Ensign Kerry O'Neill died tragically on December 1, 1993 in Coronado, California. A memorial service was held on December 3, 1993 at the NAB Coronado Base Chapel and funeral services were held in her home town at St. Nicholas Church in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.
Kerry was born February 1, 1972. She graduated with distinction in the top ten percent of her Class at USNA with a degree in Ocean Engineering. A superb athlete and an outstanding leader, Kerry achieved 12 varsity letters in cross-country and track, and was the 1992 captain of the women's cross country team. She set records for the Academy's cross-country course, and the indoor and outdoor track 5,000 meter runs. She earned All American status and became the first Naval Academy female to earn a berth to the NCAA Division I championships.
Upon graduation, Kerry entered the Civil Engineering Corps and reported to Naval Facilities Engineering Command at NAS North Island. Her decorations include the National Defense Service medal, the Navy Expert Pistol ribbon, and the Marksman Rifle ribbon.
My friend and fellow teammate, Kerry will always be remembered for her endless energy and her ability to inspire everyone around her. She was a great runner, leader, role model and an awesome friend to many who knew her. Thank you Kerry, for touching my life and so many others around you during your twenty-one years in this life. God Bless you.
Kerry is survived by her mother, Bonnie O'Neill of Kingston, Pennsylvania; her father Dr. Edmund O'Neill of Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania; her sister Kristen Ann and brother Edmund O'Neill III.
Memorial contributions may be sent in Kerry's name to the U. S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.
LT Maria K. Filonczuk, USNA 1990