Daniel O’Neal III

Daniel Joseph O’Neal III was born on April 14, 1944 in Washington, DC.

He died on August 1, 2025 at McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey while spending his thirteenth summer in Cheboygan.

Daniel’s life was fulfilled by serving others rather than himself. In 1966 he graduated from the University of Maryland School of Nursing and entered the United States Army Nurses Corp. He was assigned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. It was there that he assisted in the care of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Next he served in Viet Nam in a Mobile Army Hospital (MASH). His next assignment was on the faculty of the Army Licensed Practical Nursing Program. He remained in the Army Reserves for 27 years. When working at the American Nurses Association he provided health care information to former First Lady Hillary Clinton and noteworthy was his recognition by the late Senator Ted Kennedy for helping congressional members understand complex medical issues they were debating for upcoming legislation. He continued as chief for science
policy at the National Institute of Nursing Research at the National Institutes of Health. In addition, he taught nursing at The University of Pennsylvania where he developed the gerontology nursing curriculum. He also taught nursing at The University of Maryland- Salisbury Campus, The University of South Carolina, and finally The University of South Florida.  His final position was at James A Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa, Florida. He also served on committees with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education where he was involved with the accreditation of baccalaureate through doctoral nursing programs in the United States. In 2019 the University of Maryland School of Nursing recognized his decades of
exceptional service with the Distinguished Alumni Award. From an early age his faith was foundation of his life choices. As a young adult he was a choir member at the Washington National Cathedral. As a nurse he volunteered as medical missionary in Haiti several times. He was active at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Tampa, Florida where he served on the vestry and co-taught adult bible study classes. While summering in Cheboygan he attended St. James Episcopal Church. Daniel was also a life-long member of MENSA. His was a life lived in tireless service to others. He unselfishly gave of his time and council to many over the years. Always giving but asking nothing in return. He left his mark on the hearts and souls of those who were fortunate enough to call him their friend. Dan never met a stranger.

Memorials may be given in memory of Daniel J. O’Neal III to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 4311 W San Miguel Street, Tampa, Florida 33629.

Service arrangements will be announced by the Beck Funeral Home at a later date.

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org