Northborough – George J. O’Neil, 87, of Northborough, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013 at Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Northborough.
Son of the late William and Lillian (Butler) O’Neil, he was born and raised in Watertown. He was the husband of Isabella (Campbell) O’Neil, whom he married in July 1950. After attending Watertown High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving overseas.
A firefighter for the City of Newton for 38 years, prior to his retirement in January 1987, he was stationed in Auburndale on Engine 5 and later as the dispatcher at headquarters in Newton.
A resident of Northborough for the past 18 years, he enjoyed wood carving, painting and gardening and his Sunday afternoon relaxation with Rock & Roll classics from the “50s and “60s.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his sons, Thomas O’Neil of Northborough and David O’Neil and his wife Denise of Del Mar, CA; his daughters, Linda Ossing and her husband Michael of Marlborough and Gail Gelb and her husband Bruce of Marlborough; his sister, Phyllis McGourty of Berkley, MA; his grandchildren, Jennifer, Kirsten, James, Scott, Benjamin, Jason, Kaylin, and Cameron; and six great-grandchildren. He was also the father of the late James O’Neil and the brother of the late James and William O’Neil.
His funeral service was held Jan. 27 at the Slattery Funeral Home of Marlborough, with burial at Howard Street Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472 or Marlborough-Hudson Relay for Life (www.relayforlife.org).
