William J. O'Neill

O''NEILL WILLIAM J. O''NEILL "Bill" (Age 70) 1940 - 2010 Died at his home on Lake Gaston in Henrico, North Carolina on Friday, August 13, 2010, following a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born on March 7, 1940 in Plymouth, PA to the late William John O''Neill and Margaret Gertrude O''Neill. Following graduation from St. Vincent''s High School in 1957 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He married Patricia Ann Hankey of Wilke-Barre, PA in 1960 before moving to Northern Virginia where he worked for the CIA for 34 years and raised three children. In addition to working for the CIA, Bill and his three bother''s owned and operated a construction company, Neillsons in Northern Virginia. After retiring from the CIA in 1994, Bill and his wife settled in Lake Gaston, NC. During retirement Bill was an accomplished journalist for The Lake Gaston Gazette-Observer with his weekly column "Wondering Around Lake Gaston". Bill had a passion for photography, boating and sailing. Bill was an active member of The Lake Gaston Lions Club, Water Safety Council, AARP and Lakeland Theatre, where he performed in and directed numerous plays. He was an active volunteer in his community. He leaves his beloved wife Patricia of 50 years; his two sons William J. O''Neill, III and his wife Diane, Michael T. O''Neill and his wife Mavis, a daughter Theresa A. Morgan and her husband Otto all of Manassas, VA. He also leaves three brothers John and his wife Pat of Warrenton, VA, Thomas and his wife Anne of Henrico, NC and James. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. He also leaves several in-laws, nieces and nephews. Friends and Family may visit Askew Funeral Home, 731 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A service will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 11 a.m, at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, located at 31 Ebony Road (Highway 903), south of Ebony, VA, next to the NC state line. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The American Cancer Society or Community Home Care and Hospice in Roanoke Rapids, NC. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The American Cancer Society or Community Home Care and Hospice in Roanoke Rapids, NC.