Howard C. "Pudge" O'Neal

Howard Claude “Pudge” O’Neal, 84, of North Huntingdon passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025. He was born April 8, 1940, in Wilkinsburg, a son of the late Howard T. and Allene (Shane) O’Neal. Pudge dedicated 33 years to the Norwin School District, retiring in 1999. During his tenure there, he also served as a coach for the Norwin track and field, soccer, football and wrestling programs. He loved working with kids. He was a proud Norwin Knight himself graduating with the class of 1959 and was a member of the wrestling team that was inducted into the Norwin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017, as well as the baseball and football teams. A standout athlete, his achievements included an invitation to the Olympic tryouts for wrestling and the opportunity to play semiprofessional football. Pudge was also an alumnus of California State College (now PennWest California), where he was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church, Irwin, where he served as an Elder. He was a member of Shidle Lodge No. 601, Free and Accepted Masons, Irwin, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Pittsburgh, and the Syria Temple, Pittsburgh. Over the years, he actively participated in numerous organizations and community programs. He also worked at the William Snyder Funeral Home for many years where he enjoyed greeting and helping people. An avid hunter, he cherished the memories that were made with his family and friends at his camp in Sigel, Pa. Above all, Pudge was a devoted husband, father, and “Pap Pap.” He enthusiastically supported his children and grandchildren in their many and varied athletic and extracurricular endeavors. He was as playful as he was loving, and his family adored him, never doubting the depth of his love or how incredibly proud he was of all of them. There is no greater measure of success. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret “Peggie” (Parry) O’Neal and their children, Randy (Amy) O’Neal; Colleen Rady; and Katey (Kris) Hummel; his eight grandchildren who filled him with joy Abbey (George) Revercomb, Eliza O’Neal, Noah Rady, Patrick O’Neal, Talley (Colton) Madden, Grace (fiancé Brett Ginther), Kara Hummel, and Kacie Hummel; and is also the proud great-grandfather of Howie Revercomb and L.J. Sula. He is also survived by a brother, Thomas O’Neal; sister, Jean (Herman) Brown; sister-in-law, Ethel (Scott, a friend since childhood) Logan; sisters-in-law, Rebecca (Mark) Trembath and Becky Jadlocki; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by many loyal and devoted friends whose friendships he treasured. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, John “Jack” O’Neal; his mother and father in law Lucille and William Parry; his brother-in-law, David Parry; sister-in-law, Sandra O’Neal. Friends will be received from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at the William Snyder Funeral Home, 521 Main St., Irwin. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, in First Presbyterian Church, 617 Main St., Irwin, with Rev. Dr. Doug Rehberg, officiating. Those attending the service please go directly to the church. A masonic funeral service will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Irwin, designated for youth programs, at www.firstpresbyirwin.org/stewardship-finance/. His memory can also be honored by being kind to neighbors, celebrating small moments and big milestones with equal enthusiasm, laughing often, and loving family and friends as tirelessly as he did. For online condolences please visit www.snyderfuneralservices.com.

Howard C. "Pudge" O'Neal

April 8, 1940 - April 6, 2025