John M. O'Neil, 74 of Little Compton, RI, Peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday May 27, 2015 with his family by his side. He was the husband of Jane E. ( Malenfant) O'Neil, whom he was married to for 52 years.
Born in Attleboro, MA, son of the late James M. and B. Lillian (Don Carlos) O'Neil. He was a life long resident of Little Compton, RI. He served his country in the United States Navy and prior to his retirement in 1997 he worked as a Supervisory Engineering Technician for the Naval Underwater Systems Center as Range Manager of the testing range. He was an avid sailor who truly enjoyed the waters of Sakonnet, the Elizabeth Islands, and the Vineyard every summer on his boat "JAMIKON". This activity often included children and Grand children. He was a member of the Sakonnet Yacht Club for many years. In the early 70's he became a HAM radio operator , call sign WA1QKB and was active in Civil Defense. There was not anything he could not fix and was lovingly referred to by his family as " MacGyver". His family meant the world to him and he will be sorely missed.
Survivors along with his wife include his son : Michael S. O'Neil of Little Compton, 2 Daughters: Elizabeth E. O'Neil of Somerset,Jennifer A. Rodriques and her husband William of Dighton. Brother: Raymond O'Neil, 3 sisters: Frances Harrington, Lillian McGovern, and M. Mary O'Neil. 5 Grandchildren: Peter Gauthier and his wife Heather, Michael O'Neil Jr., Thomas and James Rodriques, and Isabella O'Neil; 2 Great Grandchildren Desirae and Silas Gauthier, as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late James O’Neil and Doris O’Neil.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of John M. O’Neil may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute: Center for Lymphocytic Leukemia, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.