John L. O’Neill
decorated World War II Veteran
John L. O’Neill, 88, of Tyngsboro, former longtime resident of the Pawtucketville section of Lowell, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, April 5, 2015 at Northwood Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Lowell. He was the beloved husband of the late Constance F. “Connie” O’Neill who died May 26, 2014.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts on June 22, 1926, the son of the late Julia (Nealon) (O’Neill) Richardson and step son of the late George Richardson, John received his education in the Lowell school system and was a 2010 graduate of the Greater Lowell Technical High School.
A decorated World War II veteran, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee on October 29, 1943. He served in the Aleutian Islands where he assisted with building bases and Quonset huts, bulldozing and paving miles of roadway and airstrips. He was discharged in 1946.
John met his wife, Connie Bello, in Pawtucketville when they were both kids. The two married on September 8, 1946 and were able to spend 67 wonderful years together. They enjoyed frequenting their favorite restaurants and taking trips with the Lowell Senior Citizens.
Before retiring in 1985, John worked at the Lowell Gas Company as a meter reader where he played an integral role in starting their union.
Among his many hobbies, John was an avid coin collector; he also loved putting around his workshop building hope chests, and custom made necklaces, among other things. After Connie, John's second love was spending time with his family.
John is survived by three sons Steven P. O’Neill and his wife Vicki of Tyngsboro, MA, John L. O’Neill and his wife Kelly of Ashby, MA and Anthony J. O’Neill and his wife Jeanne of Lowell, MA; seven grandchildren Jarred O’Neill and his wife Kristine, Ashley O’Neill, Stephanie O’Neill, Thomas Burke, Julia O’Neill, Timothy O’Neill and Molly O’Neill; a great-grandson Matthew O’Neill and his mother Ana Alcantara; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his beloved cat Tinkerbell.
He was grandfather to the late Derrick S. O’Neill and brother of the late Lillian Angove
The family wishes to give thanks to the wonderful nurses and staff at Northwood Rehabilitation & Health Care Center who provided John with exceptional care.
Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. from 3 to 7 P.M. Wednesday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Thursday morning at ST. RITA CHURCH in Lowell at 10 o’clock. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Alzheimer's Association can log on to http://alz.kintera.org/ride2015/20150406073712005
or send checks c/o Alzheimer's Association to 480 Pleasant Street Watertown, MA 02472 with a note indicating team leader Stephanie O'Neill as part of "Grammy and Papa's Gang." Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O’Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.
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