Having pride in one's community is good. Doing something to help the community as a result of that pride is honorable.

It's for that reason that the Daily Nonpareil recognizes Council Bluffs residents (and former 70's-something Falcons) Steve and Matt O'Neill as the 2006 Community Pride Award recipients.

The two brothers are co-owners of Cutler-O'Neill-Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home and have been in the business in Council Bluffs since 1977. However, the O'Neills have a longstanding family tradition of service, dating back to the mid-1940s when their father, Maurie O'Neill, moved to Council Bluffs and started a family. Matt and Steve O'Neill are two of the 10 children Maurie and his wife, Marie, raised in Council Bluffs. They are also the only ones who still reside in the city.

"Dad set an example for us," Steve O'Neill said. "He was so involved in so many things while we were growing up. My mom, too."

The family business began in 1977 when Maurie partnered with Tom Belford to begin Beem-Belford Funeral Home. In 2000, the O'Neills bought the Belford family out and consolidated with the Cutler family. In 2001, they purchased Meyer-Woodring Funeral Home and formed the business they have today.

While it is also their careers, their work in the mortuary business provides a service to the community. It is obvious in how they communicate with people: A firm handshake or a comforting hug; the occasional joke - another trait they inherited from their father - or sympathetic words during someone else's time of grief.

"It was part of our upbringing to be community-minded," Matt O'Neill said. "It goes along with the funeral business. We come from a large family, and we know you have to have compassion and passion for what we do. People tell us they can tell we love our jobs and the way we handle ourselves. Council Bluffs has been very good to our family, and we try to repay that."

Their work with the community is far from limited to their careers. Steve O'Neill is currently the president of the Southwest Iowa Educational Foundation, where he was also a board member for eight out of 13 years; he is a member of the Iowa West Foundation and St. Albert Advisory Board; he is a past member of the Phoenix House board and spent nine years as a member of the St. Albert Foundation. In addition, he is also a member and past president of the St. Albert Alumni Association and a past member of Holy Family Parish Council. He also coached seventh grade basketball at St. Albert from 1984-2002.

"I remember when I was in school; there were always people and parents volunteering to help out with different projects. Building sports fields, concession stands, fund-raising. Dad was always involved. I knew when it was my time as a parent that I would do the same," Steve said before later adding, "I learned a lot from my junior high (basketball) coach, Kent Darnell," he said. "He coached me for four years and he gave us everything he had. He was a big inspiration to me he still is."

Like his brother, Matt O'Neill is deeply involved in community projects. He is the past-president of the American Heart Association and Friends of the Council Bluffs Library, the financial secretary of Knights of Columbus Council No. 1045 for the past six years, currently serves on the St. Albert High School Foundation Board, is a past board member of the Alegent Health Mercy Hospital Foundation Board, is a current member of the St. Albert High School Alumni Association and a past member of the St. Peter's Catholic Church Parish Council. He also has been a volunteer for many years for YMCA and Boy Scouts of America fund drives and is a former member of both the Council Bluffs Jaycees and Sertoma Club.

"I joined the Jaycees right out of mortuary school," Matt said. "The Jaycees were more my age group, and I wanted to meet people. Working with them was a lot of fun. I enjoyed it."

The brothers are no strangers to public accolades. This year, they were awarded the 2006 Iowa Western Community College Outstanding Alumni Award. The Daily Nonpareil's Community Pride Award, however, is a little different from what they are used to.

As part of the awards banquet people will do more than toast the O'Neills. A few will "roast" them as well. A roast entails some good-humored, light-hearted fun or comedic shots at the honoree or in this case, honorees, while praising them at the same time.

This is the second year for the event, which is fully sponsored and funded by The Daily Nonpareil. In 2005, The Daily Nonpareil recognized Tom Whitson, former chairman and CEO of Peoples National Bank, with the award.

"The Nonpareil is extremely pleased this year to be honoring two of Council Bluffs' native sons," said Daily Nonpareil Publisher Tom Schmitt. "Both Steve and Matt have worked in, worked with and worked for the people of Council Bluffs. Time and time again, the two brothers willingly stepped forward when a challenge had to be met. While they have spent a large portion of their time helping the youth of our community, their efforts have touched all age groups and people from all walks of life. They truly are two people in which our community takes great pride."

All proceeds from the ticket sales for the event will go Operation Pride Inc., the annual Celebrate CB: Council Bluffs Community Pride Week committee.

The Daily Nonpareil Community Award Banquet will be held Saturday, May 13, at the MidAmerica Center Banquet Hall, 1 Arena Way (south entry). Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. and sit-down dinner featuring roasted pork loin and pecan crusted chicken breast begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at The Daily Nonpareil, 535 W. Broadway, Suite 300 (third floor).

"The Operation Pride Inc. Board of Directors are pleased with the selection of Steve and Matt O'Neill as recipients of the second Annual Community Pride Award," said Lynne Branigan, president of the 2006 Operation Pride Inc. board. "Their generous contribution of time and talent has certainly added to our community. We hope the public joins us in thanking and congratulating Steve and Matt at the banquet on May 13."

Both the O'Neills said they are honored to be recognized.

"Council Bluffs people are very loyal and, over the years, they have been very loyal to us," Steve O'Neill said. "(His father, Maurie) always told us, 'You've got to give back for what people have given us.' I hope our legacy for the next generation is to learn from the examples we have set."

©Daily Nonpareil 2006