Robert "Bob" O'Neil

Robert “Bob”O’Neil , age 72, died of  a heart attack on  May 15, 2020, in Greenville NC at Vidant Health.

Bob is survived by his wife, Jeffrey Lynn O’Neil, of  Tarboro, NC; his daughter Heather Dautrich of Waldorf , Maryland. His daughter, Holly Zegalia (Steve) of  St. Leonard Maryland; and his grandchildren William Dautrich IV, Charles Zegalia and Rachael Zegalia. He was also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

 He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Margaret O’Neil, his sister Margaret Ann Bishop and his beloved grandson Robert “Bob Bob” Dautrich.

Bob was born on June 14, 1947 in Cheverly, Maryland to parents Charles Richard O’Neil and Margaret Ardeeser O’Neil. He graduated from Laurel High School in 1965. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He worked in several hospitals in the Washington DC area as a patient room mechanic and carpenter.  He retired from Civista Medical Center in La Plata, Maryland.

Bob was affectionately know as “Pop Pop”  was a great family man, the best husband, a loving father and grandfather. He married Jeffrey Lynn O’Neil in 1976 and the couple had 2 children together.

Bob was an active man who was deeply involved with his children and grandchildren for the his entire life. He enjoyed the Redskins, the Nationals and fishing. His love of NASCAR sparked his bond with Charlie over go carting. He always told Rachael that she was his favorite granddaughter and she would respond “Pop Pop I’m your only granddaughter”.

His family and friends will always remember him as Santa because he and Jeff thoroughly enjoyed entertaining the children.  He volunteered to be Santa at numerous elementary schools, hospitals, the Camden Club at Orioles Park and countless other charities.  He will be fondly remembered by many families that he did Santa for over the years but especially the Long (O’Donnell ) family who send condolences saying there is no filling of this man’s shoes. Also the Gilmer family whom he was doing Santa for the children of the children he first did.

Due to the Covid19 Pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Donations can be sent to Edgecombe County Rescue Squad 501 Office St Tarboro NC 27886.
 

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