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On December 7th, we said goodbye to our loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, neighbor, mentor, and friend. The “Old Man” as he affectionately came to be known was a gentle, loving soul who touched the hearts of everyone he met. He is survived by his children Karen (Louis) Barone, Jeanne Johnson and William (Nancy) O’Neill, his granddaughters Gena (John) Reitano and Kim O’Neill, and his grandsons Edward Barone, Ryan (Ariel) White and Michael (Brooke) O’Neill. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Christopher Barone, and Skylar and John Sebastian Reitano. John was predeceased by his wife Florence, his brothers Arthur and Edward and twin sister Helen, his grandson Christopher White, and his son-in-law Howard Johnson.
John was born in Manhattan in 1922. He was a very religious man throughout his life starting as an altar boy at Guardian Angel Church in Chelsea and later as a chauffeur for their Monsignor whose parish encompassed the important New York City waterfront. In World War II he trained with the 100th division and fought with the 88th “Blue Devils” infantry in Italy. After the war, he became a truck driver and retired as a proud teamster.
John met and married the love of his life Florence in 1950, and after moving to the Bronx, became an active parishioner of St. Benedict’s Church. They were happily married for close to sixty years. Later in life, they traveled much of the world together with siblings, in-laws and family. John’s trips to his ancestral home of Ireland left a lasting impression on him and he continued to enjoy his Guinness right up to the end. His love for Florence was always easy to see, even long after she left his side in 2000. He continued to care for her beloved home (where she was born) until his passing. Johnny and Flo were the best hosts for years with a house full of guests every Sunday.
John’s greatest joy was in spending time with family and friends. Many times, his family would vie for space on top of his beloved mantel on which he would place his most prized photos, card, and keepsakes from a family that always seemed to be growing. His impact on those who knew and loved him cannot be explained, and most of what his family has come to be proud of about themselves was borne out of his incredible wit, charm, and warmth.
He was a man so full of life that his family expected no less than 100 years from him, but he became overburdened with the ongoing complications of his age and passed peacefully in the night with his family around him in his home. No one will replace him. His family will always keep him alive through stories and memories that he inspired through his compassion, grace, and good-will towards all.
A life like John O’Neill’s cannot be summarized, it can only be felt by those who now feel the huge void his absence leaves. Although, the love he leaves behind is bigger than any void. As was once said, all the darkness in the world cannot extinguish one, single candle.
We love you and will forever owe you a debt of gratitude.

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