Denis F. O'Neil, Sr.

Denis (“Denny”) F O’Neil, 92, of Manchester, died August 21, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Manchester on July 31, 1931 the son of Daniel and Mary (Jennings) O’Neil. He was raised in Manchester and was educated at St Joe’s High School and later attended St Anselm College. Denis married his high school sweetheart, Cecelia (Myers) on January 16, 1954 and shared a wonderful 65 years together before her death in 2013.

Shortly after his marriage, he began his employment at the US Postal Service, where he would remain employed for 41 years.  Additionally, he worked for the Manchester Police Department, as a bail commissioner for 45 years.  Always a hard worker and financial provider for his family, Denis worked a third job, seasonally, at the Rockingham Race Track, where he remained for nearly twenty years.

Despite juggling three jobs, Denis was always present to support his children, and later his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their endeavors, athletic or otherwise.  He cherished those opportunities, as well as the times with his multi-generational family at Hampton Beach, the NH lakes, or at his home where he and Celia raised their nine kids.

Outside of his time with his family, Denis enjoyed following the Boston sporting teams, in particular the Celtics and Red Sox.  Always proud of his Irish heritage, he also treasured his time with the Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Family members include his children Joe and Cynthia O’Neil of Hampton, daughter in-law Christine O’Neil of Bedford, Sheila and Doug Smith Of Manchester, Maureen O’Neil of Manchester, Denis and Maureen (“Reeny”) O’Neil of Hampton, Kevin and Alyssa O’Neil of Bedford, Ellen O’Neil and Mike Robinson of Florence MA, Meghan O’Neil-Fisher and Rich Fisher of Manchester, Tara O’Neil and Deb Chipperfield of West Hartford, CT; his twenty grandchildren, Scott, Corey, Sheena, Marissa, Kara, Sarah, Caitlin, Brighid, Kaleigh, Shannon, Liam, Bryce, Tori, Kelseigh, Maeve, Kloeigh, Mairead, Shea, and Keegan; his eighteen great grandchildren, Carlee, Shawn, Shaylah, Piper, Nolan, Sierrah, Madison, Alex, Parker, Bennett,  Josie, Hannah, Jameson, Connor, Vivian, Evan, Declan, and Finley.

He was predeceased by his wife Celia, his son Shawn, and his grandson, Colin.

Services:

Calling hours at Lambert Funeral Home & Crematory, 1799 Elm St, will be Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 3 to 7pm.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St Joseph’s Cathedral, Manchester, NH on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 10am. 

Overflow parking will be available at the Vine St parking garage, located at 29 Vine St, Manchester, NH.

Committal prayers will follow at St Joseph Cemetery, Bedford, NH.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends donations may be made to the following local organizations for the betterment of children, families, and Veterans.

Bring It: bringitafterschool.org, (For underserved youth) 112 Reservoir Ave, Manchester NH 03104

Families in Transition NH: fitnh.org, (For local families in need) 122 Market St, Manchester NH 03101

Liberty House NH: libertyhousenh.org, (Help homeless & struggling Veterans) 221 Orange St, Manchester NH 03104