PARISHVILLE -- Beth O’Neil, the daughter of the late Assemblyman John G.A. O’Neil and Assemblywoman Chloe Ann O’Neil, penned this response following the O’Neil Memorial Park dedication held Oct. 23.

“We, the family of the late Assemblyman John G.A. O’Neil and Assemblywoman Chloe Ann O’Neil cannot begin to thank the Town of Parishville for the huge gift and honor of creating and dedicating a park to my parents.

We were overwhelmed and touched by the turn out and outpouring of love and support by so many. It is apparent from people’s sentiments that my parents touched many lives both personally and professionally and left a lasting impact on them, as they have with us.

Our family and the community were brought together on such a beautiful fall day. When the dedication memorial stone was unveiled overlooking the St. Regis River, seeing them in living color at peace together dancing and smiling by the water looking over us all will be forever etched in our memory and will be a part of the town’s history for generations to come.

There were many laughs and a few tears shared bringing us all back to earlier times. We got the opportunity to reconnect and learn things about them we didn’t even know. Through every shared personal and professional story, we each got to discover more greatness about them.

There were presentations of different articles that we see fit to leave with the town so everyone can view them. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik sent a Congressional Record honoring them, and the Senate and Assembly presented Proclamations and a New York State flag to be flown at the park. A personal message from former Congressman John McHugh was read by Connie Elen, St Lawrence County GOP Chairwoman.

It was always my parents’ priority to be strong voices for the North Country and passionate about serving their constituents. We were reassured by Senator Stecs and Assemblyman Smullens speeches that their legacy and goals are being kept alive and they are tenacious voices of representation.

David Acker, President and CEO of St. Lawrence Health Systems spoke about my mother’s dedication to volunteering and making improvements where there were shortcomings. He described her as “unforgettable” and “a force of nature.” Someone who didn’t quit until she got things done. We all chuckled because most of us had witnessed that first hand.

Tom Nichols, Board of Elections commissioner, who knew both of my parents well. He shared stories about them being able to accomplish things for the county and him personally as a farmer dealing with having their cattle taken from them. He said that my father helped and made certain he was able to get resolve. He spoke on the importance of parties to work together to accomplish good for the people, instead of against each other which accomplishes nothing – something he remembers my parents always putting first.

There were hometown speeches by Rod Votra, Parishville Town Supervisor; Rick Perkins, District Legislator; Chris Caringi, St. Lawrence County chairperson and very close family friend; Joe Snell, family friend; Tom Demo, Town Councilman and spear header of the O’Neil Memorial Park project; they all took a more personal approach describing their characters, stories of fellowship and community participation.

Our family would like to thank all the speakers and all the volunteers that made O’Neil Memorial Park a reality. There were countless hours and resources donated by them and local businesses. We encourage all to come visit the park and start making their own personal memories that can be recollected later in your own family histories. That was priceless to us.

We will forever remember their day of dedication fondly and with great appreciation.”