Richard J. O'Neil

Richard was born in Quincy, the older son of the late Natalie D. (LeBlanc) O’Neil and Cornelius O’Neil. He was the brother of the late Edward T. O’Neil. He grew up in Charlestown and resided in North Quincy for many years. As a young person, Richard spent much time at the Boys Club of Boston. He was honored at the age of 17 as the first “Boy Ambassador” of the Boys Club, winning a seven-week stay in England.

He received his undergraduate degree in education and history from Boston University and his master’s degree from Boston State College. He began teaching in Boston in 1963. As a young teacher he enjoyed supervising aspiring teachers through the Teacher Corps. Richard had a lifelong career in education, teaching history and social studies in junior and senior high schools in Boston public schools. He retired from South Boston High School in 2001.

Richard enjoyed extensive travels throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. He was a lover of history, the fine arts, opera and classical music. Richard had a great sense of humor and was a wonderful storyteller.

He is survived by his cousins Barbara Howes of Lowell, MA; Richard Howes of Exeter, NH, and his wife, Joanne; and Elaine (LeBlanc) Golubisky of Dunstable, Ma and her husband, Bill Golubisky; and by a dear and faithful friend, Kathleen McGrath Fitts.

Many thanks to the nurses, especially Dale Gordon-Payette, the aides, particularly Joleen Labour, and to Bill King, volunteer at Lakeview House Nursing Home, for their care, kindness and friendship to Richard during the three years he was a resident.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 11, at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 237 Sea Street in Quincy followed by a graveside service at Pine Hill Cemetery, 815 Willard Street in Quincy.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Avenue, Boston 02118.