THE DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL
Daytona Beach, Florida
Wednesday, July 6, 2011


Staff Sergeant Robert Steven Martin O'Neill , 24, on leave from Barksdale Air Force Base, died on Saturday, June 25, 2011 of injuries from a motorcycle accident with his father by his side.

The son of Steven Martin O'Neill of Palm Coast, FL and the late Elisabeth D. O'Neill of Landstuhl, Germany, he was born July 11, 1986, in Landstuhl, Germany. Upon graduating Flagler Palm Coast High School in June of 2005, Robert joined the United States Air Force for a six year enlistment.

After basic training he entered a technical school for security forces. Robert became a dedicated Non-Commissioned Officer rising through the ranks to become a Staff Sergeant. Robert worked various jobs within his security field, ultimately ending in law enforcement. He is credited with saving three lives in three years and making 23 arrests of poachers and other environmental criminals. He also did a six month deployment to Iraq. He received a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. He volunteered for blood drives, food banks, homeless shelters and handicap hunter access. Robert never stopped caring and did an outstanding job displaying character, faith and loyalty. A family statement reads: "Robert was a wonderful and considerate son, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend. Robert was a hero to some, a friend to many and will be greatly missed by all".

Robert is survived by his father, Steven M. O'Neill and Catherine M. Horecky of Palm Coast, FL; brothers, Christian and Daniel Reusch; niece, Christina L. Giehl; grandmother, Hilde Elbeck and uncle Marvin Elbeck all of Landstuhl,Germany; Uncle Bobby O'Neill and wife Lynne of New York, NY; aunts, Christine Pageau of Port Orange, FL and JoEllen Pearson and her husband Mike of Norfolk, VA; several cousins, nieces and a nephew. Robert was predeceased by his mother, Elisabeth D. O'Neill and brother Jens Reusch.

Friends may call on Friday, July 8, from 4:00-8:00Pm at Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Rd. South, Flagler Beach, FL. A military service will be held on Saturday July 9, 2011 at 11:00AM, at Flagler Palms Memorial Gardens, 511 Old Kings Rd. South, Flagler Beach, FL., officiated by Chaplin, Capt. Jon Bravinder from Patrick's Air Force Base.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor and memory of Staff Sergeant Robert Steven Martin O'Neill at: https://support. woundedwarriorproject.org.

Arrangements are under the care and trust of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, Memorial Gardens and Crematory.