Paul William O’Neil, a longtime Winchester resident, pharmacist and owner of O’Neil’s Pharmacy, died February 17, 2014 at age 96 at Winchester Hospital.
Mr. O’Neil was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts on September 28, 1917, to James P. and Frances G. O’Neil. He was the youngest of six children; Ken, Tom, Earl, Frances, and Marion. He was the last surviving member of his generation. He attended public school in Williamstown, and was a long time altar server at St. Patrick’s Church. He enlisted in the US Army during World War II and served in the Medical Corps until he was honorably discharged.
Mr. O’Neil was married in 1943 to Geraldine Elizabeth Maguire of Melrose, Massachusetts.
He graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy with honors and began working at Purtle’s Pharmacy in Winchester, which he subsequently purchased, and was also co-owner of Wells Drug in Woburn. He continued to serve the neighborhood under the name O’Neil’s Pharmacy for over 40 years until he retired.
As a member of the Winchester community, Mr. O’Neil actively supported St. Mary’s Church, was a member of The Holy Name Society, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus of St. Mary’s Church.
Above and beyond St. Mary’s Parish, Mr. O’Neil was also active in community service through the Rotary Club of Winchester, which he served as President and received the Paul Harris lifelong membership award.
Mr. O’Neil is survived by his three children and their spouses; Nancy Brozek of LaGuna Nigel California and her husband John, Paul O’Neil of Weaverville, North Carolina, his wife Kathleen, and Jean O’Neil of Winchester , MA. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Chris , Shauna, Erin, and Kelly. He is also survived by five great grandchildren. Mr. O’Neil was predeceased by his wife Geraldine and all of his siblings.
Funeral from the Costello Funeral Home 177 Washington St., Winchester on Monday, Feb. 24 at 9AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church Winchester at 10 am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Winchester. Visiting Hours will be held in the funeral home on Sunday, from 4-7PM.