The Rev. Dr. Patrick T. O’Neill died on February 11, 2025, at the age of 77 (1947-2025).
Patrick was born on March 13, 1947, in New York City NY, to William O’Neill and Elizabeth O’Neill. The youngest of seven children in an Irish Catholic family, he was raised with an emphasis on education, ethics, mutual love, and respect. Religion played a central role in his upbringing. He received his early education in the Catholic parochial school system.
As he grew older, Patrick began to question the theology of his church. His youthful impatience led him to wonder why his faith community was not actively engaged in what he considered a pursuit of righteousness. By his sophomore year of college, he had grown disenchanted with the Catholic Church. During this period, his interest in social activism grew, and he became affiliated with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Seeking a spiritual path that aligned more closely with his evolving beliefs, he became involved with the Unitarian Church. His first Unitarian worship service at the Central Unitarian Church in Paramus NJ, was a pivotal experience. He was deeply drawn to Unitarian Universalism’s emphasis on freedom, reason, tolerance, and love—values that resonated profoundly with him. This experience marked a turning point in his spiritual journey.
In 1969, Patrick graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in American history from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City NJ. Following graduation, he spent a year teaching at a public high school in Hasbrouck Heights NJ, before transitioning to social work. From 1970–1974, he dedicated himself as a social worker, gaining a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by individuals and communities. Gradually, Patrick felt a calling to the Unitarian Universalist ministry, recognizing it as a path that would allow him to integrate his passion for social justice with his spiritual beliefs. Following this call, in 1979, he earned his Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Chicago Divinity School and his Doctor of Ministry from Meadville Lombard Theological School.
The Rev. Dr. O’Neill was ordained to the UU ministry in 1979. He served as a settled minister for several congregations, beginning with the UU Church of Yakima WA (1979–1982), followed by the Northlake UU Church, Kirkland WA (1982–1985), the First Parish in Framingham MA (1985–1996), and the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington DE (1996–2005). During his ministry in Wilmington, he became a figure of national repute, receiving the 1999 Vision of Justice sermon award, the UUA/UUMA 2001 Annual Stewardship sermon award, and preaching for the Service of the Living Tradition at the 2005 General Assembly. His ministry at Wilmington was powerful and change-making. Under his leadership, the congregation became a Welcoming Congregation and entered into a partnership with a Transylvanian church.
From 2006–2007, the Rev. Dr. O’Neill was an interim minister for the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester PA. Thereafter, he continued his ministry as a settled minister at the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn NY (2007–2011) and later at the Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, London (2011–2016). In recognition of his lasting contributions, the First Parish in Framingham MA, honored him as their minister emeritus in 2016.
The Rev. Dr. O’Neill was an excellent preacher, an approachable pastor, and a thoughtful and effective leader. His ministry thrived with pride and pleasure in his high-quality, meaningful sermons, the great spirituality he introduced into the services, and the greater community presence he brought about using talks, meetings, and public presences.
Beyond his congregational leadership, the Rev. Dr. O’Neill was engaged in many denominational committees and interfaith clergy groups. He served the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee and sat on the board of the Starr King School for the Ministry from 2002–2004. He also contributed significantly to the UUMA, serving as a trustee and as a member of the UUMA Commission for Continuing Education. He was a long-time member of the Cedar Hill Study Group (1985–2016) and was the convener of the Northwest UU Ministers Study Group. He taught Thematic Preaching at Andover Newton Seminary.
The Rev. Dr. O’Neill was recognized for his exceptional ministry with several honors throughout his career. He received the Meadville Lombard Billings Prize for Excellent Preaching in 1979 and the O. Eugene Pickett Award for Congregational Growth in 1990. In 2004, his classmates honored him by selecting him to deliver the sermon for their 25th Ordination Anniversary celebration.
Patrick is survived by his wife of 39 years Patricia Williams; stepdaughter Michelle (Steve); stepson Aaron (Corrina); grandchildren Alison and Jack; sister Nora (Lou); and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at University Unitarian Church, 6556 35th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98115. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UUA’s Living Tradition Fund, World Central Kitchen, or Doctors Without Borders.
Notes of condolence may be sent to Patricia Williams at petalpat@aol.com or written here. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.