Fr. Robert F. O’Neill

Ordained: 1962
Status: Sued

Died: 12/7/2005
Diocese: Diocese of Rochester NY

Parish priest, counseler to boy scout troops. Complaints received in 1970s. Sent to treatment. Parents of boys complained about behavior and drinking for several years. Removed in 1973 from parish, appointed to Marriage Tribunal. Reassigned in 1980 to a parish. “Retired” due to health in 2001, continued working at tribunal. Privileges removed 5/02. Sued in 2002 by 10 men. Allegedly abused young teens in the late 1970s and early 1980s, including on trips to his Jefferson County cottage. Suit dismissed due to SOL in 2003 and 2004. Died 12/05. Canonical proceedings not complete at time of death, per 6/7/12 statement from Diocese. Accused in lawsuit filed under NY Child Victims Act in 9/19 of abuse of a boy, age 16, in 1994. By 8/20 24 lawsuits by 24 alleged O’Neill victims.


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