Harold Nicholas O' Neil

Harold Nicholas O'Neil, 86, of Danville, passed away at 7:05 p.m., Sunday, November 28, 2004 at his home. He was born March 27, 1918 in Powers, Michigan, the youngest son of William and Katherine (Sipchon) O'Neil. He married Catherine Louise Barbee on January 6, 1951 in Tuscola, Illinois. Shortly after celebrating 53 years of marriage, Catherine preceded him in death on March 18, 2004. Harold came to Danville in 1935, graduated from Danville High School in 1939, where he was captain of the track team and played football. He served in the US Army as a Sergeant during WWII. He was an engineer on the C & E I Railroad and L & N Railroad for 41 years. He worked in the bridge and road building business for over 56 years. In 1946, he started O' Neil Brothers Construction along with his brother William O' Neil. In 1948, he became a partner with Everett Miller and formed O & M Construction. They purchased Danville Asphalt from Scottie McMillian. In 1964, his brother William sold his interest in O'Neil Brothers Construction to Mr. A.J. "Abe" Laboube, with Harold remaining as partner. Harold and Abe also formed LaNeil Construction in 1964. He helped form University Asphalt with Jim Gallivan in 1964 with the purchase of Parro Construction in Urbana, IL. This partnership, along with Roger Yarbough went on to form Apcon Corporation, Mid-America Sand & Gravel, Mid-America Recycle, and eventually purchased Danville Asphalt and McCalman Construction. In 1996, O'Neil Brothers Construction was purchased, and MACC of ILL, INC. was formed, with Mr. O'Neil becoming chairman of the board. He presently owned Big O INC. and Hickory Sand & Gravel. He was also part owner of H & L Landfill with Lou Mervis. Harold was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, a lifetime member of Danville Elks and American Legion, member of Allied Builders, Associated General Contractors, and was on the apprentice board of Operating Engineers Local #841. He was an inductee into the Schlarman High School Hall of Fame, and was instrumental in donating the River Bend Preserve to the Champaign Forrest Preserve. He was a strong supporter of youth sports, sponsored little league teams and softball teams, and was part-owner of the Danville Wings Hockey Team. He supported area high school sports, and always lent a hand when needed. He was an avid sports fan, and loved the Chicago Cubs, the Packers and the Bears. He was an avid card player, and enjoyed collecting and refurbishing old cars. "He considered some of his greatest wealth his family and friends, and will be missed by all who his life touched". Harold is survived by: 3 Daughters- Peggy O'Neil of Carmel, IN, Karen O' Neil of Danville and Kelley (Jack) Smith of Danville; 5 Grandchildren- H. Nicholas O'Neil of Danville, Lily Kate O'Neil of Carmel, IN, Susan (Chris) Young of Chicago, Kayla and Zachary Smith of Danville; 2 Great-Grandchildren- Sydney and Alexis Young of Chicago; many nieces and nephews. His parents, wife, 4 Brothers- William, Walter, Ben and John O' Neil, and 3 Sisters- Katherine Revord, Peggy Gifford and Dorothy Lynch preceded him in death.