John O'Neill; worked on Gemini space program

John J. O'Neill, 89, of Blue Bell, a lead computer programmer on the Gemini space program in the 1960s, died of complications of cancer Monday, April 11, at Normandy Farms Estates.

Mr. O'Neill was born in Philadelphia and raised in Easton, Pa. After high school, he served as a corpsman in the Navy on the Tranquillity during World War II. The Tranquillity saw action in the Pacific transporting wounded personnel.

After his service, Mr. O'Neill attended Temple University, where he met his wife, Claire. He graduated in 1950 with degrees in math and physics, then studied computer engineering at the University of Pennsylvania before being recalled by the Navy during the Korean War. This time he served stateside.

Mr. O'Neill worked as a computer engineer for Unisys on NASA's Atlas missions and the Gemini manned flights, and on security and communications systems with the U.S. and Canadian militaries and the Society of Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication.

Though his work required frequent travel, his wife of 65 years said, Mr. O'Neill "was a family man. No matter where he was, he managed to call home every day."

In his free time, he worked as a hospice volunteer and enjoyed crosswords, sudoku, and other puzzles.

In addition to his wife, Mr. O'Neill is survived by daughter Cynthia; son John M; three nieces; and a nephew.

A memorial service was held Friday, April 15, at St. Thomas Church Whitemarsh.

Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.