Richard “Dick” O’Neill of South Yarmouth, formerly of Wilton, CT, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 9, 2018 with his family by his side.  He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Patricia Barbour O’Neill, and his two brothers, David and Clifford. Dick was a graduate of West Orange High School in New Jersey where he played basketball and baseball and received awards for Outstanding Athlete. Admitted to Dartmouth College, he continued his athletic career as a member of the basketball team and graduated in 1952 with a degree in economics. Shortly following his graduation from Dartmouth, he served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 in Korea. Dick, discharged with the rank of Sergeant First Class, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service, Presidential Unit Citation (ROK), United Nations Service Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
 
Following an exemplary 34-year career as a senior marketing and sales executive at American Can Packaging Inc., Dick retired to the Cape and embraced retirement with the vigor and poise that defined his working years; he began his pursuit of the increasingly elusive striped bass while battling the scourge of his nemesis, the piping plover. He set the standard for over sand Jeep beach trips to both Nantucket and Nauset with handmade roof racks for fishing and wind screens for guests. His beach days were never complete without a boiled egg, pretzels and a Bloody Mary, even if it was fishless, because, “a bad day of fishing is always better than a good day at work.” Dick embraced life to the fullest.
 
He was very active with the local community, and generously gave his time to a number of organizations that were important to him. He served as the past Treasurer of Yarmouth Citizens for Responsible Development; on the Board of Directors for Pine Oaks Village, a community for low income housing for senior citizens; as past President and Board Member of Par Three Estates Homeowners Association; and served many years on a variety of boards and committees at the First Congregational Church in Harwich.
 
Those who had the pleasure of knowing Dick will remember his warm smile, gentle soul, unbridled charity, witty pranks, and positive approach to life. The world was made a better place with Dick in it, and his family hopes to carry that spirit forward in his honor, while also breaking into the occasional soft shoe routine while singing Louis Armstrong.
 
Dick is survived by his partner of 14 years, Joyce Dauley, his two sons: Tim O’Neill of Bradford, MA and Rick and his wife Sharon Dingee O’Neill of Ansonia, CT, three grandchildren: Ciara and Kyle O’Neill and Christin O’Neill Ceccorulli, step grandkids: Bryana and Matthew Dingee and great grandkids: Jessica, Wyatt and Kamryn Dingee. Dick’s extended family also includes Elizabeth and Bruce Likly of Wilton, CT, John and Chris Dauley of Mashpee, MA, and Earl and Jeannine Dauley of Douglas, MA. “Honorary” grandchildren include, Earl, Justin, Emma, Meg, Peyton and Josef. Dick was blessed to have so many grandchildren call him “Poppie” from the two chapters of his life.  
 
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the First Congregational Church in Harwich, 697 Main Street, Harwich, MA  02645.  Family and friends are invited to a “Celebration of Life” immediately following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, and to honor his longtime care providers, the family asks that donations be made "In memory of Richard P O’Neill” to Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 370 Hyannis, MA 02601



 
 
 

Tim very sorry to hear about the passing of your father.