Obituary of Michael J. O'Neill, III

Michael Joseph O’Neill III, lifelong resident of Ridgefield Park, passed away Thursday, February 10, 2022, at the age of 47 years. “Big Mike” was born and raised in Bergen County and spent his life involved in the local community and supporting his wife and children’s various activities as well.  Always the loudest cheerleader at every game, he loved to spend time coaching his children’s teams for baseball and basketball.

Mike was a member of the Ridgefield Park Dad’s group. This awesome group of guys in addition to social activities also assisted with projects around their community, including clearing Mike’s driveway of snow while he was in the hospital.

Mike was a parishioner of St. Francis R.C. Church in Ridgefield Park where he served as an altar boy in grammar school and later watched his children follow in his footsteps. He attended Lincoln School for K-8 and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Rutherford.

Big Mike most recently worked with his brother as a construction foreman for Home Services USA. Prior to settling into construction, he also spent time as an educational assistant to special needs students.  Perhaps the most interesting job choice was Mike (lead foot) as a driving instructor.

An avid New York sports fan, Mike would often be found decked out in Giants or Yankees gear. The big in his “Big Mike” nickname didn’t just refer to his size, it was also his big heart.  Perhaps it was that big heart that kept him so warm that his preferred attire was shorts all the time along with his superhero T-shirts. Mike was an amazing grill master and master carver.  Mike loved his family, friends, and community.

Beloved husband of Mary Catherine (nee Appel) O’Neill. Loving father of Warren Kevin, Emily Elizabeth, Joseph Michael, and one fur baby, Robby. Devoted son of Noreen (nee Nash) and Michael Joseph O’Neill Jr. Cherished brother of Kerry Hennessy and her husband Michael, Tara Brant and her husband Robert, Sean O’Neill and Amber Perschau, Daniel O’Neill and his wife Samara, and Caitlin O’Neill. Adoring son-in-law of Joanne (nee McHenry) and Charles Appel. Dearest brother-in-law of Audrey Appel and William Appel and his wife Alisha. Big Mike leaves behind seventeen nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all.

The funeral leaves from Vorhees Ingwersen Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 16^th at 10:30AM. The funeral mass will be offered 11AM at St. Francis R.C. Church in Ridgefield Park. Cremation is private. Visitation will be held at Vorhees Ingwersen Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2PM to 4PM and 7PM to 9PM. Visitors are invited to sport Big Mike’s favorite dress outfit, khaki shorts, polo/T-shirt, & slides with socks. In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.