David Anthony O'Neill

David Anthony O’Neill, 41, passed away on May 22, 2024, at his home after fighting a courageous, four-year battle with colon cancer.

As we mourn the loss of David, we also celebrate the life he lived and the profound impact he had on all who knew him. His unwavering faith, his gentle spirit, and his genuine love for others served as an inspiration to us all.

David was born October 25, 1982, in Adelaide Australia to Dianne and Michael O’Neill. He met his wife, Saeward, in Adelaide, Australia in 2004. They were married in 2007 and moved to her hometown of Pocatello, Idaho, where O’Neill became youth minister for Holy Spirit Catholic Community. Then he became director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Catholic Diocese of Baker, Oregon from 2012-2015, Director of Missions for Life Teen in Georgia from 2015-2016, the director of the Catholic student center at the University of Idaho 2016-2017, and Director of campus ministry at Saint John’s Catholic student center in Pocatello, Idaho from 2017-2024. David remained steadfast in his faith throughout his battle with cancer and unwavering in his commitment to serving others. His kindness, compassion, and dedication to his ministry touched the lives of countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and our community. He was a beacon of light, a guiding force, a beloved husband and father, and a cherished friend to many.

David strived to live out the concept of radical hospitality, always welcoming others with warmth, openness, and authenticity. David was an incredible, loving father and husband, always encouraging and supporting his family. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving wife, Saeward, their children, Ellie, Liam, and Killian, his mother Dianne McDonald, step-father Peter McDonald, father Michael O’Neill. his siblings Carolyn Berry and Andrew O’Neill, in-laws Mark and Cindi Hysell, and extended family and friends.

His family would like to thank Father Emil Parafiniuk, Bishop Peter Christensen, Holy Spirit Catholic Community, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise, the students and volunteers at Saint John’s Catholic student center, and Saeward’s co-workers at Mental Health Specialists for their ongoing support and prayers.

Please join us in celebrating David’s life at a vigil service at Saint John’s Catholic Student Center at 7:00 pm on May 27th, 2024, and funeral mass at Saint Anthony’s Chapel, Holy Spirit Catholic Community, followed by a graveside service at Mountain View Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Saint John’s Catholic Student Center.

A Vigil will be held from 7:00 - 8:00 pm on Monday, May 27, 2024 at St. John's Catholic Student Center, 917 E Lovejoy St, Pocatello, ID.  Memorial Mass will be at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at the Holy Spirit Catholic Community Church, 524 N 7th Ave, Pocatello, ID. Inurnment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. 

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