Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
O'NEILL, John J.
O'NEILL, John J. (Bridgeport, WI, July 29, 1917--Dubuque, IA, Feb. 20, 2010). Business leader. O'Neill served during WORLD WAR II as an infantry captain and then settled in Dubuque. He went into business with Leo A. THEISEN forming Theisen-O]Neill before starting Rainbo Tire in 1953. He retired from this company as its president in 1982.
O'Neill was active in the educational community of Dubuque. He served on the WAHLERT HIGH SCHOOL board and was president of the Dubuque Metropolitan Catholic Board of Education. He was also a past president of the school board of the DUBUQUE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT. O'Neill was a member of the Serra Club, served as a district governor, and was named District Serran of the Year. In 1993 he received the Sertoma Regional Service to Mankind award. Among his many other volunteer activities was work for Hospice of Dubuque and the SAINT VINCENT de PAUL.
Dorothy and John O'Neill raised thirteen children and volunteered together for many local causes. She died on January 28, 2010. He passed away on their 67th wedding anniversary.