Upward of 900 people gathered in the Ira Allen Chapel on Saturday, Jan. 20, to mourn the loss and celebrate the life of Jarlath O’Neil-Dunne, a beloved and longtime member of ̽̽ community. It was a day Jarlath would have loved, with a high temperature of 10 degrees Fahrenheit and snow steadily falling.
The service was filled with remarks from people who represented the many facets of Jarlath’s life. Speakers included members of his family, ̽̽ President Suresh Garimella, members of the military community, close friends, fellow exercise enthusiasts, and the ̽̽ Spatial Analysis Lab team.
Across the heartfelt, hilarious, and musical tales shared about Jarlath’s life (only some of which are captured here), there were consistent themes of generosity, leadership, remarkable physical strength, vulnerability, brilliance, friendship, comedic prowess, and love.
“Among the many fine people, I have had the pleasure to know during my time in Vermont, Jarlath stood out to me for his kindness, his intelligence, his ferocious energy, his devotion to the people around him, and his commitment to service,” President Garimella said, calling Jarlath a “first-class mentor, teacher, and scholar."
“His impact at ̽̽, in our community, in the state of Vermont, and in this world is truly amazing. On behalf of our university, I express our deepest sorrow, and our pride that we call him a fellow Catamount,” President Garimella said.
Clarence Davis, who was the Director of State Relations at ̽̽ when he and Jarlath became fast friends, spoke about their shared passion for leadership and service.
“Jarlath O’Neil-Dunne was one of the few people who I have met who truly embodied the notion of a servant leader,” Davis said. “It was an honor to know Jarlath and to be counted among his friends.”
Davis also shared words from the Vermont Congressional Delegation recognizing Jarlath’s collegiality and willingness to collaborate. He continuously helped state and federal partners by providing vital information needed to serve Vermonters. On January 19, 2024, the Vermont House of Representatives honored Jarlath with the introduction and passage of .
Ernie Buford, Geospatial Systems Lead in the Spatial Analysis Lab, fondly recounted his more than 20 years of work by Jarlath’s side. As a nod to his and Jarlath’s shared love of cycling, Buford began his speech by “buckling up” – placing a neon yellow helmet on his head. Which was met by joyful cheers from all attendees.
“Jarlath had a way of recognizing members of his team and elevating their sense of worth,” Buford said. “Jarlath truly understood the value of investing in people and treating them well. He might have been the best supervisor at ̽̽. His spirit of openness permeated the lab. His staff felt the safety and support necessary to express their true selves, share their trials and tribulations, and reach their full potential.”
“We will do our best to carry on his legacy in the lab,” Buford continued, “and I think we can all channel our inner Jarlath by recognizing the people around us, being grateful to them, and doing what we can to prop them up and make them better. That’s what Jarlath did.”
Echoing Jarlath’s commitment to supporting and serving others, close friend and colleague Paul Suk-Hyun Yoon honored Jarlath by reading the Paratrooper’s Prayer by André Zirnheld. Yoon concluded with a personal statement of love and the nautical blessing “fair winds and following seas.”
The service neared a close with a poignant and comedic retelling of many (mis)adventures by close friend and colleague Chris Danforth. Following Danforth’s remarks Burlington’s “fourth-most popular marathon rock band,” Sciatica – of which Jarlath was a founding member – made a very special appearance.
The crowd of guests erupted in applause as more than 50 of Jarlath’s family, friends, and colleagues joined the band from their seats in the chapel, donning colorful wigs, and answering the call for “more cowbell” – the instrument that Jarlath played with unbridled pride and enthusiasm.
