Robert P. O'Neil

Robert P. O'Neil, 65, of Paxton, died Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at his home after an illness.

He leaves his wife of 44 years, Betty A. (Erickson) O'Neil; three children: Kelley Nickerson and her husband Russell of Paxton, Kristine Forget and her husband Arthur of Worcester, and Patrick O'Neil and his wife Brandy of Leicester; ten grandchildren: Cailin, Elle, Mikayla, Payton, Presley and Lola, Ariella, Colton and Eden, and Camden; his mother, Margaret (Griffin) O'Neil of Worcester; two brothers: Paul P. O'Neil and his wife Paula of Holden and Kevin J. O'Neil of Worcester; and several nephews and nieces. His father, Paul G. O'Neil, died in 2004.

He was born in Worcester and lived in Paxton the past three years. He attended North High School and Worcester Junior College. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Mr. O'Neil was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and was a tractor trailer driver for most of his working life. He drove many years for the Interstate Motor Freight System and later for Millbrook Distributors, before retiring.

He adored his grandchildren and enjoyed vacationing at his summer home in Maine. He was deeply interested in antique cars.

Calling hours at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, are Saturday, April 4 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. with the funeral Mass to follow at 11 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery.

Donation may be made to the American Lung Assn., 460 Totten Pond Road, Suite 400, Waltham, MA 02451.