LEEDS

Gerald T. O’Neil, 81, a lifelong resident of Amherst, MA, died peacefully at Linda Manor Assisted Living on November 20, 2015. He was born in 1934, to the late Eugene F. O’Neil, Jr., and Geraldine {Brodeur} in the house he lived in throughout his adult life. He graduated from Amherst High School in 1952, and received an Associate Degree from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts in 1954.  He served in the US Army from 1955-57, and then became a police officer at UMass Amherst, retiring in 1991 after 34 years of service, as the university’s Director of Public Safety. He was an active parishioner and member of the Church Council of St. Brigid’s Church, Amherst. He was a 4^th Degree Knight of Columbus in Chicopee, MA, and a member of the Amherst Council in various positions. 

He was predeceased by Lorraine Whittemore, his wife of 48 years, and his son, Eugene Harold O’Neil, and is survived by his daughter, Kathleen O’Neil Morton and husband Keith, son Dennis O’Neil and wife Donna, son William O’Neil and wife Deborah, and son Michael O’Neil. He was predeceased by his brother Edward O’Neil, and is survived by Ed’s wife Mary, his brother Jack and wife Jean, and sister, Betty Ann Koslo.  He leaves grandchildren William and Meaghann O’Neil, Brenna and Sarah Morton, and Shane and Sean O’Neil, and step great-grand-daughter, Kourtney Komosa, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.  He leaves behind his friends and the van rider gang at Linda Manor Assisted Living. 

Mr. O’Neil’s family would like to extend its deep appreciation to the residents and staff of Linda Manor Assisted Living, who welcomed him into their community this last year; and to the staff of Fresenius Medical Care and dialysis center for their constant care and friendship over the last eight years.  

Visitation will be at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst, on Tuesday, November 24^th, 5-8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Brigid’s Church, Amherst, Wednesday, November 25^th at 10am. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery, Rocky Hill Rd., Hadley. Reception to follow.  In keeping with Mr. O’Neil’s wishes, the family asks that donations be made to St. Brigid’s Parish in lieu of flowers.