George F. O'Neil Jr.

George O'Neil of Assonet, MA, born on Christmas day 1942 entered eternal rest on May 20th 2023, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 80.  He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years Lynne Bradley-O’Neil, his son James, his daughter-in-law Dawn, his brother Robert O’Neil, his niece Caroline Martyn, extended family and extensive friends. George was predeceased by his sister Patricia Martyn and his parents George O’Neil Sr and Margaret Sheehan-O’Neil.  Those who were blessed to know George will always remember him as a devoted husband and father, but also as an extremely intelligent and good-natured man with a wonderful sense of humor, a zest for life and a deep appreciation for a good single-malt Scotch. 

To say George lived a remarkable life would be a great understatement. He was a learned man who earned both a BA and MA from Southern Connecticut State University as well as a sixth year degree from the University of Bridgeport landing him just shy of a doctorate.  George taught in Shelton, CT for 35 years where he inspired and influenced the lives of countless students. He was an avid boater who spent his entire life on the water whether it be navigating the waters of Long Island Sound, Narragansett Bay, or traveling down the Intercoastal Waterway to Key West, Florida which was by far his favorite destination. George served in the United States Coast Guard during the Vietnam War Era. He loved sports cars, particularly British and was heavily involved in building, tuning and racing them in the Metacomet Rally Cross Organization. His pride and joy was his 1989 Mazda Miata which he referred to as ‘the best British sports car that Britain never built’. As he grew older and his need-for-speed settled down he took up sailboat racing. He loved the challenge and the technical aspects of the sport which was a testament to his personality. After retirement, George moved to the country where he enjoyed the company of his wife and the solitude of the countryside, but he was never far from the water and no matter where he traveled he always returned to the sea. As George crosses the bar he now sets his compass for a new voyage. While his destination is unknown, he will never be alone as the spirit of all who knew and loved him will lift his sails. 

Friends and family may call on Friday May 26, 2023 from 11am-1pm at the South Coast Chapel Mortuary located at 158 Middleboro Rd. East Freetown, MA 02717. Burial will follow at Assonet Burial Ground, South Main St, Assonet, MA 02702.

www.southcoastchapel.com

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