Kenneth Ray O'Neill

Kenneth Ray O’Neill was born in Omaha, Nebraska on October 5, 1958 to the late Wilbur and Betty O’Neill.

As a child Kenney was educated in the Omaha Public School system. He graduated from Omaha North High School in 1976.

Kenney accepted Christ at an early age. He loved to listen to his gospel music every Sunday and on those days when he just needed a lift. As Kenney would say, “God knows my heart!”

Throughout his life, Kenney took great pride in his work and the relationships he built along the way. He was employed by Gatchell's Hardware, Dundee Hardware, and Abraham Catering, and later worked within the school community at North High School, Northwest High School, and Benson High School.

Kenney’s family will cherish his memory as the kind, thoughtful, giving person he was.

He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and coach to the community.

Kenney was preceded in death by his parents Wilbur Sr. and Betty O’Neill. Also, his brother Wilbur O’Neill Jr.

Kenney leaves his fondest memories two brothers Lloyd (Margaret) of Las Vegas, NV and Ronald (Marlo) of Rock Hills, SC; three sisters Patricia (Terry), Roberta (Stephen), and Mary Alice all of Omaha. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and players.

Kenney O’Neill was working with the Urban League to develop a youth football team known as the Running Rebels. O’Neill was building the program to provide opportunities for North Omaha youth and he recognized the team needed a boost.

Kenney approached Phil Morrison, owner of Phil’s Foodway which was located at 24th and Fort St. at the time, asking if Phil would be interested in supporting the team. That was the beginning of what has become a partnership lasting 40 years.

The Running Rebels grew over the years and added youth basketball teams. They moved to North High School, and when they needed more space, they moved to Benson High School in 2005, where they remain today and are known as Unity Stars Youth Basketball.

Coach O’Neill has been fortunate to have the support of many coaches over the years, teaching and mentoring thousands of kids that have participated in the Unity Stars program. Many kids have gone to see successful careers in sports including Bernard Jackson, Andre Woolrich, Eric Strickland, Curtis Marshall, Terrance Badger and others. But the youth aren’t just learning to be good athletes. The program is teaching respect, responsibility, and accountability. All participants are held to strict academic accountability standards and the club strives to instill the importance of integrity, good morals, values and good character traits.