Carol A. O'Neill

Carol A. O’Neill

Age 85 of Romeoville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, with her family by her side.

Born December 18, 1940, in Chicago, IL, Carol was a daughter of Peter and Ann (née Pitloz) Dutkanych. She was a graduate of Robert Lindblom High School (1959), and married James H. O’Neill, Jr. on May 14, 1960, in St. Basil’s Church in Chicago.

Throughout their married life, Carol and Jim resided in Chicago, Tinley Park, and Three Rivers, Michigan: finally settling in at Grand Haven Community in Romeoville.

She was a dedicated member of St. Carlo Acutis Parish (Ambrose Catholic Church). Carol and Jim were the 2019 Champions of the WII Bowling Tournament at Grand Haven, a community they loved being part of in their golden years.

One of Carol and Jim’s most memorable adventures was a trip to Ireland in 2008.

Carol enjoyed crocheting blankets and specially crafted one for each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild; even one for another great-grandchild expected soon. She also loved to bake and being outside tending to her flower gardens.

Perhaps the greatest legacy that Carol will be remembered for is her unwavering faith in God and her love and dedication to her family.

Survivors include her children, Jim (Brenda) O’Neill, Kathleen Harmon, Karen Sceniak, Gerry (Bonnie) O’Neill, grandchildren; Taylure (Brian) Wagner, Tyler (Samantha) O’Neill, Mark (Meredith) Harmon, Jennifer (Carl) Walls, Nicole (Steve) Weaver, Steven Sceniak, Robert (Lindsay) O’Neill and Brittany (Matt) Martens, thirteen great-grandchildren with another on the way, sisters-in-law; Karen Dutkanych, Marilyn Crisham, Rita O’Neill, brother-in-law; John Olson, her lifelong friend from Florida; Lori, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Carol was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years; Jim O’Neill; parents, Peter and Ann Dutkanych; son-in-law; Mark Harmon, grandsons; Joseph Harmon and Daniel Harmon, brothers; Rich (Lois), Gene (Marge), and Peter Dukanych, sisters-in-law; Ilomay (Bud) Peck and Jeanne Olson, brothers-in-law; Michael O’Neill, Thomas O’Neill, and Jack Crisham.

A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Words of remembrance and a prayer service will follow at 7:15 p.m. at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435.

Funeral services will follow on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 9:15 a.m. with prayers in the funeral home chapel, then processing to St. Carlo Acutis Parish (St. Ambrose Catholic Church), for a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m., Rev. Anthony Nyamai officiating.

Per Carol’s wishes, cremation rites were accorded, and she will be laid to rest with her dear husband at a later date.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL 815-735-2125.