Richard C. O'NEAL

O'NEAL, Richard C. Richard (Dick) C. O'Neal, 76, of Meriden, formerly of Portland, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday (January 9, 2010). Dick was born in Middletown on May 20, 1933, son of the late Catherine Foley Youngs. Dick graduated from Portland High School in 1952, and faithfully served his country as a member of the U.S. Army for two years at the end of the Korean War. Upon returning from his tour of duty, Dick began work as a linesman for Foley Electric as a member of IBEW Local 42. In 1960, Dick married the late Mary P. Burr of Portland. They had two children, Kerry and Kevin, and were happily married for 26 years until her untimely death in 1986. Dick also served as a commercial electrician for a number of years as a member of IBEW Local 35, and was last employed by McPhee Ltd. prior to his retirement. Dick was a former member of the Portland Lion's Club and known best amongst his peers for his love of motorized vehicles, from the Vincent and Harley motorcycles he tinkered with, to a '37 Olds Coupe; which was the first vehicle he and friends restored and raced at a track in Waterford, prior to entering the service. A '40 Ford Delux was his pride and joy in those early years, as was his lifelong fascination with engine restoration. Whether it was a Chrysler Hemi, a Cummins Diesel, or even his most recent project, a HO Chevy 4-bolt Main 383 "Stroker", Dick was a wealth of knowledge on its operation and always had a knack for making it work just a little bit better! Dick is survived by his dearly beloved of 22 years, Joan Taylor; his daughter Dr. Kerry K. O'Neal and her husband Jason Solomonides of Cromwell; his son Kevin O'Neal of East Hampton; Joan's daughter Kathleen Johnson of Meriden, and son Peter Taylor of Cheshire; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his younger brother George (Jerry) O'Neal of Portland, who died in service to his country during the Korean War. The family would like to extend a very special thanks to Frederick Gyamfi for his tireless dedication, service and companionship to Dick over the past year. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 13, at 10 am from the Coughlin-Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High Street, Middletown, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in Saint Mary's Church in Portland at 11 am. Burial will be in the family plot in Saint Mary's Cemetery in Portland with full military honors. His family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday evening, January 12, at the funeral home from 5-8 pm. Those who wish may make donations in memory of Richard C. O'Neal to the Meriden Humane Society, 22 East Road, Meriden, CT 06450.