Laurence Francis O’Neill, 67, of Lochbuie, Colorado passed away on July 31, 2021. Larry was born on June 12, 1954, in Denver, Colorado to William (Bill) O’Neill and Betty Lou O’Neill (May). Larry graduated high school from Saint Francis in Denver, Colorado and joined the US Navy in 1972. He served on the USS Samuel Gompers AD-37 as an electrical technician until 1976 and was honorably discharged in 1978 after spending two years in the Naval reserves. While working at Automotive Alignment, he fell in love with “his Tracie Lee”. He married Tracie Crews on June 15, 1979, at Rockland Community Church in Genesee, Colorado. He received his training to become a journeyman electrician through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union #68. He worked on many fascinating projects including One Denver Place, St. Luke’s Presbyterian Hospital, The Anaconda Tower, Denver International Airport, Rocky Flats, and was proud to be the job steward at the New Mile High Stadium even though he became a “Minna-sotia” Vikings fan while working as a traveling electrician early in his career. He was an ever active member in the Local #68 and served as the President for one term with his First Lady by his side. Though he retired from electrical work in 2015 after surviving cancer, he continued active participation in the Local #68 Brotherhood until his passing.
Living in Colorado all his life, his greatest accomplishment was raising a family that loves each other as much as he loved them. His passions included fishing and anything that goes fast. He spent many years of his life around race cars and motorcycles, racing at both of the front range dirt tracks along with bare-tire third-wheel ice racing at Rainbow Falls Lake. When he was done racing, he spent many nights with family at the race track cheering on his favorite cars. Most retirement mornings, Larry worked in his garden while his faithful dog, Raisin, chased the bunnies. In the winter, his dog turned into an elf as “Papa-Claus, the Wrapper” prepared for a Christmas celebration with his family. As a doting dad, Larry loved dropping in randomly with a sack lunch or fun gift for his kids and his grandchildren, the “kiddos”. Each fall Larry and his family looked forward to his family’s traditional swimming trip to the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. He attended all of the school functions, recitals, and sports events he could. Cooking with his grandkids gave him great joy which has inspired some fantastic future chefs in the family, making sure they know not to forget the secret ingredient. Larry had a tremendous heart and loved his family and friends deeply.
Larry is survived by his wife, Tracie; his children, Samantha (Anthony) Alvarado of Fort Collins, CO, Bill (Alexis) O’Neill of Firestone, CO, and Robin (Casey) Egger of Salem, MO; nine of his grandchildren, Connor O’Neill; Rourke, Lydia, Francesca, Zinnia, & Esther Alvarado; and Delaney, Amelia, & Remington Egger; his in-laws, Dan & Bev Crews; his two sisters, Pegi (Frank) Gonzales and Nancie Campbell. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews as well as other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill & Betty O’Neill, and his grandson, Cameron O’Neill.
Larry’s memorial service will be on August 16th, 2021, at 10am at Olinger Highland, located at
10201 North Grant Street, Thornton, CO 80229. He will be interned at Fort Logan National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Larry would like donations to Brent’s Place in Aurora, CO where his granddaughter received a free, safe-clean home while fighting her battle with cancer. She and her Papa had cancer at the same time, and she will be eight years cancer free in September.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhighland.com for the O'Neill family.
DONATIONS
Brent's Place11980 E. 16th Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80010
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