Father Robert F. O’Neill
Diocese of Rochester
Ordained: 1962
Retired: 2001
Removed from ministry: 2002
Died: 2005
Assigned as follows:
- 1963-1967: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Brockport, NY
- 1968-1973: Holy Cross; Rochester, NY
- 1974: Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester; Rochester, NY
- 1975-1979: St. Boniface’s; Rochester, NY
- 1980-1987: St. John Evangelist; Rochester, NY
- 1988-1998: Church of the Annunciation; Rochester, NY
- 1999-2001: St. Christopher Church; North Chili, NY
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations against Father Robert F. O’Neill:
In 1973, Father Robert F. O’Neill was removed from a Diocese of Rochester parish, Holy Cross, sent for treatment, and appointed to Marriage Tribunal due to complaints from parents about O’Neill’s behavior and drinking over the course of several years.
He was not assigned to a parish until 1980, but that did not stop O’Neill from victimizing young boys. In 2002, 10 men came forward stating that the priest had abused them when they were young teens between 1977 and 1986, including on trips to his Jefferson County cottage.
O’Neill retired due to health reasons in 2001 but continued working at the tribunal. When the lawsuit was filed, the Diocese of Rochester removed all of O’Neill’s privileges.
The lawsuit was dismissed due to the statute of limitations in 2003 and 2004.
O’Neill died in 2005 before canonical proceedings were completed.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims of sexual abuse in the Diocese of Rochester. The Diocese of Rochester in New York filed for bankruptcy protection in 2019. Our lawyers are now offering free legal consultations to discuss a potential lawsuit and your other options as a survivor of sexual abuse by priests and other employees of the Rochester Diocese.
Very strict filing deadlines have now been set by the Bankruptcy Court. Most victims of abuse will never be able to recover damages if they miss this deadline, so please contact us to discuss your case today. Call us at 888-283-9922 or send an e-mail to [email protected].