RIP Patrice Oneal, 1969-2011

Patrice Oneal, who suffered a stroke in October, has died. He was 41.

Oneal was one of the funniest comedians anyone has known in recent years, although his propensity for telling the truth often burned bridges within the community. He recently appeared on Comedy Central’s Roast of Charlie Sheen. Hopefully his full performance — edited heavily for the initial broadcast — will surface now.

Oneal was a regular guest on the Opie and Anthony program on regular and satellite radio. Opie posted to his Twitter followers today: “Yes it’s true that our pal Patrice O’Neal has passed away. The funniest and best thinker i’ve ever known PERIOD. #devastated

We all are devastated.

His wake and funeral are planned for Monday, Dec. 5, in Manhattan.

The family posted this official statement on Patrice’s website:

We love you, Patrice.

It is with terrible sadness we must report that Patrice O’Neal has passed away this morning at 7:00am due to the complications of the stroke he suffered on October 19. Many of us have lost a close and loved friend; all of us have lost a true comic genius. His mother, who was also his best friend, was at his side. Patrice is survived by his wife, Vondecarlo; his step daughter Aymilyon, sister Zinder, and his mother Georgia. The family wishes to thank all of the fans and friends who have expressed an outpouring of love and support for Patrice these past weeks. We ask that you please respect the family’s request for privacy at this difficult time. Thank you.

If you would like to share your thoughts and prayers with Patrice’s family, send them to LoveForPatrice@gmail.com or his Facebook fan page.

Comedy Central will re-air his 2011 special, “Elephant in the Room,” twice on Wednesday, Nov. 30 — 8 p.m. and again at midnight (times Eastern/Pacific). Then again on Dec. 17. You also can watch it anytime on Netflix Instant if you’re a subscriber.

Sirius XM and Opie & Anthony are airing a full weekend marathon tribute to Patrice on their channels. If you don’t have satellite radio, then you can listen to the first morning broadcast of O&A after Patrice died, in which several comedians called in or stopped by to talk about him, including Rich Vos, Bob Kelly, Joe DeRosa, Jim Florentine, Joe Rogan, Colin Quinn, Kurt Metzger, Bill Burr, Amy Schumer, Louis CK, Dave Attell & Russ Meneve. Roll it.

Friends of Patrice also are suggesting pre-ordering his upcoming CD, “Mr. P,” which he recorded earlier this year and already planned to release in February 2012. All proceeds from his posthumous CD will go to his surviving family members.

Patrice O'Neal

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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