James Daniel “Jim” O’Neill III
August 1, 1949 - May 18, 2024
James Daniel “Jim” O’Neill III, age 74, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Born in Wilmington, DE on August 1, 1949, he was the son of the late James Daniel and Mary (Moralis) O’Neill. Jim was a store manager for JC Penney where he retired after 34 years. He loved sports, especially any Philly team and always rooted for the underdogs. Jim cared about the environment and loved spending time in the outdoors to enjoy it. He was an avid reader and enjoyed vacationing in Cape May, NJ. Most of all, Jim especially loved his family and spending time with them.
Jim is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of almost 53 years, Denise Ann (Reed) O’Neill; daughters, Valerie Gallagher (Bruce) and Shannon O’Neill (Joseph); grandsons, Zack and Luke; brother-in-law, Louie Strengari (Debbie); his beloved dogs, Madison and Scooby; his many grandpuppies; and his longest and closest friend who was more like a brother, Bob Hazelwood and his wife, Deidre.
Jim’s family is especially grateful to Jenn Addison, best neighbor and great friend; Rick Perno, longtime friend; and Pat and Bob Bandanza who have been wonderful friends over the years. Jim’s family is grateful to the Middletown Police Department, Middletown Fire Department, and New Castle County EMS. Lastly, thank you to Spicer-Mullikin.
A memorial service for family and friends will begin at 3 pm on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE. Interment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s name to Faithful Friends, 165 Airport Road, New Castle, DE 19720 or online by clicking here.
Bob Hazelwood
September 1975. Almost 49 years of brotherhood. A lifetime. 2 generations, What a history. What memories.
Many, many laughs, certainly a few tears. What a run! But how did it go by so fast?
Watching our teams is infinitely better together. The future victories will not be as sweet without you.
The future defeats – and there will be many with our Philly teams – will be unbearable without you here to help share the pain.
It was an honor to be your older brother, and a thrill to have you as my “big brother”!
Save me a seat in the front row, I will be joining you before you have a chance to miss me!
Love,
Bro Bob
Debbie Ganasdi
I remember Mr. ONeill he was my manager when I worked at JC Penny’s, in the stationery department, he was such a nice man and so easy going to work for, I also remember him mother who was the telephone operator. My sincere sympathy to Mr. ONeill’s family and loved ones. Truly sorry to hear of his passing.
Bob&Pat Bandanza
We actually met in 2005 at a restaurant called LaPiazza. Had a blast almost every weekend at the bar. With the same friends and sometimes had so called quiet dinners. Our friendship grew. We had them over to our house a lot to our little Speak Easy bar. We shared lots of special times and laughs. Christmas parties were a big hit too.
James O’Neill was so very special to us and our hearts are so very broken. We pray for Denise, Valerie,Shannon, and Family that they can remember all the best stories to keep his life alive. May he rest in peace.❤️🙏🕊
Jennifer Addison
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss Denise, Shannon, Valerie, Scooby, Madison, and family. Jim was a very special man and will be missed. Denise, I feel honored and blessed to have been a part of yours and Jim’s extended family for the past nearly 20 years…please let me know if you need anything. ❤️Jennifer
Darryl Hazelwood
We had the pleasure of spending holidays, special events, but most importantly, vacationing with the O’Neill family. We “grew up” with Valerie and Shannon and can’t forget the occasional haircut from “Aunt” Denise. As a child, I was always impressed and sometimes intimidated by the size of “Uncle” Jim. He was a giant that had a bigger smile and a laugh that I can still feel echoing in my soul. The good times we had in Cape May will remain in my thoughts and the image of you body surfing still brings a smile to my face. I still have the Don Mattingly rookie card you gave me back in the 80’s and think of you every time I look at it; you made my day. You and your family have been in my thoughts and hope everyone has found peace.
Rest easy, big guy.