O’Neill, John William

John William O’Neill

March 15, 1948 — April 15, 2023

John “Johnny Bill” W. O’Neill 75, of Duluth passed away peacefully with family by his side on April 15, 2023. The first of six children, Johnny was born on March 15, 1948, to John and Joan O’Neill. He was a 1966 graduate of Duluth Cathedral High School.

Shortly after graduation in 1966, Johnny started his studies at UMD. Although he enjoyed his studies, he wanted to fulfill a lifelong dream of becoming a Marine.  Johnny enlisted in the USMC. Johnny married his love, Ruth Ann Saker, and together they had 2 sons, Patrick, and Ryan.

In 1968, Johnny was sent to Vietnam as a Marine. Part of the mission he served is known as The Battle of Khe Sanh, when they were surrounded for 77 days with solid gunfire 24/7.  While in Vietnam, Johnny was injured twice and received 2 Purple Hearts Johnny would learn later he would face many challenges in life because of getting sprayed with agent orange while serving. After his Honorable Discharge from service, Johnny and Ruth returned home to Duluth.

Johnny worked at UPS as a driver, and spent his time fishing, camping, and hunting with his boys. The love he had for his sons was unmatched.

Over the past 10 years, Johnny was so lucky to live at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay MN. He made countless friendships, touched the lives of all the staff, and shared memories of all who lived there. He is most famous for his sense of humor and quick wit.

Johnny is proceeded in death by, his loving parents, John and Joan O’Neill, his wife Ruth, son Ryan and brothers, Tommy, and Kevin.

Johnny is survived by his son Patrick. His faithfully supportive and loving siblings, Danny (Julie) O’Neill and Margie (Billy) Maloney. Nieces and nephews, Shawn (Krista) O’Neill and their sons, William, Matthew and Brandon, Erin Boit and her children, Ian and Mya, Lindsey (Olie) Hedge, and their sons Oak and Maverick, Britney (Michael) Boyum and Madilyn Maloney.