M.G.
”Jerry” O’Neil was perhaps best known for being president of General Tire. And when he died Tuesday at 87, much was made of his being the last member of a founding family to run one of the rubber businesses that put Akron on the map. But, arguably, O’Neil’s greatest and most lasting influence will be his support of the kinds of organizations that make a city worth living in. He chaired two United Way campaigns 26 years apart, guided regional economic development efforts, headed a hospital board and started a golf course, among other activities. ”Jerry O’Neil is the last in a legendary group of leaders who laid the foundation for the extraordinary, caring community Akron has become,” Robert Kulinski, president of United Way of Summit County, said last week. O’Neil led the United Way campaigns of 1954 and 1980, and remained an active contributor long after he retired to Florida. ”We spoke once a year or so by phone about his personal financial contribution, and he always encouraged me to do all I could for programs serving and mentoring young persons in our community,” Kulinski said.
O’Neil attended his last United Way meeting in 2002, when the organization convened past campaign and board chairmen to share their stories and give advice going forward.