Ted O'Neill

Ted O'Neill 81, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 3, 2010 at UCSF with the support of his loved ones. He fought a courageous three-year battle with a respiratory disease. Given the life he led and the energy he exuded, it could fairly be said he has passed on to a well-deserved rest. Born April 18, 1929 in Rathmoon, Ireland, County Wicklow, he was one of 13 children. He grew up on a farm where he first developed his life-long love for animals, especially horses. He dreamed of seeking greater opportunities across the ocean. At a dance in Carlow, he met Noreen-- the love of his life. Married for 46 years, the dance continued. They were best friends and constant companions and were blessed with one child, a daughter, Sheila Ann. Ted was a kind, gentle, and strong man with an Irish sense of humor and a twinkle in his eyes. He loved his work, animals, and he loved his family. He had a special fondness for his cherished grandsons, Sean and Ryan. In 1958, Ted and Noreen ventured to Vancouver, Canada where he worked in the mines and as a foreman in construction. Five years later, they made their way to San Francisco to join Ted's brothers where they had immigrated. Together, the brothers began a construction business building apartment buildings in the City. Ted then branched off on his own and he became a successful builder and developer in San Francisco and on the Peninsula. Ted loved sports, especially hockey, football, and horseracing. He could often be found enjoying the races at Bay Meadows or Golden Gate Fields. This passion led him to begin buying and breeding racehorses, and he was thrilled to be found in the Winner's Circle on occasion. He ultimately bought a thoroughbred farm in Paris, KY, which he affectionately named Ann Marie Farm. Ted loved the peace and quiet of the Bluegrass Country and referred to his place as "the nicest little farm in Kentucky." In addition to his wife, Noreen, Ted is survived by his daughter and his son-in-law, Sheila and John O'Keefe, and his two grandsons, Sean and Ryan. He is also survived by his siblings: Kay, Morey, Theresa (Jack) Kavanagh, Joan (Jack) Spaaragen, Dan O'Neill (Sheri Richards), his sisters-in-law Mrs. Mike O'Neill, and Mrs. John O'Neill, all of the San Francisco area; Lee O'Neill of Canada; and Mrs. Richard O'Neill of Ireland; Philomena (Michael) O'Carroll, and Sheila (Jim) Holland, all of Ireland. He was a devoted, loving uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, both here and abroad. He was predeceased by his brothers Mike, John, Tom and Richard O'Neill and sisters Margaret Whelan and Mary Collins, and his brothers-in-law Don Morey, Patrick Whelan and John Collins. The family wants to give special thanks to the wonderful and caring staff at Stanford, St. Mary's, and UCSF. Family and friends may visit Thursday, October 7th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at DUGGAN'S SERRA MORTUARY, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City where a Vigil Service will be held at 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated Friday, October 8th at 11 a.m. at St. Cecilia's Church, 17th Avenue and Vicente, San Francisco. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Donations may be made in Ted's memory to a favorite charity of your choice.