Fr. Laurence O'Neil
For the past 50 years, Fr. Laurence O’Neil served the Fairfield Prep and Fairfield University communities as a teacher, mentor and friend. On Monday morning O’Neil passed away at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport at 79.
“Fairfield University and Fairfield Prep have been blessed with his warm Irish humor, selfless devotion to the Jesuit mission, and utmost concern for students,” said University President Fr. Jeffrey von Arx in a press release. “He leaves a legacy of thousands of people whose lives he touched and often changed significantly through his priesthood and the several important positions he held on campus. He will be missed.”
O’Neil, a Westfield, Mass native, joined the Jesuit order in 1948, following in the footsteps of his three uncles. He was assigned to Fairfield Prep in 1955 as a teacher. While there he also spent time as assistant athletic director, dean of students and after five years off for studies, he formed the first formal guidance program there. O’Neil moved on to Fairfield University in 1972, working as the Director of Career Counseling. He was named Dean of Students in 1986, a job that was supposed to last just one year but turned into seven.
His last assignment at Fairfield was one that O’Neil felt was his most fulfilling, serving as the chaplain for alumni and the athletic department. He performed weddings and said funerals for alumni, also reaching out to those who were ill.
“[He] came to be well-loved by players, coaches, and the Athletic Department staff,” Von Arx said. “His office on the second floor of the Walsh Athletic Building was much frequented by those who sought his advice and counsel.”
An avid sports, O’Neil could always been seen at sporting events throughout his career at Fairfield, especially once he took over as chaplain.
“I knew Fr. O’Neil for a long time,” said men’s soccer head coach Carl Rees. “He was ever present at our games and in the Walsh Athletic Department. He will remain in my heart and in the hearts of all those he touched throughout his long time here.”
The funeral for O’Neil will be held on Friday Oct. 23 in the Egan Chapel on campus at 9:30 a.m.
For individuals who wish to make a gift to the University in Fr. O’Neill’s memory, they may do so by giving to the Rev. W. Laurence O’Neill Scholarship Fund at Fairfield University c/o 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.
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