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Patrick Daniel O'Neill, Jr. July 23, 1955 - April 17, 2010 Pat O'Neill died peacefully surrounded by family and listening to the Beach Boys, following a joyous yet tearful toast with many friends and family at his side. "Life is Good!" - A sentiment Pat shared millions of times, but also the attitude he lived with in each moment on this earth. A native of Albuquerque, Pat was born to Irish immigrants Pat and Kitty O'Neill. He attended Highland High School and the University of New Mexico, and went on to receive BS and BBA degrees from the University of Albuquerque. Pat was also an active member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He spent 54 years in this life, encircled by loving family, dear friends and the mountains he loved. Pat was a corporate investigator at Sandia National Laboratories, and was employed there for 33+ years, but his true life's work was his family. Married to his college sweetheart Melissa Richter, she knows Pat as her "one true love" and was blessed to have such a rare and beautiful relationship. The O'Neill family spent wonderful times together skiing, hiking, traveling, scouting and taking part in many sports activities. "Dad never missed a game" Meaghan and Sean can attest. Sean best describes his dad as a "giant among giants". Pat took great pride in being the world's best dad, and was also known as a "loving mentor" by his nephew Keaton. As a scoutmaster for more than a dozen years, Pat mentored many young men, and was instrumental in encouraging both son Sean and nephew Keaton to become Eagle Scouts. His sister Sheila, who was not just sister, but best friend, drew great comfort from knowing "there was nothing he wouldn't do for me". A great friend and caregiver, Pat touched many lives in positive ways, always with generosity, a great smile and his hallmark sense of humor that never waivered. In speaking of Pat, friends always used words like sincerity, integrity, character, honesty and loyalty. Pat is survived by his loving wife of 27 years Melissa Richter O'Neill; wonderful children Meaghan Catherine O'Neill and Sean Patrick O'Neill; sisters, Sheila Ann O'Neill and Mary Catherine O'Neill; nephew Keaton Gibson Richter; and sister-in-law Lisa Gibson Richter; along with countless other friends and family that all know how blessed they were to be a part of his life. Pat was preceded in death by parents Patrick Daniel O'Neill, Sr. and Catherine Murphy O'Neill; in-laws Max Adam Richter and Norma Whittaker Richter; and brother-in-law Keith Malcolm Richter. Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 3:30 p.m. at the Sombra Del Monte Christian Church, 2528 Utah Street NE, Albuquerque NM 87110, 505-298-6707. In lieu of flowers, the O'Neill family requests that donations be made in Pat's honor to the Pat O'Neill Fund, c/o The Great Southwest Council, Boy Scouts of America, 5841 Office Blvd. NE, Albuquerque NM 87109, 505-345-8603 May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand. Please visit our online guestbook for Pat at RememberTheirStory.com French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
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