Patricia A. R. O'Neil

Patricia A. R. O'Neil of Kennett Square and Downingtown, PA.

Patricia A. R. O'Neil (nee Dilley), 83 of Kennett Square and long-time resident of Downingtown, passed away Saturday, February 24, 2018 at Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester with her children at her bedside.

She was the wife of the late Paul L. O’Neil for 57 years. 

Born October 16, 1934 in Portland, OR, she was the daughter of the late Luther L. L. Dilley and the late Ruby R. Pribble Dilley.

She received her bachelor’s in mathematics from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and was also a student at Swarthmore College.

Pat worked briefly for the FBI, and for IBM in information systems and then became a full-time homemaker and mother, raising four children.  As a second career, she later become a premier tax preparer for H&R Block for nearly 30 years, certified as an Enrolled Agent for the IRS, for which she retained certification until her death. 

Throughout her life, Pat was an avid volunteer in many community organizations from the Girl Scouts of America as a troop leader, to serving in leadership roles including President of the West Chester Area School District board for nearly 12 years.  She was an active member of the Homeshare Program, affiliated with the YWCA of Greater West Chester and served tirelessly on the board of Interfaith Housing for many years.

Pat loved to play golf, ski, roller-blade and knit.  She shared her husband’s love of classical music and theater, enjoyed playing bridge and pinochle, as well as reading and always had a puzzle in progress.

She is survived by her children, Julianne O'Neil, Sean O'Neil (wife Renae), Stephanie McFadden (husband Ted) and Robert O'Neil (wife Jennifer); as well as her 7 grandchildren, Luke, Ethan, Maggie, Claire, Lucy, Reese and Ainsley. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews in Massachusetts, North Carolina, Virgina and Colorado.

Relatives and friends are invited to her Funeral Mass at 10:00am on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at St. Agnes Church, 200 W. Gay St. West Chester, PA 19380.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (www.themmrf.org) and Neighborhood Hospice, 400 E. Marshall St. West Chester, PA 19380.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. of West Chester, PA 610-696-1181; www.DellaFH.com.