Robert Joseph Benedict O’Neill

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert (Bobby) Joseph Benedict O’Neill, 74, of Glace Bay on 10 January 2026 in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Truro, Nova Scotia he was the son of the late Irene (Fitzsimmons) and Andrew O’Neill.

After high school, Bobby went to work for the Cape Breton Development Corporation (DEVCO) and spent many dedicated years working at the Machine Shop in Glace Bay where his work ethic and camaraderie with his fellow miners was well known. ‘Knobs’, as he was known at the shop, enjoyed his work as an electrician and often had many stories to tell of the work crew. He played in the Colliery Hockey League as a goalie for the Machine Shop Flyers.

In his younger years, Bobby was a fixture at the local rink. He lived for the game of hockey and loved playing goal, even if it cost him a tooth or two. He was also an avid volunteer, coaching both hockey and power skating for many years. When not on the ice himself he could be found watching from the boards as the boys played hockey and Anita took to the ice figure skating. As a die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan, his unwavering love for the game was evident as he thoroughly enjoyed watching season by season in the hopes of winning another Stanley Cup.

Bobby loved to putter and take on new hobbies spending time in his vegetable gardens, re-doing antique cars, re-wiring motors, motorizing pedal bikes and building boats. When not puttering around the garage he could be found in the kitchen cooking up a scoff for his family, on the bench downtown Glace Bay discussing current affairs with the boys, or enjoying summer days camping with his family out on the Mira. Bobby could also be found with Rozie at the Dominion Legion whenever meat darts were up for grabs. Never far from his side, his pets were a constant source of companionship over the years.

He took great pride in learning martial arts in retirement, and his journey was a testament to his ‘never too late’ attitude. He loved learning Tai-Chi and passing his knowledge on to others volunteering at the Cape Breton Regional Cancer Center. At the age of 70 he earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do and spent several years as an assistant instructor at Glace Bay Tae Kwon Do Academy.

He loved his grandchildren dearly and was proud of each and every one of them.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Rosline Maria (Reid) O’Neill, two sons Sheldon O’Neill of Sydney and Rob O’Neill of Cavendish PEI, daughter Anita (Joe) Oldford of North Bay ON, two sisters Elizabeth O’Connell of North Bay, Stella (Larry) Buote of Perce QC, and six grandchildren, Kandace, Robert, Jenna, Victoria, Stefan, Mason and 4 great grand children Easton, Macey Mae, Theodore and Athena.

Predeceased by his birth mother Marian Costain, 2 brothers Francis and Herman Murphy, sister Patricia Sykes, father-in-law Charles Reid and mother-in-law Gertrude (McKenzie) Reid.

Cremation will take place under the care of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Glace Bay. Graveside service to be held at St. Anne’s cemetery in the spring. Details to be determined and released at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre through the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.

The family is eternally grateful to the staff of the ER and floor 3A at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, the staff of Seaview Manor, the staff of the 4th Floor of the Glace Bay General Hospital and the staff of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre for their tireless dedication and warmth as they provided not only medical care, but companionship and comfort to Bobby over the last few years.

To share words of condolences with Bobby’s family, please visit our website at www.tjtracey.com.