Keith W. O'Neal, 71, of Mt. Vernon, MD passed away at home surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer on October 17, 2026.

Born on July 21,1955 in Seaford, Delaware, Keith was the son of the late Francis Lee O'Neal and Dorothy Obier O'Neal.

Keith grew up working on the family farm, learning how to do body work and painting cars, waterskiing, and playing football. Keith graduated from Laurel High School in 1973. When his father sold the family farm his senior year he decided to pursue a college degree, more accurately he decided to pursue football.

Keith graduated from Salisbury State College in 1978, later earning his Master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Wilmington University. As an Offensive Lineman at Salisbury State, he earned an All-State title. He played Semi-Pro Football for the Baltimore Eagles for 6 years, accumulating life long friends and crazy stories along the way.

While his passion for playing football initially prompted him to attend Salisbury State College, there he discovered his lifelong passion for mentoring young people. A strong advocate for all students, Keith would rework a schedule tirelessly, whether to fit all their interests, make the perfect match with work study, or to learn a trade. Affectionately called "Coach" by so many, even years after they had graduated, Keith kept in touch with many of his players. Highlights of his coaching career include a Delaware State title for Laurel High School in 1991 and making it to the Maryland State Semi Finals with Washington High School in 2003. He took great pride in starting the Washington High School football program; building the stadium up from scratch.

Keith served as a coach and educator for 44 years, 10 of which were spent at his Aluma Mater, Laurel High School as a school counselor, retiring from the Somerset County School System in 2021. In his spare time, when not at school or on the football field he served as a member of the Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Company. His community service extended to his neighbors anywhere from cutting grass, plowing snow, or working the "Big Wheel" at the Ruritan carnival. The Ruritan softball field held a lot of fond memories for Keith during his time playing rec league softball or cooking for a community event.

Keith excelled at almost everything he put his mind to, including building his and Cheryl's home from the ground up with just a few friends. He was frequently told that he should have been an engineer, but his favorite roles were husband, Dad and Granddad. An unapologetic "Girl Dad", Keith showed up BIG for his girls. Whether it was a van load of preteens to a boy band concert, watching them playing sports, getting a thousand shin bruises trying to perfect Katie's drop ball, or a side of the road rescue when their car wouldn't start.

Keith is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Cheryl Ann O'Neal; their two daughters Tara Krick (Tim) of Denton, MD and Kaitlin O'Neal (David) of Milton, DE; four grandchildren, Patrick Sullivan, Bailey Sullivan, Wyatt Krick, and Ava Krick; his two brothers Michael O'Neal (Kathy) and Alan O'Neal (Judy), as well as several nephews and a niece. Keith is also survived by many good friends that he counted as brothers.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 1:00p.m. at the Hinman Funeral Home in Princess Anne. The Reverend Canon Michael Lokey will officiate. Interment will follow at Asbury Methodist Church Cemetery in Mt. Vernon. The family will receive friends from 11:00 to 1:00 at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Dept. C/O Cindy Pietroski, 27440 Mt. Vernon Rd. Princess Anne, MD 21853