[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15071]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       IN MEMORY OF DR. WILLIAM O'NEILL OF LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 6, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
memory of Dr. William ``Bill'' O'Neill, a legendary educator and 
husband of Beverly O'Neill, one of the most popular and effective 
mayors in Long Beach history. Dr. O'Neill spent his entire life 
contributing to the vibrancy and intellectual wealth of the Long Beach 
community. He passed away peacefully on October 24, 2012 at the age of 
81, surrounded by his loved ones.
  Dr. O'Neill was born and raised in Long Beach, California, where he 
attended Long Beach Poly High School and met his wife of sixty years. 
They later attended Long Beach City College and California State 
University, Long Beach. Together, they had a daughter, Teresa, and 
became proud grandparents to her son, Nolan.
  Besides being a proud family man, Dr. O'Neill was also a brilliant 
and leading figure in California's higher education system. He taught 
at the University of Southern California for 32 years and served as 
president of the National American Education Studies Organization. He 
authored over 75 scholarly articles and published 8 books focusing on 
the philosophy of education.
  As a city councilwoman, I had the distinct pleasure of serving Long 
Beach alongside Dr. O'Neill's wife, Mayor Beverly O'Neill. It was an 
honor to get to know Dr. O'Neill and his beautiful family, and I have 
always been personally moved by his commitment to his loved ones and 
his pride in their many accomplishments. I hope that the memories of 
his love will provide comfort during this difficult time.
  Mr. Speaker, with the passing of Dr. O'Neill, our community has lost 
a great man. I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends, 
and I ask my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence to honor his 
memory.