Richard A. O’Neill, 79, died Tuesday, August 31, 2010 in the Kaplan Family Hospice House following a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Margaret Sue (Rogers) O’Neill, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage.
Born in Lynn on April 2, 1931, he was the son of the late John and Bertha (Fogg) O’Neill. He was raised and educated in Lynn and was a graduate of Lynn English High School. He then worked in the family business until enlisting in the US Air Force.
It was while in the service that he met his future wife in Ft. Worth, Texas. They married and began their family there before returning first to Peabody, then residing in Danvers for many years before making their home in Middleton for more than 20 years.
In 1978 he founded Boston Fire Systems of Lynn, after learning his trade from his father at Boston Fire Extinguisher. After his retirement, he worked as a Salem Trolley driver for 10 years, a job he thoroughly enjoyed.
Dedicated to his family and friends, he was a longtime member of the Calvary Episcopal Church where he served as Junior Warden and enjoyed singing in the choir. His many pleasures and passions included his beautiful woodworking and spending time at his camp in Maine.
His generosity and unforgettable sense of humor will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. He touched many a life.
He is survived by his children, Edward O’Neill and his wife Maura of Rowley, Betsy O’Neill Shean of New Hampshire, Susan O’Neill of Middleton, and Shari
DeAngelis and her husband Jay of Bradford, four grandchildren, Kate Bonfanti, Felix O’Neill, and Isabella and Joseph DeAngelis, and 1 great-grandchild, McKenzie MacDonald. He was predeceased by two brothers, Edward and Kenneth O’Neill.
A Memorial Service will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 10:30a.m. in the Calvary Episcopal Church, corner of Cherry and Holten Sts., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. As requested, there are no visiting hours and burial is private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kaplan Family Hospice House, c/o Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923.