Capitol Words a project of the Sunlight Foundation

Rep. John W. Olver

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life's work of Robert M. O'Neil, a lifelong resident of Pittsfield, Massachusetts who has served his community in many capacities, including service Pittsfield residents as a teacher at Taconic High School since 1996. He and his beloved wife, Betty O'Neil, raised one daughter, Angela, and enjoyed the company of 22 nephews and nieces.

Mr. O'Neil started a long career as a girls' basketball coach at the Catholic Youth Center, Pittsfield Boys and Girls Club and with AAU teams. He also refereed countless games since 1987 and was Assistant Girls Basketball Coach at Pittsfield High School from 1995 until 2005. At various times his Pittsfield teams won the City Championship, League Championship, Berkshire County Championship, Western Massachusetts Championship, and appeared in the Massachusetts State Championship Final. He then became Head Girls Basketball Coach at Taconic High School in 2005 and served in that capacity until 2011. During his career, he was named the recipient of the Berkshire County Sportsman of the Year and radio station WBEC's Girls Coach of the Year, and on two different occasions was named Girls Basketball Coach of the Year by his peers.

Robert M. O'Neil has unselfishly devoted his life to improving the lives of students and basketball players and their families. On February 21, 2012, his life will be celebrated, and he will be given a Certificate of Recognition and the Key to the City of Pittsfield in deep appreciation for his distinguished service, and that date will be known forever as Robert M. O'Neil Day in Pittsfield. Mr. Speaker, I join my friends, colleagues and neighbors in commemorating his life and wonderful accomplishments.