MARQUETTE - Donald Lee O'Neill, Sr., 86, of 1712 Kimber Avenue, Marquette, entered eternal life Tuesday, January 18, 2011, shortly after admittance to Marquette General Hospital.
Born May 29, 1924 in Marquette, a son of Austin and Amelia (Johnson) O'Neill, Sr., Don attended the John D. Pierce High School and was a lifelong Marquette resident. At age 18, he was drafted into the US Army for service during World War II. During the course of the war, three of Don's uncles were also serving in the US Army at various assignments. Don served with the 16th Infantry and was in the first wave of soldiers to land on Omaha Beach during the Normandy D-Day Invasion, one of the bloodiest and most desperate battles of the war. The moment Pvt. O'Neill arrived on the beach, his ship was hit and he sustained injuries, and would have been left for dead had it not been for a fellow soldier saving him. He was transferred to England for recuperation and then stationed in France where he was wounded again. For bravery in action, Don received two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star, as well as other citations, decorations, and commendations for his service. Don was honorably discharged October 20, 1945 and returned to Marquette. On April 19, 1947, Don married the former Joyce A. Del Bello at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Marquette, and together the couple made a home and raised their children in Marquette. Throughout the years, Don was employed at the Piqua, with Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company on diamond drills in Republic, and then on construction for many years with the Caspian Construction Company. In 1972, Don was injured in a construction accident and retired due to disability. Don loved being with family and friends and, in earlier years, enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to camp, and loved cutting wood. He especially enjoyed hockey and took an active interest in watching his brothers, children, and grandchildren play. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Red Wings. Don was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church, American Legion Post #349 of Little Lake, Negaunee VFW, and the Marquette DAV. He will be remembered as a man of great integrity, a loyal American who fought for his country with honor and for the freedom of all, and his contagious humor which made him a well known practical jokester that made people laugh.
A devoted husband of 63 years, father, grandfather, and brother, he is survived by his wife, Joyce; a daughter, Debbie (James) Fraley of Halfway Location; sons, Daniel (Carol) O'Neill of Harvey and Donald (Joanne) O'Neill, Jr of Marquette; his grandchildren, Richard (Anne) O'Neill, Beckie (Joseph) Alexander, Jill (Mike) Dauphinais, James (Melissa) Fraley Jr, Jason (Amy) Fraley, Sarah O'Neill, Eric McQuaid, and Casey O'Neill; ten great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Pat (Werner) Peterson of Marquette; and brothers, Jerome "Bucky" (Margaret) O'Neill of Big Bay, and Austin "Ozzie" (Janet) O'Neill of Marquette; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Alwin and Verna O'Neill.
Friends may call at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Friday, January 21, beginning at 12:00 noon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church at 2:00 pm Friday afternoon with Most Rev. James Garland, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, as celebrant. Pallbearers will be members of the veterans organizations to which Don belonged. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial, with veteran's honors, will be made at Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring.
Donald L. O'Neill, Sr.
Was a hero to us all an honest man who would never let you down
A Man of love and kindness now watching us from above
He was loved by all who knew him and he showered us with his love
A man of great integrity an example to us all
He taught us right from wrong and would never let us fall
He was full of humor he filled our hearts with laughter
His great memory will stay with us forever and ever after.
- Beckie O'Neill Alexander
Born May 29, 1924 in Marquette, a son of Austin and Amelia (Johnson) O'Neill, Sr., Don attended the John D. Pierce High School and was a lifelong Marquette resident. At age 18, he was drafted into the US Army for service during World War II. During the course of the war, three of Don's uncles were also serving in the US Army at various assignments. Don served with the 16th Infantry and was in the first wave of soldiers to land on Omaha Beach during the Normandy D-Day Invasion, one of the bloodiest and most desperate battles of the war. The moment Pvt. O'Neill arrived on the beach, his ship was hit and he sustained injuries, and would have been left for dead had it not been for a fellow soldier saving him. He was transferred to England for recuperation and then stationed in France where he was wounded again. For bravery in action, Don received two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star, as well as other citations, decorations, and commendations for his service. Don was honorably discharged October 20, 1945 and returned to Marquette. On April 19, 1947, Don married the former Joyce A. Del Bello at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Marquette, and together the couple made a home and raised their children in Marquette. Throughout the years, Don was employed at the Piqua, with Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company on diamond drills in Republic, and then on construction for many years with the Caspian Construction Company. In 1972, Don was injured in a construction accident and retired due to disability. Don loved being with family and friends and, in earlier years, enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to camp, and loved cutting wood. He especially enjoyed hockey and took an active interest in watching his brothers, children, and grandchildren play. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Red Wings. Don was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church, American Legion Post #349 of Little Lake, Negaunee VFW, and the Marquette DAV. He will be remembered as a man of great integrity, a loyal American who fought for his country with honor and for the freedom of all, and his contagious humor which made him a well known practical jokester that made people laugh.
A devoted husband of 63 years, father, grandfather, and brother, he is survived by his wife, Joyce; a daughter, Debbie (James) Fraley of Halfway Location; sons, Daniel (Carol) O'Neill of Harvey and Donald (Joanne) O'Neill, Jr of Marquette; his grandchildren, Richard (Anne) O'Neill, Beckie (Joseph) Alexander, Jill (Mike) Dauphinais, James (Melissa) Fraley Jr, Jason (Amy) Fraley, Sarah O'Neill, Eric McQuaid, and Casey O'Neill; ten great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Pat (Werner) Peterson of Marquette; and brothers, Jerome "Bucky" (Margaret) O'Neill of Big Bay, and Austin "Ozzie" (Janet) O'Neill of Marquette; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Alwin and Verna O'Neill.
Friends may call at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Friday, January 21, beginning at 12:00 noon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church at 2:00 pm Friday afternoon with Most Rev. James Garland, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, as celebrant. Pallbearers will be members of the veterans organizations to which Don belonged. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial, with veteran's honors, will be made at Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring.
Donald L. O'Neill, Sr.
Was a hero to us all an honest man who would never let you down
A Man of love and kindness now watching us from above
He was loved by all who knew him and he showered us with his love
A man of great integrity an example to us all
He taught us right from wrong and would never let us fall
He was full of humor he filled our hearts with laughter
His great memory will stay with us forever and ever after.
- Beckie O'Neill Alexander
MARQUETTE - Donald Lee O'Neill, Sr., 86, of 1712 Kimber Avenue, Marquette, entered eternal life Tuesday, January 18, 2011, shortly after admittance to Marquette General Hospital.
Born May 29, 1924 in Marquette, a son of Austin and Amelia (Johnson) O'Neill, Sr., Don attended the John D. Pierce High School and was a lifelong Marquette resident. At age 18, he was drafted into the US Army for service during World War II. During the course of the war, three of Don's uncles were also serving in the US Army at various assignments. Don served with the 16th Infantry and was in the first wave of soldiers to land on Omaha Beach during the Normandy D-Day Invasion, one of the bloodiest and most desperate battles of the war. The moment Pvt. O'Neill arrived on the beach, his ship was hit and he sustained injuries, and would have been left for dead had it not been for a fellow soldier saving him. He was transferred to England for recuperation and then stationed in France where he was wounded again. For bravery in action, Don received two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star, as well as other citations, decorations, and commendations for his service. Don was honorably discharged October 20, 1945 and returned to Marquette. On April 19, 1947, Don married the former Joyce A. Del Bello at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Marquette, and together the couple made a home and raised their children in Marquette. Throughout the years, Don was employed at the Piqua, with Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company on diamond drills in Republic, and then on construction for many years with the Caspian Construction Company. In 1972, Don was injured in a construction accident and retired due to disability. Don loved being with family and friends and, in earlier years, enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to camp, and loved cutting wood. He especially enjoyed hockey and took an active interest in watching his brothers, children, and grandchildren play. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Red Wings. Don was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church, American Legion Post #349 of Little Lake, Negaunee VFW, and the Marquette DAV. He will be remembered as a man of great integrity, a loyal American who fought for his country with honor and for the freedom of all, and his contagious humor which made him a well known practical jokester that made people laugh.
A devoted husband of 63 years, father, grandfather, and brother, he is survived by his wife, Joyce; a daughter, Debbie (James) Fraley of Halfway Location; sons, Daniel (Carol) O'Neill of Harvey and Donald (Joanne) O'Neill, Jr of Marquette; his grandchildren, Richard (Anne) O'Neill, Beckie (Joseph) Alexander, Jill (Mike) Dauphinais, James (Melissa) Fraley Jr, Jason (Amy) Fraley, Sarah O'Neill, Eric McQuaid, and Casey O'Neill; ten great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Pat (Werner) Peterson of Marquette; and brothers, Jerome "Bucky" (Margaret) O'Neill of Big Bay, and Austin "Ozzie" (Janet) O'Neill of Marquette; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Alwin and Verna O'Neill.
Friends may call at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Friday, January 21, beginning at 12:00 noon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church at 2:00 pm Friday afternoon with Most Rev. James Garland, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, as celebrant. Pallbearers will be members of the veterans organizations to which Don belonged. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial, with veteran's honors, will be made at Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring.
Donald L. O'Neill, Sr.
Was a hero to us all an honest man who would never let you down
A Man of love and kindness now watching us from above
He was loved by all who knew him and he showered us with his love
A man of great integrity an example to us all
He taught us right from wrong and would never let us fall
He was full of humor he filled our hearts with laughter
His great memory will stay with us forever and ever after.
- Beckie O'Neill Alexander
Born May 29, 1924 in Marquette, a son of Austin and Amelia (Johnson) O'Neill, Sr., Don attended the John D. Pierce High School and was a lifelong Marquette resident. At age 18, he was drafted into the US Army for service during World War II. During the course of the war, three of Don's uncles were also serving in the US Army at various assignments. Don served with the 16th Infantry and was in the first wave of soldiers to land on Omaha Beach during the Normandy D-Day Invasion, one of the bloodiest and most desperate battles of the war. The moment Pvt. O'Neill arrived on the beach, his ship was hit and he sustained injuries, and would have been left for dead had it not been for a fellow soldier saving him. He was transferred to England for recuperation and then stationed in France where he was wounded again. For bravery in action, Don received two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star, as well as other citations, decorations, and commendations for his service. Don was honorably discharged October 20, 1945 and returned to Marquette. On April 19, 1947, Don married the former Joyce A. Del Bello at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Marquette, and together the couple made a home and raised their children in Marquette. Throughout the years, Don was employed at the Piqua, with Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company on diamond drills in Republic, and then on construction for many years with the Caspian Construction Company. In 1972, Don was injured in a construction accident and retired due to disability. Don loved being with family and friends and, in earlier years, enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to camp, and loved cutting wood. He especially enjoyed hockey and took an active interest in watching his brothers, children, and grandchildren play. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Red Wings. Don was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church, American Legion Post #349 of Little Lake, Negaunee VFW, and the Marquette DAV. He will be remembered as a man of great integrity, a loyal American who fought for his country with honor and for the freedom of all, and his contagious humor which made him a well known practical jokester that made people laugh.
A devoted husband of 63 years, father, grandfather, and brother, he is survived by his wife, Joyce; a daughter, Debbie (James) Fraley of Halfway Location; sons, Daniel (Carol) O'Neill of Harvey and Donald (Joanne) O'Neill, Jr of Marquette; his grandchildren, Richard (Anne) O'Neill, Beckie (Joseph) Alexander, Jill (Mike) Dauphinais, James (Melissa) Fraley Jr, Jason (Amy) Fraley, Sarah O'Neill, Eric McQuaid, and Casey O'Neill; ten great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Pat (Werner) Peterson of Marquette; and brothers, Jerome "Bucky" (Margaret) O'Neill of Big Bay, and Austin "Ozzie" (Janet) O'Neill of Marquette; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Alwin and Verna O'Neill.
Friends may call at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Friday, January 21, beginning at 12:00 noon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the church at 2:00 pm Friday afternoon with Most Rev. James Garland, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette, as celebrant. Pallbearers will be members of the veterans organizations to which Don belonged. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Burial, with veteran's honors, will be made at Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring.
Donald L. O'Neill, Sr.
Was a hero to us all an honest man who would never let you down
A Man of love and kindness now watching us from above
He was loved by all who knew him and he showered us with his love
A man of great integrity an example to us all
He taught us right from wrong and would never let us fall
He was full of humor he filled our hearts with laughter
His great memory will stay with us forever and ever after.
- Beckie O'Neill Alexander
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