John Kennedy O'Neill, 91

MIDDLETOWN - John Kennedy O'Neill of Middletown passed away Thursday, April 12, 2007, in Green Valley Pavilion, Smyrna. He was 91.

Born Dec. 22, 1915, in Newtown Square, Pa., he was the third of four children to William John and Elizabeth (McKay) O'Neill.

He was married for almost 65 years to his beloved wife Miriam (Beird) O'Neill, who died in April 2004.

Mr. O'Neill served with distinction as a private first class and a military policeman in the Third Army, 76th Infantry Division, in the European Theater from November 1943 until November 1945. He received a Bronze Star for meritorious service, as well as two service stars and a Good Conduct Medal.

He joined the Wilmington police in 1941, where he served as a member of the motorcycle division, and retired in 1961 with the nickname "Honest John." He was an active member and volunteer for the Delaware Association of Police and the Pushmobile Derby. He also taught woodworking at the Boys' Club of America in Wilmington.

Mr. O'Neill remained busy in retirement, working for more than 20 years at Winterthur Museum and Country Estates, and for another 17 years in security and landscaping in Millsboro.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his eldest son, William, in 1955.

Mr. O'Neill is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Michael Kane of Freehold, N.J.; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeffry and Robin, and a grandson, Evan, all of Middletown; two granddaughters, Melissa Connolly of Malverne, N.Y., and Michele Willis of Dallas, Ga.; two great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Monday in the chapel at Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Pkwy., New Castle. Interment with military honors will be held in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Resource Development, 1275 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309-3506.

Arrangements by Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, Middletown.

Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at www.daniels-hutchison.com.