Gerald O'Neil Obituary

Gerald "Jerry" O'Neil, passed away peacefully at home after a long and very happy life. He was married and devoted to his sweetheart, Bonnie, for over 60 years.

He is survived by his children, Lisa (Richard) Smith, Randy (Stephanie) O'Neil, Kate (Tim) Donovan and 9 grandchildren, Gerald Smith, Nicole (Mike) Robinson, Kevin Smith, Brett, Jake and Hailey Donovan, Brooke Cleary, Wyatt and Quinn O'Neil. He is also survived by his sister Sally O'Driscoll, in-laws Lea Pheeney, Kaye Michelini, Ed and Pam Sanborn and many nieces and nephews.

Jerry was the son of the late Gloucester Postmaster Gilbert and Dorothy O'Neil. He is predeceased by his brother Gilbert and lifetime friend Bernie Pratt.

He was born, raised, and lived nearly all his life in Gloucester in the service of his family, faith, and community. A 1949 graduate of Gloucester High School, Jerry excelled in athletics, captaining the football and basketball teams while also leading the baseball and track teams. As a senior, he won the Cy Perkins award as the outstanding player on the baseball team, earning a weeklong trip to Philadelphia where he worked out with the National League Phillies. Jerry loved playing for Coach Nate Ross and was fortunate upon graduation to play for another gridiron legend at Deerfield Academy, Frank Boyden. At Dartmouth College, he was captain of the freshmen football team and then a starting end at the University of New Hampshire.

Upon graduating from UNH, Jerry entered the Army and faithfully served his country at the DMZ in South Korea shortly after the end of active hostilities. He was a member of the American Legion. In 1966, Jerry earned his master's degree in education from Salem State University.

In 1958, Jerry began a 35-year career teaching US History at Gloucester High School while also coaching the UNH freshman football squad. A year later, Coach Ross hired Jerry as head coach of the GHS baseball team and an assistant for football. During his nine-year tenure, the baseball team secured one Northeastern Conference and two Essex League Championships.

In 1968, he was named Gloucester High's Athletic Director, holding that post for 25 years. In 1977, Jerry was named by his peers as Northeastern Conference's Man-of-the-Year. At his retirement testimonial in 1993, Jerry cited his participation in the implementation of Title IX, greatly expanding women's athletic opportunities, as his proudest achievement as AD.

During the summer breaks from school, you could find Jerry teaching swimming lessons on Cape Ann for many years at Rockport's Front Beach and finally at the Cape Ann YMCA after his teaching retirement.

Jerry's retirement years were happy and busy. He was inducted, along with his brother Gil, into the Gloucester High School Athletic Hall of Fame and was an active member of its selection board. He was also on the planning board of the YMCA. A devoted man of faith, Jerry belonged to the Legion of Mary and taught CCD confirmation classes for over fifty years. He was a long-time lector for Holy Family Parish. The local Boy Scouts chapter gave him an award for contributions to the local community and its youth. With his beloved wife Bonnie, Jerry traveled the world and spent time with countless friends. His annual trips to college and CFL games with a gang of old UNH teammates were legendary.

Most of all, he loved nothing better than to be with Bonnie, the kids, grandkids and grand-dogs, watching a game, going to mass, or taking a walk around Magnolia's shore.

Jerry was a true gentleman with a kind and giving soul. He will be deeply missed and remembered.

Visiting hours will be held in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington St. Gloucester on Friday, March 24 from 5-7 p.m. Family and friends are cordially invited. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 25 at 10 a.m. in St. Ann's Church, Holy Family Parish. His burial will be held privately in Calvary Cemetery. Contributions may be made in his memory to: Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B102, Danvers, MA 01923 or the Gloucester High Athletic Association, P.O. Box 3010, Gloucester, MA 01930.