O’Neal, Gary, 45, of Ft. Lauderdale, passed away on Saturday, October 13, 2012. Preceded in death by his father, Michael Ressa. Gary is survived by his mother, Donna O’Neal and his brother, Michael Ressa. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 19, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. with a Tributes of a Lifetime Service at 7:00 p.m. at Boyd-Panciera Hollywood Boulevard Chapel.
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Karen Whyte (Pennsauken NJ)
October 17, 2012, 12:00 am
I met Gary through my cousin Donna McGinley. The 3 of us went to CA together back in 1993 and we visited with Gary’s mom while we were there. I was just looking through our pictures from that trip and remembered what a fun time we had. Gary always made us laugh!! I have a really sweet picture of Gary and his mom from that trip. A few years later, he started dating Jackie and she and I have been friends ever since. We are all shocked and saddened to hear this news and give our deepest sympathies to his mom and family.
David Kopec (Deptford NJ USA)
October 17, 2012, 12:00 am
Donna O’Neal & Family,
Gary was a dear friend of mine for 31 years. I met Gary at the Windsor Diner in Cherry Hill,NJ back in 1981.
We both enjoyed each others company and I always had a great time with him.
Gary had a great sense of humor and he always made me laugh. I have so many fond memories of Gary.
He was my best man when I got married in Las Vegas back in 2008 and that was a great time.
I am very sad that Gary has left us. He was too young to pass away and he will be sorely missed.
I loved him like a brother and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family & friends during this difficult time.
I know Gary is in heavan with his dad and loved ones smiling down upon us.
Rest in Peace my friend.
David & Susan Kopec
Joaquin Rodriguez (Miami Lakes FL USA)
October 18, 2012, 12:00 am
Gary became a good friend as we met at work nov/dec 2009. In a short period he showed kindness to all his coworkers. He still helped some of us even after he left the company. I treasure the time we share as coworkers and I am sadden by his departure. His family should be very proud of the very good person he was.
Mike McGovern (Boca Raton FL USA)
October 18, 2012, 12:00 am
Gary and I met about 11 years ago at a security industry event. Over the years we crossed paths many times and I always enjoyed Gary’s company and his business wisdom. The security technology business last a great one for sure.
Jon McCormack (West Chester PA)
October 18, 2012, 12:00 am
Gary and I worked together back at SST and he always knew how to make people laugh. He was great at finding humor in even the toughest situations and made work more enjoyable. My deepest sympathies go out to Gary’s family and friends. He was a good guy and I am glad to have had the chance to get to know and learn from him.
Tom Catagnus (Worcester PA USA)
October 19, 2012, 12:00 am
I worked with Gary at SST. I have nice memories of our time working together. May he rest in peace.
Chris Cavallo (Fort Lauderdale FL United States)
October 19, 2012, 12:00 am
In 30 + years in the Security Industry I never met anyone that was as bright as Gary Oneal and that could set the Bar as he did one project after another”He was our “Top Gun” without question.Along with that he became a very dear friend who probably really didn’t know how much he was respected,admired and loved. There wasn’t a Holiday over the last several years that Gary wasn’t invited to our Home to be with us. He was a gem who are Family loved and there will be an empty seat at our Table this year at Thanksgiving Dinner!
We love you my man!!! Rest with your angels!!
Chris Cavallo
Derek Nicktern
November 2, 2012, 12:00 am
Gary and I had been friends for over a decade, and talked every few weeks. He would go out of his way to do anything for anyone, and genuinely cared about people. I will miss him greatly! We were also in church a few years ago together when Gary’s heart was stirred by the message, and he went forward to accept Christ as his personal savior. Many of you reading may have seen the verse at NFL Games or other places – John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life. May this verse have new meaning in your lives!
Derek Nicktern, NJ
Troy Vasos (Wilmington NC USA)
November 7, 2012, 12:00 am
I’m sorry but it has taken me this long to come to grips with the untimely death of my very good friend Gary O’Neil; we had only been friends for 1 ½ yrs or so & shared some long discussions about business, family, friends, happy times & sad losses. He was always fun to be around & we shared so very much in common, realizing how close our views were about so many things. I will always remember him as the “life of his own party” as I used to joke with him about; we could have fun anywhere we were.
I am so saddened & shocked by the way that he left us, I still find myself trying to call/ text his number. To his Mom, Brother Michael & Cousin Lisa; I can’t tell you how truly saddened & sorry for your loss I am. We talked & text until Friday while working on a deal together, brother looks like we won; I wanted to for you brother! May the lord keep you in his great light until he is ready for you to do great work in heaven Gary.
Your friend and brother forever,
Troy Vasos
Donna Moore (Ventura CA)
November 8, 2012, 12:00 am
Gary I received your ashes yesterday and we will never be away from each other again. To say, “how proud I have been to be your mother is not enough”. We grew up together believing if you love someone you set them free and I always wanted you to have freedom to achieve your goals in life. Even if that meant being away from you for long periods of time. I was so excited that you would be coming to California and we would finally spend more time together but I guess God needs you more. You will always be in my heart forever. Love you….Mom
Shawn Keller (Madisonville LA)
January 10, 2013, 12:00 am
I met Gary in 2006 when we started working together in the security industry. He was a very unique, smart, funny person who has forever left a mark on my life. I am in such shock over his passing. I always thought one day I would see that smile again. I am so very sorry for the loss of your son, Donna. I will miss him greatly!
Kevin Nadai (Edwardsburg MI)
June 20, 2013, 12:00 am
I worked closely with Gary for years in the security industry.
We had some great talks about life, the universe, and everything.
I think of him often and will never forget him.
Mary Ellen Mcguire Balfour (Marlton NJ)
July 22, 2013, 12:00 am
Donna,
I just heard of the passing of your Son.
I am so sorry for your loss,
Gary was the sweetest little boy and we all loved him.
What I remember the most is his beautiful eyes and big smile…..
My Mom had a very special place in her heart for both Donny and Gary!
RIP….
Mary Ellen McGuire Balfour
patricia vieira (miami FL United States)
December 6, 2013, 12:00 am
today i decided to give gary a call and his number was not the same so i google him to get his information and came across his death. garry had come to visit me in october and we talked and laughed we dated and i took him home to meet my family. i am so sad not sure what happened but i wish i did not let him walk out of my store that day. i will miss him
Leo cipollone (Ocean city MD)
January 18, 2015, 12:00 am
I knew Gary since I was in the navy back in 1992. Every time he’d come To stay with Donna in California I used to take the train up to LA and stay with both. Then Gary and I went out clubbing and just having a blast. Up to this day I think about you on a daily basis. I miss you my friend. I’m so sorry Donna. You guys will always be in my heart forever.