Leroy B. “Lee” O’Neal

Leroy B. O’Neal, 88, passed away on July 4, 2018 in Wilmington, DE. He was born on December 9, 1929 on Ocracoke Island, NC. He was the last surviving of nine children of William A. O’Neal, Sr. and Margaret Bell (Styron) O’Neal. He enjoyed spending time at his home on Ocracoke, where he delighted in visiting with family and fishing. For years he participated in the Ocracoke Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament on the O’Croakers team, winning 3rd place in 1999.

“Lee” served with the Army Corps of Engineers (1946-1947) and with the U. S. Air Force during the Korea campaign. He was a member of the Delaware State Police from 1952-1962. He has also worked as a bricklayer, iron worker and crane operator. He was a former member of the New Castle County Democratic Executive Board for approximately 17 years, former Director of the Division of Industrial Affairs and Executive Director of the AFL-CIO Community Services. He was a member of the Private Industry Council and a retired member of Local 542 Operating Engineers. He served on the Board of Directors for The Delaware Center for Wellness, the Delta Dental Plan, the Howard Weston Senior Center.

He is predeceased by his wife, Irene G. O’Neal. Survivors include daughters, Sharon Reardon (Daniel) of Claymont, DE and Kathleen Weiss (David) of Wilmington, DE; grandchildren, Michael Donofrio (Rachel) of Burke, VA and Faye Smith (Brian) of Frenchtown, NJ; and greatgrandaughters Alexa Joy Donofrio and Avery Lee Donofrio. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews and a host of friends, including long time family friend, Benjamin Rizzo.

A visitation for family and friends will be from 9:30 am until 11 am on Friday, July 13, 2018, at St. Peter the Apostle R.C. Church, 521 Harmony Street, New Castle, DE, where a Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 am. Interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Assocation c/o Ocracoke Foundation, PO Box 1689, Ocracoke NC 27960 or the Ocracoke Preservation Society. PO Box 1240, Ocracoke NC 27960.