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Tom and Rita O'Neill split their time between Fort Wayne and Connecticut, where their son Josh, who has Down syndrome, lives. The O'Neills have spent more than 40 years volunteering and doing philanthropic work in the Down syndrome community.
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Sunday, May 02, 2021 1:00 am
City couple devoted to helping son, others
BLAKE SEBRING | For The Journal Gazette
When Tom and Rita O'Neill's son Josh was born 42 years ago with Down syndrome, he was immediately diagnosed in critical condition and required two surgeries over the next 37 days. His life depended upon his oxygen machine.
“You watch this infant striving to live, and I remember thinking this guy is really tough because he wasn't supposed to live,” Tom O'Neill said. “He's a strong soul.”