We regret to announce the passing of Edward “Ned” O’Meara, age 74, who passed away peacefully on October 15^th, 2024, in Del Ray, FL, surrounded by his family.

Ned was a distinguished project manager for various HVAC mechanical contractors for over 40 years. He was a respected figure in his field, overseeing significant projects such as the Women and Children’s Wing at Yale New Haven Hospital, Monarch Place in Springfield, the House of Blues and San Diego Jail in San Diego, as well as Harrah’s Casino and Westfield Malls in Southern California.

A proud alumnus of Holyoke High School and Springfield College, Ned earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education. During his time at Springfield College, he was Co-Captain of the Swim Team and held an impressive 13 All-American titles from 1968 to 1972, excelling particularly in the 400 Individual Medley (IM). He was also a record-holder in the 200 Freestyle, 200 Individual Medley, and three relay events (400 Medley, 400 Freestyle, and 800 Freestyle). At the 1970 NCAA College Division national championships, Ned swam in the preliminaries of the 400 Medley Relay, helping his team win the national title. He also swam for Holyoke High School in grades 10 through 12, where he was a dominant force in Western Massachusetts swimming, holding multiple state records and never losing a dual meet race during his junior and senior years. To this day, Ned holds the Holyoke High School record for the 100-yard freestyle.

Outside of his professional and athletic achievements, Ned was a devoted family man. He was the beloved husband of Claire Ford O’Meara and a loving father to Neal O’Meara and Brianne O’Meara. Known for his kind and gentle nature, he was a loyal friend to many and a cherished figure in the lives of those who knew him.

In his leisure time, Ned loved cooking and hosting dinner parties with his wife Claire. They were both members of the Redlands Shooting Club, where they spent weekends skeet and trap shooting. Ned had a passion for organization and could spend hours exploring The Container Store. He also had a love for music, sound systems, and sports cars, particularly his Nissan 240SX and Mini Cooper. His love for animals was evident, especially in his affection for his Irish Terrier Cassidy and his Mini Schnauzer Pepper Girl. Ned’s favorite travel destinations were Maui and San Diego.

Ned is survived by his wife Claire, his two children Neal and Brianne, his sister and brother-in-law Barbara and Michael Moore, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Edward and Anita Ford, Mary and Curt Clark, and his nieces and nephews Eric, Mandy and David, Hannah and Drew, and Sam. He was predeceased by his parents Edward “Eddy” O’Meara and Madelyn (Brinkman) O’Meara, and his in-laws Raymond and Rose Ford.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Palm Beach County Special Olympics, an organization close to Ned’s heart, in honor of his nephew, Eric Ford’s involvement.

To donate online, please visit:

[https://support.specialolympics.org/a/florida](https://support.specialolympics.org/a/florida?ms=|DMPnsource=donatebtn&utmutm_medium=web&utm_campaign=DMP)

Donations can also be mailed to:

Special Olympics Florida

1915 Don Wickham Drive

Clermont, FL 34711.

Ned will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through his family, friends, and colleagues.