Daniel Patrick O’Neill Sr., 69, of Largo, Florida, originally of Pawtucket, Rhode Island,– passed away on October 11th 2018 in Largo, Florida. Daniel Patrick O’Neill Sr. was born in Providence, Rhode Island to Mary Margaret O’Neill and Robert Patrick O’Neill on March 15th 1949.
He was an infantry soldier in the 1st Battalion 9th Marine unit of the United States Marine Corps. He fought bravely during the Vietnam War, most notably in the battle of Khe Sanh and in the Tet Offensive. Daniel was honorably discharged after being wounded in battle and receiving a Purple Heart.
Daniel is survived by his son Daniel Patrick O’Neill Jr., daughter Mary Margaret O’Neill, three grandchildren: Abigail O’Neill, Audrey O’Neill, and Sean O’Neill, sister Susan Hart, and nieces: Tara Hart-Bourassa, Lindsay Hart-Silva, Jennifer Hart, and Megan Dugdale.
Daniel was a loving father who raised 2 children on his own. He cherished New England, but eventually fell for Clearwater, Florida after a visit and moved there in October of 1991. He loved his family, military history, sarcasm, Thanksgiving, the beach, and listening to talk radio – especially politics. Dan had a big heart and just wanted people to be happy, often helping friends and family through many an ordeal.
Dan loved all sports, especially Boston teams and eventually Tampa Bay teams, which he passed to both of his children. He enjoyed baseball and football most of all, and the true love of his life – other than his children – was the Boston Red Sox (and witnessing a comeback from a 3-game deficit to the Yankees to win their 1st World Series in 86 years). Dan lived a life filled with hope and was a true warrior in every sense of the word, never giving up a worthy fight. Dan laughed often and was empathetic, compassionate, and understanding; he will be sorely missed.
A military service will be held at 10:30AM on October 26, 2018 at Bay Pines National Cemetery Columbarium; 10000 Bay Pines Blvd.; St. Petersburg, Florida 33708. Daniel will be cremated and have his ashes spread over Fenway Park per his wishes. He will have a memorial stone placed at Bay Pines Veteran’s Cemetery where he will be honored and remembered as a Unites States Marine Veteran, and a truly devoted father.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Daniel’s name to the Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org) or Veterans of Foreign Wars (www.vfw.org).
im his grandson and i miss him dearly i wanna feel his hugs again and he would take us to mcdonalds every sunday we would buy the stuff he needed at publix his favorite store but overall i miss him alot
It’s been over four years since you’ve been called to Gods kingdom. You have been a great inspiration in my life and continue to be in your absence. Everything I have done was to make you proud. Although I may have disappointed you a few times your love never for Mary and I never wavered. You have had no problem telling me that I have made you proud and you loved (I know that you still do in Gods kingdom as I do on this mortal plane) Mary, your grandchildren, and I. Your lessons on patience and selfless service combined with honor and integrity have truly stuck and are currently being taught by me to shape Abbigail, Audrey, and especially Sean into proper law abiding adults who will carry on the family legacy. I love you and miss you so so much dad. Here’s to we meet again and laugh together at the Stooges and swap Military History theories. As a Soldier it’s hard for to say this but my love for you makes it easier; Semper Fi Dad. (SCOUTS OUT!! RECON!!!)