William Carter O’Neil
1914-2007
WORCESTER-William Carter O’Neil, 92, died at home surrounded by his loving family on January 26, 2007. Bill leaves his devoted wife of 67 years, Victoria A. (Piejko), his son, William and wife Charlotte of Oak Ridge, TN, his daughter, Marilyn O’Neil Tormey and husband Gregory, three granddaughters, Christine Merrow and husband Steve, Nancy Taylor and husband Ronald, Megan O’Neil, and grandson, Sean O’Neil and wife April. In addition, he leaves his great granddaughters: Sarah Connors, Careena Connors, India Daughney, and a great grandson Ronald Taylor, Jr. and several nieces and nephews. His brothers, Edward Taylor, Francis O’Neil and sister Mae Braun predeceased him.
A native of Winchester, Massachusetts, he lived in Worcester since 1939. During the Great Depression, he met his wife Victoria, while both were working at the North Hampton State Hospital. He later began a long career in sales with the Reynolds Tobacco Company, then Paymaster Corporation selling and servicing banking equipment throughout the New England area. He was one of the longest serving Constables for the City of Worcester, from 1950 to 2003. As a self-employed businessman, he ran a computer telecommunication supplies company for 7 years while holding a Real Estate Broker’s license from 1962 to 2006 where he remained active until June of 2006 on Cape Cod. He loved the constant opportunity to meet and work with people, truly a friend to rich and poor. “Bill” was active in local politics for many years, and received 2 Massachusetts State Senate Citations: for service to the community, and for his 52 years of service as a Constable. From 1959 to 1972 he worked with the Association for Aged Colored People, serving as Vice-President awarding scholarships to local students for college. He was an active parishioner of Christ the King Church for 58 years and a long time member of the Massachusetts Association of Chiefs of Police.
His quick wit and gift of gab made many friends throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched including his 4 homecare aides Laura, Donna, Turid and Tracy and his Hospice nurse Miriam. Without them we would not have been able to take care of him at home.
The funeral will be Tuesday, January 30 from CALLAHAN & FAY BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St. with a Mass at 11:00 AM at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St. Interment will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Visiting hours will be Monday, January 29 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. John’s Church Food Pantry, 40 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604 or to the UMass Memorial Home Health & Hospice, 650 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605. For directions or online guest book please visit www.callahanfay.com.