James Francis O'Neill, Jr.

Mr. James Francis O’Neill, Jr., Medford resident for 70 years, died on Wednesday, December 20th surrounded by family, he was 73. Born in Somerville and raised in Medford, he was the son of the late Anna Jane (MacNeil) and James F. O’Neill.  An animal lover, James raised and trained homing pigeons with his father in earlier years. Enlisted into the service in 1964, he proudly served his country in the US Air Force in Thailand and then Vietnam. Following his honorable discharge, James enrolled in Boston University and studied Optometry and owned and operated Opticus of Beacon Hill for over 30 years. Following retirement from his practice he went on to work for Mal’s Towing in Arlington. An automotive enthusiast and enjoyed all things car related. Above all, he especially enjoyed time spent with his family at their vacation home in Sanbornton, NH and was a proud member of the V.F.W., Medford Post 1012.

James was the beloved husband of the late Sandra Marie (Todd) O’Neill, together they would have celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on December 26th. He is lovingly survived by his daughters; Laurie O’Neill and her husband Gregory Freitag of Virginia, Kathleen Craig and her husband James of Gloucester and Maureen Nazzaro and her husband Robert Jr. of Tewksbury. Cherished “Grampie” of Maeve and Elliot Freitag, Ailsa Craig, Adored “Bumper” of Luke and Sophia Nazzaro. Dear brother of Mary O’Neill and her husband Klaus Schopmeier of Maryland and brother in law of Forrest Todd of Seabrook, NH. 

Funeral Procession from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home, 855 Broadway (Powder House Sq.) Somerville on Friday, December 29th at 10:30AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High St., Medford at 11:30AM. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Calling Hours Thursday, December 28th from 4pm to 8pm. Interment with military honors at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In lieu of flowers, donations in James’ memory can be made to Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust (website link https://cst.dav.org/).

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