John G. O’Neill (March 30, 1944 - November 19, 2020)

In loving memory of
John G. O’Neill
  • March 30, 1944
  • -
  • November 19, 2020

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Obituary

It is with great sadness that the family of John (Jack) O’Neill, 76, formerly of Milton, MA, Glocester, RI, and more recently Crossville, TN, and N. Ft. Myers, FL, announce his passing in Cape Coral, FL. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late John Patrick and Yvonne Lee O’Neill.

Jack leaves behind his “bride” of 58 years, Joyce (Greenwood), his son John (Virginia) O’Neill of Cranston, RI and daughter Jacqueline (Norman) Turnquist of Carlisle, NY, as well as three grandchildren: Shannon O’Neill, Alexander O’Neill and Carl Turnquist. He also had an amazing number of cousins.

Jack’s childhood was dominated by a large extended family and a spirit of adventure. Early on he cultivated his interest in cars, especially flathead Fords, into a life-long passion, always maintaining that “automotive styling peaked in the 1930s.” He was especially proud of “Henry,” his 1935 coupe.  His first cars were acquired before he could drive and as a pre-licensed driver, he enjoyed tinkering with them and taking them for a spin.

He enjoyed music and knew all the B-sides of his extensive collection of favorite 45 records from the 50s and 60s. From early rock n’ roll classics (and much to his daughter’s chagrin), country and doo-wop, his musical taste was eclectic.

He was a fan of the New England sports teams, especially the Patriots and Red Sox.  And by wintering near the Red Sox spring training facility in Fort Myers, FL he was able to enjoy many games after they finally won the World Series.

Jack had a soft spot for animals and in particular would always stop to help a turtle trying to cross the road or bring home a cat that needed a place to stay.  For 14 years, Jack, Joyce, John and Jacqueline were gifted with the loving companionship of Patrick, a Kerry Blue Terrier, who accompanied the family on many camping and vacation adventures.

He and his beloved wife Joyce were able to enjoy extensive travel throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, Central America and North America. For the past 14 years they did a lot of exploring in their Foretravel motor home in the United States, made many close friends and retired to Tennessee and a community welcoming to people with motor homes. He was fortunate to have maintained friendships with several of his childhood buddies.

With a BS from Stonehill College and an MBA from the University of Maine, he began his career.  He was well-respected in the Trust and Investment business and was, through the 80s and 90s, a frequent guest on RI’s WJAR early morning news, conversing on current market trends.  He was the primary investment advisor for his family.

Jack was a member of Rotary in RI and in TN, and a Trustee on The Phyllis Kimball Johnstone and H. Earl Kimball Foundation.

He will be remembered by family and friends for his childhood antics and pranks that he surprisingly survived without doing jail-time, and his often irreverent sense of humor that caused even the most serious of moments to be underscored with barely-suppressed and contagious giggles and chuckles; a sense of humor that he passed on to his very appreciative son and daughter.

His passing was thankfully quick and peaceful. He will be missed by family and friends – his laugh, quick wit and easy-going manner made him a favorite companion.

We hope to have a memorial service in the spring.  Family and friends may sign the guest register or leave a condolence message by visiting www.baldwincremation.com.

 


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  1. Lori DiCenzo Carter says:
    06 Sep 2023
    Hello O’Neill Family,

    Your husband/dad literally just popped into my head. I am sorry to read of his passing. I was his assistant and trading assistant at Old Stone Trust Company from 1988 - 1991.

    He was so very good to me - patiently teaching my the business and encouraging me as I earned my AS at night. He was my biggest cheerleader as I decided to move to Boston to pursue my BS full time. I earned an MS as well, partly because he taught me to believe in myself.

    While these are late condolences, I hope fond memories will keep him close to you.

    Best,
    Lori DiCenzo Carter
    Charlotte, NC

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