Clarence Rodney 'Rod' O'Neal, Jr., 67
HARTLY, Del. - Clarence Rodney "Rod" O'Neal, Jr. passed away peacefully on July 7, 2021.
Born July 9, 1953 in Clayton, Delaware to Clarence R. O'Neal, Sr. and Paulena C. O'Neal. Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Michael Joseph O'Neal; nephew, Jason P. Pandel; and niece, Laura A. Lloyd.
He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Y. O'Neal; brother, Harry B. O'Neal and his companion Teresa Taylor; sister, Lisa A. Lloyd and her husband Mark; sister, Beth Pandel and her husband Brent; and sister, Kathleen M. O'Neal. Additionally, survived by brother-in-law, J. Allen Metheny and wife Barbara; sister-in-law, Linda M. Nickerson and husband James; and aunt, Kathryn M. Morman. He is also survived by 20 nieces and nephews, 22 great nieces and nephews and two great-great niece and nephew. Rod loved his nieces and nephews as he would have his own children. Many looked up to him as a father. Also survived by numerous cousins.
Rod retired from the State of Delaware having worked in information technology and DelDot. He was a life member of Clayton Volunteer Fire Company and the Hartly Volunteer Fire Company. He served as a fire policeman for many years and was a member of the Kent County Fire Police Association. He was 51-32 having taken over this call sign from his father-in-law. Rod was Past President of the Kent County Volunteer Firefighters Association. He was a member of Delaware State Firefighters Association, having served on numerous committees over the years. He was especially proud of his work with the scholarship committees of both associations. He was also a member of Smyrna-Clayton Moose and Diamond State Beagle Club.
We would like to thank the staff of Bayhealth Kent General 2 North, Delaware Hospice and a special thanks to the Hartly Volunteer Fire Department Ambulance Service.
A viewing will be held at Faries Funeral Home, located at 29 S. Main Street in Smyrna on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. with funeral immediately following. Burial will follow at Galena Cemetery in Galena, Maryland.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kent County Firefighters Association Roland Trader Memorial Scholarship Fund, via Shirley Pennington, 3049 Main Street, Frederica, Delaware 19946.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com