[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 27 (Friday, February 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ROBERT M. O'NEIL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN W. OLVER

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 17, 2012

  Mr. OLVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life's 
work of Robert M. O'Neil, a lifelong resident of Pittsfield, 
Massachusetts who has served his community in many capacities, 
including service Pittsfield residents as a teacher at Taconic High 
School since 1996. He and his beloved wife, Betty O'Neil, raised one 
daughter, Angela, and enjoyed the company of 22 nephews and nieces.
  Mr. O'Neil started a long career as a girls' basketball coach at the 
Catholic Youth Center, Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club and with AAU 
teams. He also refereed countless games since 1987 and was Assistant 
Girls Basketball Coach at Pittsfield High School from 1995 until 2005. 
At various times his Pittsfield teams won the City Championship, League 
Championship, Berkshire County Championship, Western Massachusetts 
Championship, and appeared in the Massachusetts State Championship 
Final. He then became Head Girls Basketball Coach at Taconic High 
School in 2005 and served in that capacity until 2011. During his 
career, he was named the recipient of the Berkshire County Sportsman of 
the Year and radio station WBEC's Girls Coach of the Year, and on two 
different occasions was named Girls Basketball Coach of the Year by his 
peers.
  Robert M. O'Neil has unselfishly devoted his life to improving the 
lives of students and basketball players and their families. On 
February 21, 2012, his life will be celebrated, and he will be given a 
Certificate of Recognition and the Key to the City of Pittsfield in 
deep appreciation for his distinguished service, and that date will be 
known forever as Robert M. O'Neil Day in Pittsfield. Mr. Speaker, I 
join my friends, colleagues and neighbors in commemorating his life and 
wonderful accomplishments.

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