Walter Leo O'Neil, Jr.

Mr. Walter Leo O’Neil, 83, of Lee, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center.

Born in Concord, MA on June 27, 1940, he was the son of the late Walter Leo O’Neil, Sr. and Ruth Craig (Blanchard) O’Neil. 

Walter graduated from Concord-Carlisle High School in 1958 and enlisted in the United States Armed Forces. He served in both the Air Force and Army, with tours taking him to the Philippines, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, where he earned an Expeditionary Medal. He also was awarded an Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Walter remained deeply patriotic throughout his life.

While stationed at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, he met his wife Victoria, whom he married on October 6, 1965. After completing his military service, Walter and his family relocated to California, where he served as a respected officer in the Oakland Police Department from 1969 to 1980. During his tenure, he was selected as a member of the first Special Response Team, a part of the Department’s Special Operations Section. These teams were formed to respond to high risk situations involving barricaded suspects, hostages, snipers, ambushes, and other terrorist acts on civilians and police.  

In 1980, Walter and his family moved to Lee, MA.  For several years, he ran Little Creek Kennels, then worked as a security guard for Raytheon and later Berkshire Medical Center, from which he retired in 2012. Walter loved the outdoors and spent many hours gardening and hiking in the woods behind his home. Each summer, he vacationed near the ocean, taking long walks on the beach. In retirement, he wiled away afternoon hours fishing, teaching his grandchildren to appreciate nature, and napping in a hammock beneath the trees. Walter also liked to read, especially history books, and to cook and grill recipes he had discovered. He was a Boston sports fan through and through, and enjoyed attending his own children and grandchildren’s sporting events. 

Walter is survived by his wife of nearly 58 years, Victoria Campos O’Neil; his children, Michael, Daniel, and Katherine O’Neil (Brooks); and his grandchildren, Chloe, Lila, Charlotte, Caden, Penelope, Leonardo, and Audrey.  He also leaves behind his sister, Sally (O’Neil) Testa and her husband John of Acton, MA, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his brothers Charles and Kevin O’Neil. 

Funeral services for Walter O’Neil will be Friday, September 8, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, 140 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter’s memory may be made to Lee VFW or Lenox Library Association, c/o Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238.

Please visit www.kellyfuneralhome.net to leave condolences and remembrances.