Shirley O'Neal Giofre

Shirley O'Neal Giofre

Wilmington - Shirley O'Neal Giofre, 85, passed peacefully on February 14, 2021 with her daughters by her side.

She was born in Wilmington, Delaware to the late Owen E. and Margaret (Brosius) O'Neal. She is survived by her three daughters and their husbands: Michele Giofre & Lewis Pyle, Marie & John Kennel and Marybeth & Stephen Reader; three grandchildren, Katie, Matthew and Jason and one great granddaughter, Kaylin; her twin brother Roger O'Neal and four sisters, Patty Algard, Lorraine Becker, Peggy deVry, and Yvonne O'Neal as well as many cousins, nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by five brothers; Owen, Jr, Lewis (Huck), Joseph, Lawrence and Ronald "Babe" O'Neal along with two sisters, Patsy DiMaio and Doris Mazzio.

While attending A.I. DuPont High School, she was active in field hockey, basketball , softball, cheer, student council as well as community activities when she was honored with the annual PTA Good Citizenship Award. Her high school friends remain close as she currently assisted with the Class of 1954 on their annual reunions.

After completing high school, she moved to D.C, to start her professional career in travel with Eastern Airlines. There Senator Boggs nominated her, for which she was selected, as the Cherry Blossom Parade Queen. Upon returning home, she attended Goldey-Beacom College. She began her career as a travel agent with Holiday Travel, then becoming Wilmington Trust Travel, where she managed various branches prior to retiring after 22 years. Through the years, she assisted her mom in the family business, O'Neal's Bus Service.

Her passion was sports, coaching her girls CYO softball and basketball, which continued from the sidelines with her nephews, nieces and grandchildren. Her favorite team was UD, for 45 years a season ticket holder on the 50 yard line, organizing fan trips to many away games. In 2005 she was their senior fan favorite, adorning the cover of their program. In addition, she was very proud to be the grandmother of an Eagle Scout. She was a former member of the Irish Culture Club of Delaware, St. Joseph on the Brandywine and St. Elizabeth parishes.

Volunteer work was a big part of her life in the hospital emergency room, her parish & school as well as civic participation in her community and the Democratic Party.

Most important to Shirley was family, and friends that became family. It was important for her large family to stay close as she hosted many get togethers.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the MEALEY FUNERAL HOME, 2509 Limestone Road on Friday morning from 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 PM at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Greenville. Burial will be in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Ashland. On-line condolences may be sent to Mealeyfuneralhomes.com.