John E. O'Neil

BRIDGEWATER —

John E. O'Neil, 82, formerly of Sandwich, died Thursday, Nov. 15, 2007, at his home in Bridgewater. He was the husband of Rita M. (Murphy) O'Neil.

Born July 20, 1925, in Boston, he was the son of the late Michael J. O'Neil and Bridget (Shea) O'Neil. Raised in Jamaica Plain, he graduated from Commerce High School and received his associate degree from Bryant & Stratton College. He served in the Army in the 714th Tank Battalion during World War II.

Mr. O'Neil was a retired insurance investigator working at the Standard Service Bureau of Boston for 25 years before retiring in 1988. He lived in Bridgewater for the past two years; formerly he lived in Sandwich for 16 years and also in Westwood. He served as the past president of the Westwood Lions Club and was a member of the American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Rita M. (Murphy) O'Neil of Bridgewater; his children, John S. O'Neil and his wife, Ann, of Mansfield, and Mary F. O'Neil of Oregon; his grandchildren, John J. O'Neil, Todd M. O'Neil, and Kelly A. O'Neil; his sister, Florence Robb of West Roxbury; and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Stephen F. O'Neil.

Funeral services will be held in the Russell & Pica Funeral Home, 165 Belmont St. (Route 123), Brockton, on Monday at noon. Interment will follow in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, at 1:45 p.m. Calling hours are Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cranberry Hospice, 36 Cordage Park Court, Plymouth, MA 02360 or to the Jordan Hospital Oncology Dept, 275 Sandwich St., Plymouth, MA 02360.

For directions and obituary, visit www.RussellFuneralHome.com.