Gerald O'Neill

Hon. Gerald F. O'Neill

WORCESTER - The Honorable Gerald F. O'Neill, Jr., 83, a retired Massachusetts Superior Court Judge, of West Harwich and Worcester, died Tuesday, June 24, 2014, at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home after a short illness.

He leaves his wife of 55 years, Joyce Baer O'Neill; seven children, Brian J. O'Neill and his wife Karen of Shrewsbury, Michael A. O'Neill and his wife Julie of Concord, Ohio, Paul G. O'Neill and his wife Bonnie of Kingston, Gerald F. O'Neill, III, and his wife Karen of Webster, Timary A. Manzello and her husband James of Worcester, Mary E. Rainville and her husband Paul of Marlborough, Brendan J. O'Neill and his wife Elizabeth of Natick, and twelve grandchildren.

Gerald was born in Woburn, son of Gerald F. and Mary J. (Cogan) O'Neill, and moved to Worcester as a young boy. He attended Midland Street School and was a graduate of Classical High School in 1949. Gerald attended The College of the Holy Cross, graduating in 1953, and Boston College School of Law, class of 1956.

After law school, Gerald worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance as an in-house counsel and trial attorney from 1956 to 1968. As his young family rapidly grew, with seven children born in eight years, he became a partner at the Worcester law firm of Ellis, Minor and O'Neill. In 1979, Gerald fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a judge when he was appointed to the Massachusetts District Court, and in 1980, he was appointed to the Massachusetts Superior Court. Judge O'Neill presided in courtrooms throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts until 1988 when he became Associate Justice of the Barnstable Superior Court. He served in Barnstable until his retirement in 2001. Judge O'Neill's portrait proudly hangs in the main courtroom today. He most enjoyed sitting on the bench and presiding over trials. Judge O'Neill was known for his work ethic, intellect, compassion and fairness by his colleagues and all who appeared before him. He had a true love of the law and enjoyed every moment of his years in the courtroom.

Judge O'Neill was a recipient of the St. Thomas More award by the St. Thomas More Society of Worcester in 1988.

Gerald was an avid bridge player and was active in youth sports as a coach for both baseball and hockey. He also enjoyed the game of golf and belonged to Cummaquid Golf Club for many years.

Gerald and Joyce traveled throughout the world, but he was happiest on Cape Cod spending time at his home and on Belmont Beach with Joyce, his seven children and his many grandchildren. Gerald will truly be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Calling hours are Friday, June 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, June 28 from the funeral home with a Mass at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial in Island Pond Cemetery, West Harwich, will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerald's memory may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, 4742 N. 24th Street, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016-4862.