Peter F. O'Neil's Obituary
Peter F. O’Neil, 66, of Willington, CT, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, surrounded by his loving wife and three beautiful daughters after a courageous battle with cancer.
Peter was born on July 19, 1956 in Waterbury, CT. He is the son of the late Richard Warren O’Neil, Jr. and the late Mary (Foley) O’Neil. He attended Holy Cross High School in Waterbury. He went on to study business and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and master’s degree from the University of New Haven. He worked in finance for the State of Connecticut in various agencies for 36 years before retiring in 2015.
Peter was known for his gentle kindness and quick-witted humor. He loved spending time with family and friends, in addition to the many hobbies he filled his days with. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed many rounds with his brothers and “the Flock”. He had a strong appreciation for music and played the tenor saxophone for both Ashford’s Babcock Cornet Band and Windham Concert Band. In addition to playing the saxophone, he enjoyed biking and playing volleyball. He cherished family vacations, such as summers on the boat at Lake Bashan in East Haddam, a cross-country trip, as well as Ireland, Scotland and Italy to name a few. Peter was talented in both writing and public speaking. He was well known for making comedic toasts, emceeing at family reunions and his highly anticipated annual Christmas letter, where his family was the subject of many jokes. In his more recent years, he loved taking on the role of “Ohno” and spending time with his two beautiful grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Dawn (DaDalt) O’Neil; his daughters Ellen Shorey and her husband Stephen of Shrewsbury, MA, Erin O’Neil of Wethersfield, CT, Mary Gusha and her husband Alex of Paxton, MA. He leaves his brothers Richard W. O’Neil III and his wife Paula, Thomas O’Neil and his wife Marilyn. He also leaves his mother-in-law Edith DaDalt, sister-in-law Diane DuBaldo and her husband David, brother-in-law Dennis DaDalt. He leaves his grandchildren, Jane Lorraine Shorey and Daniel Peter Shorey. In addition to his parents Richard and Mary, he was predeceased by his father-in-law Silvio DaDalt.
Calling hours will be held at Introvigne Funeral Home, 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT, on Sunday, December 18, 2022 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. His funeral will be held on Monday, December 19, 2022, with a procession forming at 10:00 am at Introvigne Funeral Home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am at St. Edward Church, 55 High St., Stafford Springs, CT. Burial will follow in St. Edward Cemetery, Stafford Springs, CT.
Donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 (dana-farber.org/gift), or Holy Trinity Church, 53 Capital Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com
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