Rev. Msgr. Kevin O'Neill
Deceased: 2011-05-17
Diocese: SCRANTON
Seminary Graduation Year: 1977
Monsignor Kevin P. O’Neill, a resident of Little Flower Manor, died Tuesday, May 17, 2011, at Hospice Community Care in Dunmore. Msgr. O’Neill, a son of the late Lawrence F. and Mary P. Manley O’Neill, was born in Avoca on October 26, 1951. He received his early education at Cathedral Grammar School and Cathedral High School. Monsignor graduated from the University of Scranton in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. He attended the North American College in Rome and received his STB from Gregorian University in Rome in 1976. He was ordained to the priesthood on July 10, 1977, in Saint Gregory’s Church, Clarks Summit, by the Most Rev. James C. Timlin, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Scranton. Msgr. O’Neill served as an assistant pastor at Our Lady of the Snows, Clarks Summit; and then as a resident at Immaculate Conception Scranton; Saint Catherine of Siena, Moscow; Holy Rosary, Scranton; St. Mary’s, Avoca; and St. Eulalia’s, Elmhurst, during the summers while working on his graduate studies in Canon Law. Msgr. O’Neill received a doctorate in canon law from the Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. He served as administrator of Saint Therese Parish, Shavertown, before being appointed as pastor. He was also pastor of St. John the Evangelist, St. Casimir,St. Joseph’s in Pittston and St. John’s in Bushkill, Pa.In addition to his parochial duties, Msgr. O’Neill served on the Liturgical Commission and as Moderator of Engaged Encounter. He served the Diocesan Tribunal first as a judge and then as judicial vicar from 1985 through 1990. While serving in his parish assignments, he remained with the Marriage Tribunal as a judge from 1990 through 1995. He was a diocesan consultor from 1989 through 1994 and dean of the Monroe County Deanery from 1998 through 2000. Msgr. O’Neill was named a Chaplain of His Holiness on July 10, 1990. He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Maureen Thorburn and her husband, William, Clarks Green. Monsignor is also survived by his nephew, Brian Thorburn, and wife, Meghan; and his nieces, Stacey McHale and husband Timothy, and Heather McCormick and husband Sean; as well as three great-nephews. Viewing will take place at Saint Gregory,330 N. Abington Rd., Clarks Green, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. today. A Vigil Mass will be at 7 p.m. today, celebrated at Saint Gregory, Clarks Green, with the Rev. Thomas M. Muldowney, V.E. Episcopal Vicar for Clergy, presiding. A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Rev. Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, at 11 a.m. Thursday in Saint Gregory, Clarks Green. Viewing will also take place Thursday, prior to the 11 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment will be in Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton. Memorial contributions may be made to
