Obituary of Bernard J. O'Neill

Bernard J. O’Neill, 85, of Canadensis, died peacefully on Friday, March 27, 2015 at Geisinger Community Medical Center. He was the loving husband of Bernice (O’Brien) O’Neill to whom he had been married for 60 years. Born in New York City he was the son of the late Bernard and Helen (Cunningham) O’Neill . A proud veteran of the United States Army he served during the Korean War. Bernard spent much of his life devoted to the service of others. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Parish, where he participated in many roles, including serving as Eucharistic Minister, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 12447, a former volunteer firefighter for the North Merrick Fire Department in NY and a CYO coach of both baseball and basketball. He was known for his talent of woodworking and for making Christmas ornaments for his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed bird watching and playing and dancing to Irish music. He was a kind soul and will be missed by many. In addition to his wife, Bernice, he is survived by his five children: Dr. Susan Messerly and her husband Jim of Wausau, WI, Brian O’Neill and his wife Jodi of Carmel, NY, Kevin O’Neill and his wife Barbara of Staten Island, Trish Lynch and her husband James of Stewart Manor, NY, Maureen Norris and her husband Michael of Westfield, NJ; a sister: Loretta Brady of Portland, OR; and fourteen grandchildren: Matthew, Johanna, Paul, Jacqueline, Barbara Jean, Michael, Molly, Jonathan, Rosemary, Rosie, Jimmy, Chaeli, William and Luke. He was preceded in death by a sister, Theresa Coleman. There will be a viewing on Sunday, March 29 from 2-5pm at the Bolock Funeral Home, 6148 Paradise Valley Road, Cresco. The Reverend Father Gregory Loughney will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, March 30 at 10:00am at the Church of St. Bernadette, Route 390, Canadensis. Burial will follow at Moravian Cemetery, Route 447, Canadensis. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Bernard, may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.