Peabody - With heavy hearts, the O'Neil family is deeply saddened to inform you that Brigadier General John "Skip" E. O'Neil IV, U.S. Army, (Retired) passed away unexpectedly on June 26, 2026 in Cranford, NJ. Skip was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, colleague, mentor, teammate, and so much more. Those who knew or worked with Skip will be devastated by this sudden and profound loss.

Skip was born in York, PA on October 21, 1964 to John and Mary Ann O'Neil and raised in Peabody, MA. He earned a BS in Accounting from Providence College where he set a lacrosse record for most goals scored. Skip became a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Providence College ROTC program and received commission as a Second Lieutenant, Quartermaster Corps, US Army in 1986. At Providence College, Skip met his lifelong sweetheart Michele (McGovern) and together they have two adoring sons, John and Jimmy.

After college, Skip went on to earn an MS in Business Management from Saint Mary University; an MS in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College. Skip began his storied Army career where he served in a variety of command and staff positions including five tours in four different Divisions (2nd Infantry, 3rd Infantry, 82nd Airborne and 101st Airborne). Skip had three command combat tours at the Battalion/Brigade level in Iraq (OIF) and Afghanistan (OEF). Skip served as the Chief of Logistics Strategy and Plans for the Army G4 at the Pentagon, the Army's 52nd Quartermaster General, and Commandant of the U.S. Army Quartermaster School. Prior to military retirement in 2016, he served as the Director for Logistics, Engineering and Security Cooperation, United States Pacific Command. Skip excelled quickly and received honors and awards including the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit (3rd award); Bronze Star Medal (2nd award); Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal (7th award); Army Commendation Medal (2nd award); Army Achievement Medal (3rd award); and various Unit Commendations, Campaign and Service Medals.

Skip retired from active-duty service in 2016 as a Brigadier General and transitioned into numerous roles as a logistic consultant with multiple firms in the DC area. In 2018, he joined Pacific Architects & Engineers as Director of Operations, Facilities Management, Integrated Logistics & Stabilization and oversaw programs in Europe & Asia; then in 2024, he joined International SOS Government Medical Services where he quickly transitioned into a Senior Corporate Program Manager and successfully managed a diverse portfolio of projects throughout the Middle East.

During his tenure in the military and his distinguished career after, Skip was always a trusted advisor and dedicated mentor to his colleagues. He possessed a lifelong commitment to service. With work, he was always willing and ready to share his knowledge and expertise to identify problems and navigate possible solutions; but with family and friends, he didn't hesitate to let loose and lean into silliness.

Skip is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Michele; his sons John and Jimmy; his mother Mary Ann; and his siblings Jennifer (Steve) Kayal, Donna (Derek) Drolet, Sarah (Mike) Monica, and Dennis (Cindy) O'Neil; and was predeceased by his father, John, and his brother Tim.

The O'Neil family appreciates the outpouring of love and support from everyone who had the pleasure to interact with Skip- including those he learned from, those he inspired, those he worked alongside or mentored, those he golfed with and others who spent time with him outside of work.

Skip was loved dearly and very well respected by so many. He will be deeply missed and remembered always in our hearts.

Skip will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia with full military honors. Services will be held at a later date. The family will provide more details as they become available.

In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donating to Armed Services YMCA Fort Bragg: https://asymca.org/donate/oneil