Posted by John P. O'Neil on April 5, 2012:

The entire O'Neil family is deeply saddened at the news of the death of Col. Joseph W. O'Neil, our brother and uncle. Over the years, we have felt close to Joe and loved and admired him. In his recent retirement years, Joe and Marcy have lived near brother John in the Port St. Lucie/ Stuart area of Florida and all of us have enjoyed the opportunities to vist them. The O'Neil children first knew him, when, as a high school student he rode the Converse trailer truck to and from Malden to Berlin NH to spend weekends with us. Later, as a West Point Cadet, he and a classmate stayed with us while on a Public Relatiohs trip to Northern NH. On that visit, Joe and his friend spoke at the area's four high schools and before the town's three service clubs at a combined meeting, the first time such an event had ever taken place and it has never happened since either. Joe had secured his West Point appoinment through a competetive exam after joining the National Guard-not the easiest way to get there. During the last few years, when his health was declining, Joe fought hard with the tenacity typical of his spirit, to recover and be himself again. And Marcy was by his side helping and caring for him through it all. We have all admired his long years of service to his country, especially his combat service in Vietnam. Rest Now In Peace Joe. John P. O'Neil

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