Franklin Joseph O'Neill

Newport, - Franklin Joseph ONeill, 87, of 20 Tilley Avenue Newport, died Wednesday, September 24, 2003 at Grand Islander Health Care Center Middletown, RI.He was the husband of Constance Monica Troy ONeill. Born in Newport, RI on September 21, 1916, he was the son of the late John T. and Catherine Canole ONeill.Mr. O?Neill served in the Army during World War II in the European Theater of the USA, in the command center as chief messenger in London, England, under command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1942 to 1945 when the war ended. He was a member of the Newport Elks #104, the V.F.W., the American Legion #4, the Hibernians and of Knights of Columbus. Mr. O?Neill also served in the Rhode Island National Guard. He was employed in the electrical department at J. T. O?Connell Co. for over 28 years. He also worked for the Housing Authority of Newport and retired as housing manager at the Naval Base in Newport in 1985. Besides his wife of 55 years, his son Franklin John O?Neill of Portsmouth, RI survives him, three grandchildren Brian P. O?Neill of Portsmouth, RI, Jennifer L. Baez of Middletown, RI and Erin C Smith of Louisville, KY and two great grandchildren.He was the brother of the late William ONeill, Harold ONeill, John ONeill, Robert ONeill, Marie ?Sis? Carr, Eveline O?Neill and Marjorie O?Neill. His funeral will be held on Friday, September 26, 2003, at 8:00AM, from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian burial at 9:00AM, in St. Marys Church, Spring Street, Newport. Burial will be private.Donations in his memory may be made to St. Mary?s Church, Building Fund, Spring Street, Newport, RI 02840 or to the Newport Fire Department and Rescue Wagon Fund, 21 W. Marlborough Street, Newport, RI 02840.