Gerald James O'Neil

Gerald (“Gerry”) James O’Neil

December 2, 1967- October 31, 2020

Gerald (“Gerry”) James O’Neil (52) passed away suddenly on October 31, 2020 as a result of a heart attack.  Gerry was the much-loved youngest brother of eight siblings. He leaves behind Tim and Caroline O’Neil, Natick, MA; Kate and John Sevigny, Rome GA; Sheila and Paul McMahon, Vero Beach, FL; Mary and Frank Rudewicz, South Yarmouth, MA; John and Rosa O’Neil, Stoughton, MA and Hugh O’Neil and Diana Kelley, Ponte Vedra, FL.  He was the best “Guncle” to nieces and nephews, Emily O’Neil and Ian O’Neil; Claire Sevigny; Audra and Don Hakes, Mary McMahon and Brenna Chaplain; Craig Rudewicz and Lindsay Lasserre, Kate and Andy Kelly, Patrick Rudewicz, Ryan Rudewicz;  Vincent O’Neil, Louis O’Neil, Francesca O’Neil; and Great Guncle to Lily and Emma Hakes, Ryan, Quinn and Teresa Kelly and Avery Doyle.  He was predeceased by his parents Edward and Teresa O’Neil and his brother Larry O’Neil.

Gerry cherished his family and many friends. He had a natural talent for friendship and was known for his good nature, generous spirit and of course, his incredible laugh. He would go to great lengths to help you or bring a smile to your face, and his kindness and generosity touched many. He enjoyed sharing a meal with family and friends, especially if it ended with a piece of cake. You always felt significant in his presence.

In recent years Gerry worked to help others find sobriety. This work brought him great satisfaction. He tried to lessen the stigma of addiction despite the fact that he also felt it. Gerry recognized that people are more than their addictions and always tried to see the light in life by meeting others where they were. Gerry was a truly kind soul who never gave up trying.

As Gerry would often reflect: “So many people are hanging by the thinnest of threads. Treat all people well. You could be that thread.” -John Pavlovitz

Due to the current COVID crisis, a Virtual Celebration of Gerry’s life will be held via Zoom on his birthday Wednesday December 2, 2020 at 7 pm.   Friends who would like to attend are requested to RSVP at  Celebrategerryoneil@gmail.com and details will be provided.   

Anyone who wishes to donate in Gerry’s memory can do so to the Herren Project P.O. Box 131 Portsmouth, RI 02871 or Magnolia New Beginning P.O. Box 116 North Reading, MA 01864. Both are non- profits that work to help people in recovery.

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