LITCHFIELD PARK, AZ – Joe O’Neill, former executive director of the National Conference of State Fleet Administrators (NCSFA), passed away unexpectedly Dec. 24 from a brief illness. Born October 29, 1943, he was 65.
O’Neill was NCSFA executive director from 2001-2005 and NCSFA president from 1999-2000. While serving as executive director, he ran seven conferences in locations such as Alaska, Connecticut, Colorado, Kentucky, Missouri, and Idaho. In addition, O’Neill was a past executive director for the Rocky Mountain Fleet Managers Association (RMFMA).
Prior to working for the NCSFA and RMFMA O’Neill had a 30-year military career with the U.S. Air Force. With a BA in Political Science from Duquesne University, his initial duty assignments were in Intelligence and Supply. He later received a Masters degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology in Logistics Management. O’Neill also obtained his professional military education from Squadron Officers School, Air Command and Staff College, and the National War College.
His subsequent duty assignments included several Headquarters Military Airlift Command positions in logistics; Joint U.S. Military Assistance and Advisory Groups in Greece, Iran, and Turkey; and two Defense Logistics Agency positions, including Commander of the Defense Logistics Services Center in Battle Creek, Mich.
O’Neill also served with the Air Force Inspector General as Chief of the Supply Team, as well as at the Air Force Logistics Command weapons support center at McClellan Air Force Base (AFB) in Sacramento, Calif. In addition, O’Neill directed worldwide aircraft support units located in Portugal, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Germany, Guam, the Philippines, and Japan. His final Air Force assignment was director of logistics for Space and Missile Systems at the Air Force Systems Command aerospace center in Long Beach, Calif.
O’Neill retired from the Air Force in 1994 as a full colonel, a promotion received earlier than expected. Following his military retirement, he was hired as equipment administrator for the Arizona Department of Transportation, directing statewide support for a diversified equipment fleet of 3,200 vehicles. He also taught statistics and business management at several universities throughout his career.
O’Neill’s military service was marked by several military awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Force Train Ribbon, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation. He was Commander of the Air Force Logistics Command weapons support center at Mather AFB when the center received the Daedalian Award as the best supply squadron in the Air Force.
O’Neill was active in many other areas as well. He was a Eucharistic minister at Saint Thomas Acquinas Catholic Church, president of the board of Grand Canyon State Credit Union, an avid reader, fly fisherman, and golfer. He also shared his time with the Big Brother organization. According to family members, he enjoyed long RV trips across the country and was happiest when with his family. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Leslie, daughter Darby, son Byron, daughter-in-law Jennifer, two grandchildren Finley and May, brother Eugene, and sister Ann.
A memorial service and reception was held December 31 at the Luke Air Force Base Main Chapel.
