YONKERS, NY — The communities of Yonkers and Eastchester are paying their last respects to Arlene O’Neill, a mother and teacher killed last week in a suspected murder-suicide.
O’Neill was the mother of three sons and taught fifth grade at Anne Hutchinson School in Eastchester.
She was fatally shot last week by her retired NYPD detective husband, Sean O’Neill, who died by suicide, Yonkers police said.
Memorial services began Tuesday and her funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Annunciation Church in Yonkers.
The clock tower of Yonkers City Hall is lit green
Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said the City Hall clock tower will be lit green Wednesday evening in O’Neill’s honor.
Spano called her a “beloved mother, teacher and active community member.”
“As we begin a new week, I encourage you to pray for the Connolly family. I ask you to pray for the three boys they left behind,” the mayor wrote on social media.
The mayor also reminded anyone dealing with a mental health crisis to reach out and call 988, a 24/7 hotline.
Eastchester Schools “Go Green for Arlene”
The Eastchester School District will hold a candlelight vigil on the high school’s artificial turf field Thursday, and attendees are encouraged to wear green in memory of their beloved teacher.
“Please stand with your neighbors, colleagues, friends and family members as we honor the memory of a beloved educator who touched countless lives and had an immeasurable impact on our community,” the district wrote.
According to her obituary, O’Neill was a lifelong resident of Yonkers who attended elementary and secondary school there before earning a bachelor’s degree from Pace University and two master’s degrees from Lehman University. She taught for 26 years, first in Yonkers public schools and then in Eastchester.
“Arlene was loved and respected by both her colleagues and students. She was passionate about her role as an educator and found it very rewarding,” her obituary said. “She loved her students deeply and still kept in touch with some after all these years. She even inspired some to follow in her footsteps.”
Tragedy on Chittenden Avenue
Last Wednesday, Yonkers police were called to a home on Chittenden Avenue, where they found the bodies.
Sources told CBS News New York that the couple’s marriage was under strain.
Their three sons were home at the time of the shooting and are now being cared for by relatives.
Arlene O’Neill’s obituary continues: “Above all, her most cherished times were going on non-stop adventures with her three boys, who were the loves of her life. The boys were her entire universe and she would have moved mountains. for them.”
She is also survived by her mother, sister and brothers, and will be remembered for her larger-than-life spirit, beautiful eyes, bright smile and infectious energy, the obituary said.
Sean O’Neill previously worked for the NYPD’s Joint Terrorism Task Force before retiring from the department in 2023.
If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 to speak to a trained, caring counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also chat with a counselor online at 988lifeline.org.
