John O’Neill, Sangamon County Board Member, Passes Away at 78

John H. O’Neill, III, 78, of Chatham, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 6, 2024, surrounded by family.

He was born September 2, 1945, in Toledo, OH, the son of John H. and Bernice J. (Toedter) O’Neill. John married Carol J. Rudin, on December 5, 1970, in Springfield.

John graduated from Arlington Heights High School, attended Springfield College, and earned his bachelors from SIUE and masters from UIS. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam as 1st Lieutenant. John was a legislative liaison for both the IL Secretary of State and Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and served on the Sangamon County Board for 22 years. He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. John enjoyed watching his favorite sports teams (Cubs, Bears, Notre Dame, and Illini basketball), attended many of his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events, and loved playing golf with his buddies. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Connie; and brother-in-law, James Richardson.

John is survived by his wife, Carol O’Neill of Chatham; sons, John H. (Christi) O’Neill, IV, of Downers Grove, Chris O’Neill of Springfield, and Billy (Emily) O’Neill of Athens; grandchildren, Brian, Mia, Ella, Olivia, Samantha, and Allison; siblings, Kay Richardson and Mike O’Neill; four nieces; and five nephews. 

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to services. 

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. The gathering will begin with a prayer service.

Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker, 700 E. Spruce St., Chatham with Rev. Joseph M. Molloy officiating.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Department of Defense and the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. 

Memorial contributions may be made to: Land of Lincoln Honor Flight or Alzheimer’s Association – Springfield Office.