for reassignment to Germany, as part of "Operation Gyroscope". He also served as a proud member of the "28th Field Artillery Battalion".

After serving in the United States Army, Bob proceeded to make the American Dream come true. He responded to an ad in the newspaper that read, "Teller Needed". After beginning his new position at the Stamford Federal Saving & Loan Association, Bob flourished. From there his success story began.

Bob had great mentors along the way and loved what he did. As the saying goes; "Bob moved right up the banking ladder". After 30 years in banking, Bob retired as the Bank President. He served the Stamford, Connecticut community in many ways. Bob was chairman of the Board of Hospice, Stamford; President of the Stamford Rotary Club, and named as Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a Director and Advisory Board Member of The Salvation Army.

Bob enjoyed Trapshooting and was a member of the Woodway Gun Club, Darien, Ct. for many years. Bob was also a big sportsman. When he was young, he loved swimming and was immensely proud of having been named a Connecticut State Diving Champion. He played tennis year round and paddleball in the winter months. He coached Stamford Little League and enjoyed playing Bocce Ball with his friends at Scalzi Park, in Stamford. Bob loved boating with his family and treasured all of the very special memories as Captain of the beloved "Myrna Lou". Many special trips and "Sea Ray Rendezvous" to Newport, RI and Block Island, RI, two of his very favorite getaways.

Bob truly got into the "swing of things" when he moved to Sarasota and became an avid golfer. He enjoyed many years of wonderful rounds in standing weekly groups of neighbors and friends. Bob, and his wife Myrna had an incredible life together and shared many treasured friends, throughout the years. Many of whom came to visit the O'Neill's when they first moved to Sarasota and decided to join them upon their retirement.

The years were full of lots of love, laughter and joy. It was the best of times! Bob always told his family, when discussing plans for later in life, that "He wasn't going anywhere". He and his family were blessed that he lived through many medical complications. He was a man of great integrity and loyalty. He was a strong man. His was a life... well lived. Our hearts are broken. His legacy will live on every day. As Bob often said during the last six months, "Good Luck in the Future!"

Services will be private. Memorial Donations may be directed to the: Tidewell Foundation for the Sarasota Hospice House. 3550 South Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, Florida 34239 or Tidewellfoundation.org/donate