Thomas Rodney O'Neal Sr.

In lieu of flowers, a donation towards the renovation of Quinn Chapel AME Church, would be gratefully received and is a place close to Rodney’s heart.

• Donations can be made by checks payable to Quinn Chapel and through the App Givelify. Quinn Chapel AME Church is to be found at 109 Prospect Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716.

Thomas Rodney O’Neal, Sr was born on October 13, 1943, the 8th of 14 children to the late Forrest and Eleanor O’Neal. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey he was a graduate of Middletown Township High School and went on to attend Howard University.  

Rodney was a standout athlete and champion of higher education. He was on the HU track and field team and obtained a bachelor and master’s degree in psychology. He later studied toward a doctorate in social planning at North Carolina University Chapel Hill and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.  

Following his studies, he began a celebrated tenure at the National Urban League in Washington, D.C. and then returned to his home state of New Jersey where he fulfilled his dream of owning his own business by forming Church Oil Co-op, Inc. Through this business, Rodney was able to assist those in need by providing home heating oil at a discounted price. He also rejoined his home church, Quinn Chapel AME, where he held leadership roles.  Rodney had a special love for the church and worked diligently to promote economic development district wide.  

His love of education could be felt by those around him, having helped and encouraged countless friends, nieces, and nephews to also pursue their higher education goals. He had the keen ability to see the potential in those around him, even when they didn’t see it in themselves, always offering advice or being a sounding board. 

Rodney was active in his community sitting on local boards including Monmouth County Urban League, Monmouth Medical Center, Pan-African Chamber of Commerce, Community YMCA and many more. He was involved in numerous social clubs including the Red Bank Men’s Club and his beloved Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. 

His life was rich, made even more so by his love of family and his devotion to his wife Josephine.  Their life together began when they met on the campus of Howard University in 1968. Together they built a strong family unit that included 2 children Rodney, Jr, and Lauren. His dedication to family was evident in his constant presence and commitment to their well-being, which created a strong foundation of trust, respect, and unwavering support that bound the family together.  

Rodney’s family was his lifeline. His nieces and nephews adored him, and he managed to share a special bond with them all. He looked forward to hosting the O’Neal family Christmas party each year. An event guaranteed to bring the entire family together.  

Rodney enjoyed playing golf, traveling to see family and friends and spending time with his 3 grandchildren. He was a trusted friend to many, giving unselfishly of his time and energy and will be remembered as a kind and generous human being. 

Rodney is survived by his devoted wife Josephine Young-O’Neal, his children Rodney (Susie) O’Neal Jr, daughter Lauren (Marcus) Jones, his brother Adrian (Ellen) O’Neal and sisters Rudell (Jimette Anderson) O’Neal, Sonia Reevey and a host of nephews, nieces and friends. He was a proud grandfather and leaves behind his 3 grandchildren Aaron, Ava and Austin Jones. He is predeceased by his parents Forrest and Eleanor O’Neal, and brothers and sisters Viola Williams, Meadow Forrest, Jr, Melvin, Willie Ruffins, Enoch, Florence Amos, Peggy Brown, Meadow, William, and Jackie Jones.  

In Rodney’s own words, “If there is ever a time in each of our lives that tests our beliefs and faith in a supreme being, it is in times like this, when someone we know and for whom we have enormous love is taken from this life. I believe in the ultimate authority and power of our Lord and Savior, and that His plan for each of us is fixed. Yes, it hurts, deeply, when someone we love and long to be around is taken, however, if our Faith is intact, we can and should accept that they are with Him who has power over us all, and what we truly need to do is celebrate their home going.”