TOPSFIELD - John Gerard O'Neill, 68, of Topsfield, Massachusetts, USA and Rush, Ireland, passed away on October 20th, 2024 after a long battle with cancer. John was born in Dublin, Ireland to John F. and Joan (O'Riordan) O'Neill on September 26th, 1956. His education culminated in Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Astronomy & Space Science.

Although John had a 25+ year career working with computerized traffic systems for the Dublin City Council, his real passion was astronomy. John did a lot of public outreach, travelled to 12 total solar eclipses around the world, and submitted astronomical data to various astronomy organizations on both sides of the Atlantic. He also created and produced the annual astronomical almanac "Sky High" for the Irish Astronomical Society, curated multiple websites, and enjoyed writing a variety of useful tools to help with his observation program planning.

John had a uniquely creative capacity for making connections between language and the world around him. He was a remarkable source of interesting history and geography which made traveling with him a very educational experience as well as great deal of fun.

John is survived by his loving wife, Sara Beck of Topsfield, his sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Victor Smith of Dundrum, County Dublin, Ireland, Sara's surviving siblings, Mary, Martha, William, and John Beck, Sara's sister-in-law, Patricia Zambri, and all of their spouses, eleven nieces and nephews and seven great nieces and nephews.

ARRANGEMENTS: Family and friends are invited to join the St. Rose parish community for morning Mass which will be offered in memory of John at 9:00 AM on Saturday, October 26th, 2024 at the St. Rose of Lima Church, 12 Park Street, Topsfield. This will be followed by a 10:30 AM graveside service for family and friends at Pine Grove Cemetery and a collation at 16 Pemberton Road, Topsfield, on Saturday, October 26, 2024. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of John may be made to the American Association of Variable Star Observers, 185 Alewife Brook Parkway, Suite 410, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA or to the Irish Astronomical Society, c/o 146 Santry Close, Santry, Dublin 9, Ireland. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) DANVERS. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com