O'Neil Earl Carpenter

O'Neil Carpenter
1929 - 2017
OAKLAND - O'Neil Earl Carpenter, 88, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and brother, died quietly at home surrounded by the love of his family on Friday Nov. 10, 2017. O'Neil's large extended family had the privilege of spending the week with him, laughing, singing, comforting him and saying their goodbyes, until he quietly slipped away to join his sons.
O'Neil was the eldest son of the late Arthur and Violette (LaChance) Carpenter. Neil, as he was known to family and friends, was born Oct. 20, 1929, in Waterville, the week of the great stock market crash. This historic event shaped his hard working character and strong fiscal accountability. Yet he never hesitated to support his church, favorite children's charities and family when needed.
Neil attended local area schools and was a member of St. Joseph's class of 1945. He enlisted in the Army and served in Europe during WWII. In his early years he worked for his father's construction business, A.J Carpenter & Sons, building many area homes. After leaving his father's business he worked for more than 45 years for Logan & Sons, a Portland-based painting contractor. Logan & Sons was a generational family owned and operated company. Neil was their generational family employee. Over the years he worked alongside his brothers, all of his sons, grandsons, nephews, even his second wife. It was a regular family affair.
Neil was not big in stature but was large in life. He was known for his charming personality, storytelling, and sense of humor. In his earlier years he enjoyed getting together with his family to listen to his sister Marlene sing or going out to "Uncle Don's camp", having a few beers and playing horseshoes. He enjoyed his son Timmy's singing and playing guitar and discussing all things sports with his youngest son Jason, especially watching the Patriots play and enjoying a shot of cognac.
Neil's greatest joy in life was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Not one of which was spared his undivided attention; the endless teasing with his false teeth, scary stories or money challenges. The collection of old wheat pennies, change in old bottles and the endless supply of silver or gold dollars handed out to all kids at Christmas.
Neil was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Donald and Raymond; his sons Robert, William Timothy and Jason O'Neil; and his first wife, Lillian (White). He is survived by his daughters, Jacqueline Sweigart and husband Chuck, Violet White-Carpenter of Oakland, and Jodi Jones and husband Will of Vassalboro; sons, James O'Neil of Waterville, Peter Boudreau and wife Jennifer of Oakland, David Boudreau and his wife Jessica; ex-wife Judith Westman of Lewiston; brothers, Arthur (Biz) of Fairfield, Alfred and Danny of Waterville; sisters, Marlene WIncapaw of Clinton and Diana Nadeau and husband Ronald of Oakland; ten grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Neil's family would like to thank the physicians, NP, nurses and technicians at DCI Dialysis Unit for all of the care and camaraderie they provided to Neil. It was the relationships, teasing and joking with the staff that made his years with them less tedious and more enjoyable.
There will be a gathering for family and friends to celebrate Neil's life on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. Waterville VFW, Water St, Waterville. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 20, 2017, at Veilleux Funeral Home, 8 Elm St., Waterville. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church., 112 Silver St., Waterville. Burial will follow at St. Frances Catholic Cemetery, 78 Grove St., Waterville. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Neil's life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.