Jerome ‘Bucky’ O’Neill

Born July 16, 1935, in Marquette, a son of Austin Gregory and Amelia Hilma (Johnson) O’Neill, Bucky was raised in North (pronounced ‘Nort’) Marquette where hockey, hockey, hockey was the family buzzword and activity. At age 16, like so many other young people of his day, he left school to enter the workforce to help support his family. He began his working career with the City of Marquette as a laborer with subsequent promotions to mechanic at the city garage, and finally in the mid-70s as foreman of the Parks Department, from where he retired in 1995. Bucky did eventually return to the classroom, earning his GED from Marquette Senior High School in 1976 when he was 41.

Throughout the years, Bucky had an interesting and outstanding relationship with hockey. At age 14, Bucky was drafted into playing with the Marquette Sentinels Men’s Hockey team while still playing with the VFW Warriors who won an International Juvenile Championship. He loved the Red Wings and tried out for the team in 1953, along with a tryout in 1954 with the Montreal Canadiens. He spent many seasons with the Marquette Sentinels, including winning the Gibson Cup. He went on to spend several seasons with the Marquette Iron Rangers. Bucky also had the opportunity to play against both the Russian Olympic team at the Broadmoor in Colorado as part of a Midwest All Star team, and as a loanee to the Green Bay Bobcats against the West German Olympic squad. After his playing days ended, he supported the Marquette Jr. Hockey Program on its board, as a coach, and as a referee.

On January 12, 1957, Bucky was united in marriage to Margaret Riopelle at St. Peter Cathedral, a union of love and devotion that stood firm for 67 years. Together, the couple established a home in Marquette where they raised their family. Both were involved with Marquette Junior Hockey, and during a Mother’s Game played in the old Palestra, Margaret with skates and stick played while Bucky, complete with a woman’s wig, served as an official.

A perfectionist, in his leisure time Bucky enjoyed woodworking, fishing on Lake Superior, hunting, and gardening. He was also a man of patience, often mentoring his children and grandchildren on a variety of projects, but always insisting they learn by doing it themselves.

Bucky was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Bay where he and Margaret were active members and belonged to Marquette Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 405.

Bucky is survived by his children, Paul (Nancy) O’Neill, Michael (Christine) O’Neill, Bob (Lisa) O’Neill, and Kathy McKindles; his grandchildren, Matthew O’Neill, Tiffany O’Neill, Brian O’Neill, Elizabeth (Nicholas) Boliard; Cassaundra (Jon) Strolle, Katy O’Neill, Sean McKindles, and Megan McKindles; many great-grandchildren; his siblings, Austin âOzzieã (Janet) O’Neill and Patricia Peterson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bucky was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret, on March 2, 2024; a son-in-law, Bob McKindles; brother-in-law, Werner Peterson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald (Joyce) O’Neill and Alwin (Verna) O’Neill.

The family will receive relatives and friends in the Bishop’s Room located at St. Peter Cathedral on Thursday, May 15 beginning at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Cathedral at 12:00 noon with Rev. Vinoy Panthilapadam as celebrant. A reception will follow in Cathedral Hall. Entombment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery Columbarium at a later date.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com