Gerald A. O’Neil, Jr., Esq. ’63

Gerald A. O’Neil, Jr., Esq., Rensselaer, NY, died September 20, 2024.

Jerry was raised in Rensselaer – his father was killed in World War II when Jerry was 4 years old — and he lived most of his life in Albany with his wife and children until returning to Rensselaer.

Before coming to Saint Michael’s, he graduated in 1958 from St. John’s Academy where he was known as the “Big O” for his skills on the basketball court. At Saint Michael’s he majored in business.

Jerry began his long career in sales where he worked for many years, including early on for Campbell Soup. He also worked part time for 30 years at Saratoga Harness Track, where he acquired his love for horses. From the age of 65 to 82 Jerry was a proud bus driver to many children who adored him.

Everyone who met Jerry loved him. He was never for a lack of words and often had a story to tell that ended in laughter. Jerry loved travel with his wife, and golf, fishing, Saratoga racetrack in August, Lake George, Bolton Landing, and the Boston Red Sox He cherished time with his grandchildren and took them on many adventures, notably yearly vacations in Florida to Disney and Delray Beach.

Jerry lived a long life filled with love of many friends and family, grateful for his children who cared for him in his later years.

His wife of nearly 50 years, Mary, died in 2017. He is survived by two sons, two daughters and extended family.