Joseph "Joe" O'Neill

O’Neill

Joseph “Joe”, “Bumpa”

Age 90 of St. Paul

Attorney, legislator, community leader and advocate, supporter of education, man of strong Christian faith, professor, devoted and fun-loving family man and proud lifelong resident of St Paul.

Passed away peacefully January 25th, 2022.

St. Thomas Academy, Univ. of Notre Dame and Univ. of MN Law School graduate. Served as legal counsel in USAF 1956–1959 active in the Azores and reserves until 1972. Practiced law in St. Paul for 50+ years, incl O’Neill, Grills & O’Neill with son, and partner, Michael. Served a diverse St Paul district in MN Legislature from 1966-1976 and became Senate Minority leader.  Named Outstanding Jaycees Chapter President; Received Outstanding Alumnus for Notre Dame, Univ of MN Law School and STA; 1971 STA Alumni President & 1980 Trustees Chair; Chairman, St Paul Civic Center Authority and secured funding for the Xcel Arena and the NHL expansion of the MN Wild in 2000; Advisor St. Joseph’s Hospital; and Pres. Legal Assistance in 1968 that led to SMRLS Legal Aid organization.  Member, 1991 Final Four and Super Bowls committees. Univ. of MN Law Professor from 2004 to 2013. Joe proudly served as “Mr. Pat” of the St. Patrick’s Day in 1979.

Although these awards were meaningful, his most cherished recognition was being a father and Bumpa. Joe loved family cabin time at White Bear Lake and Round Lake, WI, family vacations to Marco Island, FL and Ireland, plus golf with 5 sons and TMO annual tourney in support of Tom’s daughters and scoring his famous Hole in One! Dad loved connecting with his large extended family, wide circle of friends and community members.  He will be deeply missed and not forgotten.

Joe was preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Nancy; son, Tom (Laurie); 3 sisters, Dolly, Laura, and Joanie; 1 brother, Jim; and son-in-law, Joe Rogers. He is survived by his brother, and law partner, Pat (Collette) and children, Kathleen, Joe (Felicia), Maureen Rogers, John (Molly), Michael (Beth), Kevin (Catherine), and Shelagh (Mark) Sheeser; 25 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many other loving nieces, nephews, family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, January 29th,2022 with visitation 8:30 – 9:45 AM, all at the Church of the Assumption, 51 7th St W, St Paul. Private family interment at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Thomas Academy or SMRLS (Legal Aid). Special thanks are extended to the caring staff of Lilydale Senior Living and Brighton Hospice.

Joe’s Motto: “Community Service is the rent you pay as a Citizen”

The service livestream may be viewed and downloaded until 2/30/2022 from the link below

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/oBB4eLmJb42h4gsw1iULAYJEdZjXCvpsRVNmeS0OkHEtbZkVtyeKjnputpEnu9JL.9RqVpCyuA2sKIZQ5

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