Joseph L. O’Neill, 93, of Salem, NH, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2015. He was the beloved husband of the late Teresa (McIntyre) O’Neill and spent 56 wonderful years together.
Born in Brooklyn, NY on June 26, 1922, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph and Cecelia (Comiskey) O’Neill. He was raised and educated in Brooklyn and proudly served as an MP for his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked for the United States Post Office as the Superintendent of the Main Office Windows at the General Post Office in Brooklyn, NY until his retirement.
A devote Catholic, Joe was a lector, usher and member of the Knights of Columbus at his former parish in Brooklyn and an active member of St. Monica’s in Methuen where he served for years as an Extraordinary Minister. He enjoyed his St. Monica breakfast friends and was a founder of the annual St. Vincent de Paul Breakfast with Santa at St. Monica’s. Joe enjoyed making people happy with his great cooking and baking skills while in his earlier years was an avid photographer.
Lovingly known as ‘Pa’ to his family and friends he will be missed by his 3 children: James O’Neill and his wife Kathy, of White Meadow Lake, N.J. , Thomas O’Neill and his wife Kathy of Kendall Park, N.J. and Kathleen O’Neill Brown and her husband Robert Brown of Salem, N.H.
Pa also leaves the legacy of 8 grandchildren: Brian O’Neill, Meredith Brown Meyer, Robert Brown, Jr., Joseph O’Neill, Andrew O’Neill, Elizabeth Brown, Heather O’Neill MacKenzie, Laura O’Neill and great grandchildren: Kaylee MacKenzie, Caleb Meyer and Mack Ian O’Neill. He is predeceased by his grandson, Ian O’Neill.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Joseph’s life by gathering for his Mass of Christian Burial at St. Monica’s Church in Methuen on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Salem, NH. At Joseph’s request, there will be no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested, in Joseph’s honor, memorial contributions be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 220 North Main St, #104, Natick, MA 01760. For directions or to send an online condolence, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St. in Methuen is honored to serve the O’Neill Family.