Hudson Mass./Beverly Hills, Fla. – Joseph G. O’Neil, age 87, of Hudson, MA and Beverly Hills, FL passed away on Monday, August 7th at his home in Florida surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of Saundra O’Neil with whom he shared 47 years of marriage.
Born in Saugus, MA to the late John O’Neil and Philippa (Provenzano) O’Neil, he was raised in Malden, MA and graduated from Malden High School class of 1955. Joe was active in the United States Coast Guard from 1955-1959 and was stationed on the USCGC Eastwind. It was in the Coast Guard that he received his training in electronics achieving the level of Electronic Maintenance 1st Class.
From 1973-1995 he owned his own computer company, Digital Systems Services, which provided computer maintenance services. Well known to be able fix anything, Joe was the one to be called at any hour of the day or night. When other companies spent days, or even weeks, trying to fix an electronic issue, Joe would be called in and have it fixed within hours of arrival. He would often drive from one end of the state to another, or multiple states, in one day to service his customers.
An avid traveler, Joe instilled the love of travel in his family planning countless road trips exploring the US-including numerous educational/historical sites, along with the best theme parks. Never a need for GPS with Joe, he could provide driving directions knowing all routes, and could pin point his arrival time within minutes-including after driving 22 straight hours from Florida to Boston.
Joe was a member of the Hudson Rotary Club, always ready to help someone in need and give back, and was an avid golfer and reader. After retiring to Florida, he was a member of the Citrus County Golf Club. Joe always had a book in hand, typically a western by Louis L’Amour, or wartime novel. He loved John Wayne and had all his movies committed to memory. “My Cousin Vinny” always had him in stitches.
In addition to his wife, Saundra, Joe is survived by four of his loving children Linda Chretien and (Rick) of Manchester, NH; Joanne Cox and (Tom) of Mansfield, MA; Marianne Doherty and (William) of Attleboro, MA; and William O’Neil and (Kelly) of Middleboro, MA. He is predeceased by his son James Michael. In addition, he also has 9 cherished grandchildren-Noah and Abigail Chretien, Ian and Kelsey Cox, Cole and Meghan Doherty, Lyla O’Neil, Taylor and Madison Ruscansky.
Joe also had five loving stepchildren-Marialena Hartman and her husband Jim; Christina Palmer and her husband Carl; Angela White and her husband Gary, Valeria Small and her husband Sam, Anthony Padula and his partner Carolyn, thirteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sister, Joan Spencer of Arizona, brother, James O’Neil and (Mary) of Texas, sister-in-law Marilyn O’Neil of Saugus, MA and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother John O’Neil from Saugus, MA and brother-in-law Roland Spencer of Arizona.
A private celebration of life is being planned in Massachusetts for family and close friends.
