Joseph O'Neil

Joseph Smith O'Neil, 93, died Saturday, July 3, 2010 at RoseCrest. Born May 1, 1917 in Pawcatuck, CT, he was a son of the late Joseph James O'Neil and Ruth Barber O'Neil and husband of the late Mattie Mae Sutton O'Neil. He was a 1938 graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, where he studied textile design and manufacturing, and was a designer and sample maker for several mills in Rhode Island and Connecticut. He was later employed by The War Department, Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot and traveled extensively as a field inspector to mills and finishing plants in five southern states that were producing cloth for the Army, Red Cross, and Lend Lease. Later he was employed at Pacolet Mills as Shipping and Trucking Manager for 22 years, and then transferred to MIC (Milliken) as Customer Service Supervisor and retired in 1982 after 35 years of service. Mr. O'Neil was a photographer of still life and a portrait artist. He was a disabled veteran of World War II, having served in the U. S. Army Air Corps. He received a conferred honorary degree, Batchelor of Fine Arts on May 5, 1990 from RISD. He was a member of the RI Society of Mayflower Descendents, New England Historic Genealogical Society, American Legion Post 28, and American Legion Post 95, of which he was a past commander. He was also a past president of Daniel Morgan Chapter Sons of The American Revolution. Survivors include three sisters, Stasia Donohue of Westerly, RI, Marie Roy and Frances M. O'Neil, both of Pawcatuck, CT; a number of nieces and nephews, including special nieces and nephews, Doris H. Hogan, Fulton and Patricia Tate, and Conway, Roger and Phil Sutton. He was predeceased by three brothers, Grant, Raymond, and John O'Neil; and two sisters, Elsie G. Fusaro and Ruth Cramer. Visitation will be 12:30-1:30 p.m. Monday, July 5, 2010 at Floyd's Pacolet Chapel. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Pacolet Memorial Gardens, conducted by the Rev. Bill Harris. Floyd's Pacolet Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph S. O'Neil please visit our Sympathy Store.