William L. O'Neil

William L. O’Neil, 91, of Dartmouth, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 20, 2024. He was the devoted husband of his high school sweetheart Corinne A. (Neves) O’Neil for 70 years.

Born in Fall River, “Bill” leaves a rich legacy – love of family, sailing, music and faith to his six children, ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Bill will greatly be missed for the way he made others laugh.

After a successful career as a Textile Engineer, Bill retired to his dream job – bridge tender on the Padanaram Bridge. There he took great joy in the harbor’s sunrises and sunsets and memories of countless sails aboard the Tralee with Corinne and their beagle by his side. Passersby could count on Bill’s wave, shining blue eyes and unfailingly a laugh or two.

At St. Julie’s Parish in Dartmouth, Bill found meaningful expression of his deep faith as a Eucharistic Minister and member of the Saint Vincent de Paul Society. Without regard for his advanced age or declining mobility, Bill took part in the Society’s quiet kitchen table conversations in which client needs are met, and made deliveries to Solanus Casey Food Pantry in New Bedford. The needs of local unhoused families with small children were of particular concern to Bill. In 2018 Bill was awarded the Marian Medal by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha. Bill was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

A 1950 graduate of Coyle, Bill earned a Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering from Bradford Durfee Technical Institute in 1954. Always an Irish tune in his heart and on his lips, he was a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Bill also served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

In addition to Corinne, Bill is survived by his children, Jane O. Gomes (Alan), Lisa Whittaker (Robert), Carolyn O’Neil-Smith (Richard), William J. O’Neil (Mary) and Christopher P. O’Neil (Maureen); his grandchildren, Jesse R. Cook, Erin O. DiPalma (Michael), Allison Thomson (Alex), Kerry A. Whittaker (Alan), Nathan R. Whittaker (Caitlin), Andrew T. and Julianne O’Neil-Smith, Mary Kate and Liam C. O’Neil, Katelyn Marie O’Neil (Josef Balles) and Wade C. O’Neil; his great-grandchildren, Finley and Spencer DiPalma, George E. Thomson, Otto Balles; his sister-in-law, Joan C. O’Neil; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Corinne M. “Connie” O’Neil; his parents John Francis and Teresa Mary (Lowe) O’Neil, and his siblings, Mary O’Brien Casazza, Teresa Lynch (Cornelius), Marguerite Quirk (Edward), John T. O’Neil and Elizabeth Charbonneau (James).

His Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Rd. Dartmouth, followed by burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Robeson St., Fall River. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Checks may be made out to St. Vincent de Paul Society, in Memory of William L. O’Neil, and mailed to St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Road, Dartmouth, MA 02747.

For online tributes, please visit: www.waring-sullivan.com