Obituary of Deacon James O'Neill

Deacon James (Jim) O’Neill, 77, of Florida, formerly of New Haven, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2015 in North Carolina. He was born February 6, 1938 in New Haven to John and Rose (Conefrey) O’Neill. He is preceded in death by his parents and four siblings; John O’Neill Jr., Raymond O’Neill, Marcella McArdle, and Peggy McHugh. James is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Mary (Luedee) O’Neill, daughter, Eileen Piotrkowski (Shannon) of Hamden, grandchildren, Jasmine Piotrkowski and Brianna Piotrkowski and one great grandchild, Blaine Piotrkowski. He is also survived by brothers, Hugh O’Neill (Martha) of New Haven, Robert O’Neill (Bernice) of New Haven, sisters, Nora Laverty of New Haven and Sister Sheila O’Neill, ASCJ of Hamden, brother in law, Jim McHugh and sister in law, Barbara (Zwack)O'Neill. He will also be dearly missed by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. James was ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Archdiocese of Hartford in 1992 and served for 10 years at St. George Church in Guilford. He loved ministering to the sick at CT Hospice and local hospitals. After his retirement to Florida, he served as Deacon at Our Lady of Mercy, and was the Spiritual Director at the Legion of Mary. James, also known affectionately as “Moose”, worked at Tilcon for over 30 years. His family and friends will remember him as having a huge heart filled with love and generosity. He always had a quick wit, a warm smile, and a kind word for everyone he met. Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 PM on Friday, October 2, 2015 at the Clancy Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 10 AM in St. Francis Catholic Church, 397 Ferry Street, New Haven. Please go directly to St. Francis Church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Levine and Dickson Hospice, 11900 Vanstory Dr., Huntersville NC 28078 in memory of Deacon James O’Neill.