Eastchester Holds Vigil to Honor Beloved Teacher
The only thing that shined brighter than the candles on Thursday night was the love that the Eastchester community has for Arlene O’Neill.
On Oct. 24, hundreds of community members gathered on the Eastchester High School turf field to celebrate the life and honor the memory of Arlene Connolly O’Neill. And although the last week has been marked by unspeakable grief and pain, there was strength in the Thursday vigil, as those whose lives were touched by the beloved educator came together to pay tribute to O’Neill’s kindness and warmth and find some measure of solace in a tribute to her strength of spirit.
Through fond personal remembrances from colleagues and friends, meditations on the grieving process and stirring musical performances, members of the Eastchester community stood together to acknowledge the depth of our loss, but also to reaffirm the bonds that connect those who knew O’Neill best.
Pete Connolly, Arlene’s brother, spoke about his sister’s passion for her students, explaining that the family was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and remembrances over the last week that spoke to the impact O’Neill had throughout her career as an educator.
“My younger sister would always tell us how she loved teaching all you kids in Eastchester, and it shows,” said Connolly. “At the wake a few nights ago, there were kids from 20 years ago coming back to tell us stories about Ms. Connolly O’Neill and how she shaped their lives.”
Many of those students, both past and present, were on hand for the Thursday event.
Speaking on behalf of the Care Coalition, James Carlon acknowledged the immeasurable pain felt both by the community and O’Neill’s family, noting that coming together to share sorrow is an important step in the healing process.
“During moments like these, words seem so feeble and inadequate; they cannot dry tears, they do little to lift spirits or mend a broken heart. Most of all, they struggle to explain how something as tragic as this could have happened,” he said. “Arlene was a loving mother to her three boys and a caring and devoted teacher to the hundreds, perhaps thousands of students whose lives she positively impacted over a 26-year career.
“Based on the crowd assembled here tonight, it is evident how much she was loved and treasured by parents, teachers and students,” he added.
Thursday’s vigil was just one of the many ways O’Neill’s life has been celebrated in the last week, as community members continue to honor the memory of the educator, green ribbons have become ubiquitous in the town as part of the “Go Green for Arlene” campaign.
Anne Hutchinson School Principal Laura Cappiello, noted that—even through the tears and heartbreak—it is important to remember the impact that Arlene Connolly O'Neill had on the community and to ensure that her memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.
“Tonight, we light candles in memory of Arlene; the flame represents life, a symbol of warmth, light and continuity,” said Cappiello. “As each candle is lit, may it serve as a reminder of the light of her presence. Her love and her legacy continues to shine within and through us.”