Paul O’Neill, Former Treasury Secretary, Passed Away

On Saturday, April 18, 2020, former Treasury Secretary Paul H. O’Neill passed away. He battled lung cancer for many years, underwent chemotherapy, and a couple of surgeries. His son, Paul O’Neill Jr., confirmed the 84-year-old’s death, adding the fact his father died at his (Sr.’s) home in Pittsburgh.

O’Neill’s Birth and Career

O’Neill was born on Dec. 4, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri. His first job for the government was a computer analyst for the Veterans Administration from 1961 to 1966. Beforehand, he bounced between private-sector jobs.

In 1967, he joined the now named Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This office serves the United States President by overseeing his implementation across the Executive Branch. From 1974 to 1977, O’Neill was the president of OMB.

At the end of 1977, O’Neill joined the International Paper Company becoming one of their vice presidents. He was this company’s president from 1985 to 1987. O’Neill left to become a chairman and CEO of Alcoa from 1987 to 1999.

Furthermore in O’Neill’s Career

Working for Alcoa is where O’Neill really made his biggest contribution. His primary focus, at first, was worker safety. Places that work with hot metal and industrial machinery are bound to have some accidents. According to O’Neill Jr., his dad believed, “It’s not OK if anyone ever gets hurt at work.”

He helped form a group called Pittsburg Regional Health Initiative in 1997. The organization is made up of area medical and business leaders who studied ways to improve patient health.

In 2001, President George W. Bush appointed him as the Secretary of the Treasury Department. O’Neill had an issue with the administration’s tax policy. Due to this issue, O’Neill was terminated in December 2002.

He leaves behind his wife Nancy and four children, Paul Jr., Julie, Patrica, and Margret.

By Sheena Robertson

Sources:

CBS: Former Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill has died at age 84
NPR: Former Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill Dies At 84
Treasury: Paul H. O’Neill (2001 – 2002)
Whitehouse: Office of Management and Budget

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