John Joseph O'Neill Sr.

LEXINGTON%%John Joseph O'Neill Sr., 71, of Lexington, SC, died Tuesday, August 31, 2004.

John was born in New York City to Scottish immigrants, William O'Neill and Betty McGiness O'Neill. Mr. O'Neill entered the United States Air Force as a military Policeman and served at Barksdale Airbase, Shreveport, LA. After his service in the military, Mr. O'Neill resided in Miami, Fla. In 1959, he began his career in the Beer industry with the Ballentine Ale Co. In 1969, Mr. O'Neill moved to Columbia, SC, eventually starting his 30-year + career in the wine business where he became an expert in wine tasting and sales.

Mr. O'Neill is survived by his wife of 45 years, Helen O'Neill; his sons, William, Denis, and John O'Neill and Raymond Barrett; his sisters, Nora O'Neill Giglio, Catherine O'Neill; his brother, Patrick Thomas Acquinas O'Neill; as well as eight grandchildren. Mr. O'Neill was pre-deceased by his son, Patrick Kevin O'Neill; his brother, Harry O'Neill; and his sister, Mary O'Neill Mckinless.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the care and compassion shown by all the doctors and nurses who treated Mr. O'Neill during his illness.

There will be a viewing on Friday, September 3 from 6-8pm at Thompson Funeral Home in Lexington, SC. Services for Mr. O'Neill will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Assembly St., on Saturday, September 4, at 1:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society.