Bernard Vincent O’Neill, Jr., of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away from recently diagnosed cancer on March 19, 2025. He was born on October 12, 1937, in Washington, D.C., to Alice Kennedy O’Neill and Bernard Vincent O’Neill, Sr. He was the oldest of eight children and helped and supported his siblings in many ways.
He attended St. Anselm’s Abbey High School and went on to study at The Catholic University of America, both in Washington, D.C. He later earned a master’s in mathematics at Columbia University, followed by his PhD in mathematics at Brown University. At Brown, he met the love of his life, Marion Welch. They married on August 21, 1965, and truly lived happily ever after. As a team, they were steady foundations for both sides of the family, always available with joyful adventures and unwavering support.
Bernard and Marion raised three children—Patrick, Marie, and Catherine—and were actively involved in their lives. Bernard taught mathematics at New York University and Duke University, before pursuing a law degree at The University of Kansas. He worked as an attorney at Shook, Hardy & Bacon in Kansas City from 1976 until retirement, after which he generously volunteered his time teaching classes at Conception Abbey.
Bernard (known sometimes as Bernie) will be remembered for his generous spirit, quick wit, and sharp intelligence. He had a gift for engaging in attentive and inquisitive conversations and was known for his playful pronunciation of “dunkey.” He embraced Marion’s adventurous plans with enthusiasm and brought warmth and kindness to everyone he met. His love and care extended far beyond his immediate family, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Bernard is survived by his three children: Patrick Flynn O’Neill (Ruth) of Concord, CA; Marie Sylvia O’Neill (Daniel Zahn) of Ann Arbor, MI; and Catherine O’Neill Goodbred (Steven) of Brentwood, TN. He was a beloved grandfather to Colin Goodbred, Liam O’Neill (Madeline), Matthew Goodbred, Brendan Goodbred, Audrey Zahn, and Declan O’Neill (Kenedi), and great-grandfather to Judah O’Neill and Noah O’Neill. He is also survived by his brother Kevin Vincent O’Neill (Paula) of Campbell, CA; his sisters-in-law Frances Neary O’Neill and Sylvia Welch; his brother-in-law Michael Welch; nieces and nephews Danielle Nekimken (Kyle, son Nathan), Brian O’Neill (Alexandra, son Owen), John O’Neill (son Braden), and many nieces and nephews on the Welch side of the family. Bernard was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Marion Welch O’Neill; his parents, Alice and Bernard O’Neill, Sr.; his brothers Thomas, Edward, John, Michael, and Charles O’Neill; his sister Alice O’Neill; and his nephew Kevin O’Neill.
Bernard’s legacy of love and learning will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him. He will be deeply missed.
A visitation from 4 - 6 p.m. on Monday, March 24 with a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS. A Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11300 W 103rd St, Overland Park, KS followed by interment at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to;
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
9720 West 87th Street
Overland Park, KS 66212
or
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
11300 W 103rd Street
Overland Park, KS 66214