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William Francis O'Neill, Jr.
1936 - 2020
FUNERAL HOME
William O'Neill, Jr. Obituary
William Francis O’Neill, Jr., lifelong Gloucester City resident, aged 83, passed away Nov 5, 2020. Bill is the son of the late William and Mary O’Neill (nee McCaughern), and brother to Mary Pat MacWilliams.
He attended Gloucester Catholic High School graduating in 1954, and graduated from Villanova University in 1958. He was a proud Marine, serving both active duty and in the reserves. He then went on to dedicated work at the Camden County Welfare Board.
As a lifelong community member, he was an ardent supporter of the Gloucester Catholic Lady Rams basketball program, and in 2019 was presented a lifetime award for his more than six decades of support by head coach Lisa Gedaka. He also volunteered for 16 years as a tour guide on the Battleship New Jersey, highlighting his lifelong love of military history. For his dedicated work he received the Jason W. Hall Volunteer of the Year award in 2020.
He enjoyed boating and spent a lot of time with family and friends exploring the waterways of the Chesapeake. He preferred travel by motorcycle, often on backroads in and around NJ.
He is also survived by nephews Robert MacWilliams and Mark MacWilliams, and nieces Nancy O’Reilly, Patricia Bowe, and Maureen Alleman, and several great-nieces and a great-nephew, and many cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Wednesday morning, November 11, 2020 from 10:30 to 11:45 AM at St. Mary's R.C. Church, 426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City. Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, his Mass of Christian Burial will be private. All are welcome to participate and livestream his Mass on Wednesday at 12 Noon on Saint Mary’s Church Gloucester City Facebook page. Interment with U.S. Military honors will be private in New St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bellmawr.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Gloucester Catholic High School, http://gchsrams.org/wordpress/?page_id=14138 or the Battleship New Jersey https://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/support/ .
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of William Francis O’Neill, Jr. Funeral Arrangements and Inquires through: McCANN-HEALEY FUNERAL HOME, Gloucester City Ph:856-456-1142
Memories and Condolences
for William O'Neill, Jr.
16 Entries
Neil Mccarthy
December 2, 2020
cousin Bill will be missed. He was a good person. I don’t know how the GCHS girls team will play without him sitting in the stands! He enjoyed life and was fun to be around.
John Natanni
November 15, 2020
To the family of Bill - Known Bill since early 60s USMC. We developed a routine meeting for breakfast every 5 or 6 weeks. Always talked about Mary Grace and USMC. Bill will be missed. Semper Fi. John Natanni
Lorraine Toto
November 12, 2020
Mr. O’Neill was a dear friend to my family and I from when I first started GCHS in ‘89. One of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. Always smiling and always had a story to tell. You brought lots of laughs to our world.
I’ll never forget all the times he stopped by on Halloween in costume with his buddy Mr. Woods waiting in the car until we guessed who was in costume.
You made this world a better one. Rest In Peace. ❤
Monica Dabrowski Sopuch
November 11, 2020
Bill was such a big part of my Dabrowski/Leusner family growing up. He was just like a member of the family attending all our family's weddings, funerals, gatherings. He even attended my wedding. He went on fishing trips with my dad, Henry Dabrowski and my uncle Bruce Leusner in Mystic Island. He was Bruce Leusner's best friend and the two worked together for many years along with my mother, Carol (Nancy) Dabrowski at the Cam den County Board of Social Services. Heaven got a little brighter and funnier when Bill entered the gates of Heaven. I'm sure he, Bruce and my mom are all catching up and telling jokes. He will be missed but he is in a much better place and among some of the best people I have known. Prayers to Mary Pat and the rest of the family. God Bless you all.
Eileen Kirsch
November 11, 2020
Sorry to hear of the passing of Bill.
Love,
Eileen & Dan Kirsch
The Leusner/Kilgallon Family
November 10, 2020
Bill was a true member of our Leusner family. We adopted him early on. He was a dear friend of our Uncle Bruce Leusner and to so many of us. He was at every wedding, family party, baseball game and funeral, happy or sad he was there. We all feel a great loss and send our love and sympathy to Mary Pat, and all
of his family in this time of sadness. He was the sweetest, kindest soul. We talked so recent and had so many laughs on the phone that day. If he was in your corner you were one lucky person. Uncle Bruce, Aunt Carol, Shamrock n the whole Leusner gang are happier now to be with their friend once again! RIP and we will hold you forever in our hearts! XO
Deb Heins
November 10, 2020
Bill always had a smile on his face while in the Gloucester Catholic gym! The loyal fan and the sweetest man. He will be missed and never forgotten. Once a Ram, Always a Ram❤
Cynthia Bracelin
November 9, 2020
My thoughts, prayers and condolences to you. Seeing Bill in the Captain’s Cabin on the ship was the highlight of my day. He was kind and a plethora of knowledge and wisdom. We shared a love of hazelnut coffee and good books . He will be missed. It was my honor to work with him.
JOHN QUINESSO
November 9, 2020
Condolences to the O'Neil family from a Ship mate of the BB62. Bill was not only a Shipmate but was a true Friend. He will long be remembered by all of us.
"Fair winds & Following Seas."
Neen Raspa
November 8, 2020
Billy O’Neill was the most genuine and the kindest hearted soul that I have ever known. Billy, my dad and Frank were inseparable .. loving and cheering on the Gloucester Catholic Lady Rams .. traveling all over South Jersey (and sometimes further) to witness their girls playing softball, soccer and basketball. Their friendship was unique and authentic. My family and I were fortunate enough to call Billy friend too. He always thought of others first. I will miss my birthday twin but I know that he’s surrounded by a terrific crew .. his mom & dad, my Tommy and Shamrock. Rest easy dear Billy, I will always hold a special spot in my heart for you ♥
Michele Sands
November 8, 2020
My condolences to Mary Pat and Bill's nieces. Bill often spoke of you to my husband Howard, who also was a Battleship New Jersey docent, and me. Bill and Howard became very good friends after meeting on the ship. They shared many interests and took an interest in one another’s lives. Bill even attended one of the creative seders that Howard wrote. When Howard could no longer serve as a docent in the Captain’s Cabin because of his advancing dementia we sometimes visited Bill when he was on duty there. This helped Howard keep his connection with both Bill and the ship. Bill kept in touch with us by phone when we were no longer able to get together. His last call to us was less than three weeks ago and he sounded good. We are so sad about his death and we will miss him.
Peter Burdick
November 8, 2020
Semper Fi Bill. It was an honor to know you shipmate. Rest in peace.
Craig Lucas
November 7, 2020
Bill will be greatly missed. His fun loving and easy going nature made a joy to be around during those years we worked together at CCBSS. I’ll be praying for all his family and friends.
Patricia Robinson
November 7, 2020
My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working for Bill at the welfare office. He was always kind ready to volunteer and advise young people working there.
He will be sadly missed for all who knew him.
I have wonderful fond memories of Bill and wish his family peace.
Sincerely,
Patricia Robinson
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
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Memorial Events
for William O'Neill, Jr.
Nov
11
Visitation
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
St. Mary's R.C. Church
426 Monmouth St., Gloucester City, NJ
Nov
11
Mass of Christian Burial
12:00 p.m.
NJ
Funeral services provided by:
McCann-Healey Funeral Home - Gloucester City851 Monmouth Street, Gloucester City, NJ 08030