Mick O’Neil the Associations Chairman has Crossed the Bar on September 19th, his funeral will take place in Middlesbrough on October 11th. The Association Standard plus three local Members will attend together with other Organisations including the RBL, RNA and local Sea Cadets.
Large numbers expected to attend funeral of HMS Jupiter Association chairman
John Rogan-GAZ
9 October 2024·2-min read
-Credit: (Image: Middlesbrough Council)
Former naval colleagues, family and friends will gather in large numbers to bid a final farewell to a key figure of the HMS Jupiter Association this week. The HMS Jupiter, launched in 1967, was adopted by Middlesbrough in 1975.
This Leander Class Frigate, built on the Clyde, served globally and made her last visit to her adopted town in April 1992 before being decommissioned later that year. The HMS Jupiter Association commemorates the ship's ties to the town with annual reunions, with next year marking its 50th anniversary.
His Majesty King Charles, who has fond memories of his service on the ship, recently renewed his Patronage of the Association. One regular attendee was local lad Michael 'Jock' O’Neil, who sadly passed away after serving as Association Chairman for three years.
His funeral will take place at Teesside Crematorium on Friday (October 11), with Standard Bearers from the HMS Jupiter Association, the Royal Naval Association and the Royal British Legion in attendance.
HMS Jupiter Association Secretary Ken Williams, who served on board from 1977 to 1985, paid tribute: "Jock O’Neil was a very valued member of the HMS Jupiter Association and for the last three years was our Chairman. He was very supportive of the Sea Cadets and a great character who enjoyed life to the full. He along with his wife Susan were a wonderful couple who attended many Association reunions, and he will be greatly missed."
Petty Officer Tracey Williams, of Middlesbrough Sea Cadets, also shared her memories: "I was introduced to Mick through his association with HMS Jupiter. He was a true gentleman and a great supporter of Middlesbrough Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets. Mick was able to provide us with raffle prizes for much-needed fundraising and would always pop by to say hello when we were out in parade. He will be missed."
The funeral is set to take place at St Bede’s Chapel at Teesside Crematorium at 2pm on Friday (October 11), followed by a wake at Middlesbrough Golf Club, on Brass Castle Lane.
For more information on HMS Jupiter and the work of the Association, visit www.hmsjupiter.co.uk. Anyone interested in attending next year’s HMS Jupiter Association 50th anniversary Reunion event is asked to contact Secretary Ken Williams on 07941 363931 or email kenwilliams191210@outlook.com.