Lawrence Eugene “Buddy” O’Neill
NEPTUNE - Lawrence Eugene “Buddy” O’Neill, 90, of Neptune, New Jersey, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at home. He was born in Charleston, SC, to the late Lawrence and Dorothy O’Neill.
He enlisted in the military at an early age, and began a 20-year career, primarily in the US Army Signal Corps. His service encompassed deployments during the Korean and Vietnamese Conflicts, and tours in Germany, Japan, Fort Bliss, TX, and Fort Gordon, GA. Buddy rose to the rank of First Sergeant before his honorable discharge and retirement in 1972 at Fort Monmouth, NJ.
Buddy was married to Beatrice Rose (Alleyne) of Red Bank, NJ, and together they raised their daughter, Jennifer Natalie. In October 2018, Bea and Buddy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and Bea’s 75th birthday with a gala celebration at the Shadowbrook in Shrewsbury, NJ. Regrettably, Bea passed away in 2020.
After his Army retirement, he worked for Sun Oil Company, before becoming a successful businessman and property owner. In 1984 he launched his first business venture taking ownership of the Redwood Inn in Neptune, NJ, and in 1987 collaborating with friends Fred T. and “Cookie” Smith, he established the Oasis Bar in Asbury Park. He also invested in rental properties in Monmouth County, Charleston, and Florida.
Deeply involved in his community of Neptune, Mr. O’Neill served on the School Board and was appointed to the Housing Authority, earning respect as a leader and advocate. Additionally, he joined the Neptune Democratic Club and the Gables Homeowners Association, and his contributions also extended to membership in the Monmouth County Men’s Club and the NOISE social club.
Buddy is preceded in death by his wife, parents, and son Lawrence (Larry), along with siblings Melvin O’Neill and Cornielle Chavers.
He is survived by his daughters Jennifer (Haven) Melton, Traci (Mark) Spencer, Sharon O’Neill, Lillian Dunning, and Jamie (Daniel) Maskel; grandchildren Joseph O’Neill, Gabrielle Robinson, Lauren O’Neill, Paige Dunning, Adam Dunning, Lindsey Dunning, and Stetson Maskel; 8 great-grandchildren; brothers Kenneth O’Neill and Anthony O’Neill; sisters Virginia Pyle, Lauretta Bumpus, Patricia Bass, Janice Blair, Marguerite Bresnihan, Charlotte Gordon, and Lynne Maybank; brothers-in-law Charles Alleyne and Michael Alleyne; sisters-in-law Carmen Alleyne, Gail Anderson, Marva Dizard, and Ramona Young; godson Lawrence Gordon; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a multitude of friends, including his dear friend and former business partner Natalie “Cookie” Smith.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the O’Neill Family and Friends Scholarship Fund. Contributions are tax-deductible and will go towards providing scholarships to deserving high school seniors in Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Checks should be made payable to The Central Jersey Club, NANBPWC with a note in the memo, O’Neill F&F Scholarship Fund, and mailed to P. O. Box 1161, Asbury Park, NJ 07712.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 15th at 6 PM at United Fellowship Baptist Church, 603 Third Ave, Asbury Park, NJ. Lawson Funeral Home & Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.