Age: 67 years, 11 months, 29 days.

Clarence Rodney "Rod" O'Neal, Jr. passed away peacefully on July 7, 2021.

" Rod " was born July 9, 1953 in Clayton, Delaware the son of Clarence R. O'Neal, Sr. and Paulena C. O'Neal.

He retired from the State of Delaware having worked in the State Information Technology group and also with DelDot.

" Rod " was a life member of both the Clayton Volunteer Fire Company and the Hartly Volunteer Fire Company. He served as a fire policeman for many years and was a member of the Kent County Fire Police Association. He was 51-32 having taken over this call sign from his father-in-law.

He was Past President of the Kent County Volunteer Firefighters Association.

" Rod " was a member of Delaware State Firefighters Association, having served on numerous committees over the years. He was especially proud of his work with the scholarship committees of both associations.

He was also a member of Smyrna-Clayton Moose and Diamond State Beagle Club.

He was preceded in passing away by his parents; brother, Michael Joseph O'Neal; nephew, Jason P. Pandel; and niece, Laura A. Lloyd.

" Rod " is survived by his wife, Kathryn Y. O'Neal; brother, Harry B. O'Neal and his companion Teresa Taylor; sister, Lisa A. Lloyd and her husband Mark; sister, Beth Pandel and her husband Brent; and sister, Kathleen M. O'Neal.

Additionally, he was survived by brother-in-law, J. Allen Metheny and wife Barbara; sister-in-law, Linda M. Nickerson and husband James; and aunt, Kathryn M. Morman. He is also survived by 20 nieces and nephews, 22 great nieces and nephews and two great-great niece and nephew.

He loved his nieces and nephews as he would have his own children. Many looked up to him as a father.

A viewing was held at Faries Funeral Home, located at 29 S. Main Street in Smyrna on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the funeral immediately following. Burial was at Galena Cemetery in Galena, Maryland with his parents and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kent County Firefighters Association Roland Trader Memorial Scholarship Fund, via Shirley Pennington, 3049 Main Street, Frederica, Delaware 19946.

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" Rod and I were great friends for years ..... Once the two of us got to talking we would both make each other laugh so hard that we would have to wipe away the tears ..... I'll miss you my friend ! "

Russ

Age: 67 years, 11 months, 29 days.

Clarence Rodney "Rod" O'Neal, Jr. passed away peacefully on July 7, 2021.

" Rod " was born July 9, 1953 in Clayton, Delaware the son of Clarence R. O'Neal, Sr. and Paulena C. O'Neal.

He retired from the State of Delaware having worked in the State Information Technology group and also with DelDot.

" Rod " was a life member of both the Clayton Volunteer Fire Company and the Hartly Volunteer Fire Company. He served as a fire policeman for many years and was a member of the Kent County Fire Police Association. He was 51-32 having taken over this call sign from his father-in-law.

He was Past President of the Kent County Volunteer Firefighters Association.

" Rod " was a member of Delaware State Firefighters Association, having served on numerous committees over the years. He was especially proud of his work with the scholarship committees of both associations.

He was also a member of Smyrna-Clayton Moose and Diamond State Beagle Club.

He was preceded in passing away by his parents; brother, Michael Joseph O'Neal; nephew, Jason P. Pandel; and niece, Laura A. Lloyd.

" Rod " is survived by his wife, Kathryn Y. O'Neal; brother, Harry B. O'Neal and his companion Teresa Taylor; sister, Lisa A. Lloyd and her husband Mark; sister, Beth Pandel and her husband Brent; and sister, Kathleen M. O'Neal.

Additionally, he was survived by brother-in-law, J. Allen Metheny and wife Barbara; sister-in-law, Linda M. Nickerson and husband James; and aunt, Kathryn M. Morman. He is also survived by 20 nieces and nephews, 22 great nieces and nephews and two great-great niece and nephew.

He loved his nieces and nephews as he would have his own children. Many looked up to him as a father.

A viewing was held at Faries Funeral Home, located at 29 S. Main Street in Smyrna on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with the funeral immediately following. Burial was at Galena Cemetery in Galena, Maryland with his parents and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kent County Firefighters Association Roland Trader Memorial Scholarship Fund, via Shirley Pennington, 3049 Main Street, Frederica, Delaware 19946.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

" Rod and I were great friends for years ..... Once the two of us got to talking we would both make each other laugh so hard that we would have to wipe away the tears ..... I'll miss you my friend ! "

Russ