Msgr. Kevin T. O'Neill, longtime pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in East Aurora, died Aug. 11, 2020.

Born July 16, 1935, in Buffalo, the son of Joseph and Margaret (Reidy) O'Neill attended Holy Family, Bishop Timon High School and the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary, all in Buffalo.

He went on to attend St. Bonaventure University and Christ the King Seminary at St. Bonaventure. Msgr. O'Neill was ordained May 11, 1961, at St. Peter Cathedral in Erie, Pa., by Bishop John Mark Gannon.

His first assignment was as assistant pastor at St. Francis and St. John the Baptist in Erie, Pa. Then, after being incardinated into the Diocese of Buffalo in 1962, he served as assistant pastor at St. Mary's, Batavia, for five years. This was followed by assignments as assistant pastor of Annunciation, Buffalo; St. Vincent de Paul, Buffalo; St. Teresa, Buffalo; Blessed Trinity, Buffalo; and St. William, Winchester. In November 1976, Msgr. O'Neill was named pastor of Sacred Heart, Angelica and Sacred Heart, Friendship. A four-year term as pastor of SS. Peter & Paul, Arcade, followed beginning January 1979.

 In January 1983, he began a 23-year tenure as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in East Aurora. In April 1988, took on added responsibility as chaplain of the Serra Club for two years. In July 2005, he retired, but returned to ministry as canonical administrator of Mary Queen of Angels School in Cheektowaga, where he spent eight years beginning in 2007. He also, served as temporary administrator of St. John XXIII Parish in West Seneca for two years.

He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Robert, he passed away in June.

Visitation will take place at the James Cannan Funeral Home, 3155 Orchard Park Road on Monday, Aug. 17 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Msgr. O'Neill will lie in state at Immaculate Conception Church, 520 Oakwood Avenue, East Aurora, on Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. with a service beginning at 7 p.m.