James R. O’Neil (Jim/Bobby) entered eternal rest on January 22, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 91 years old. Jim was born at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Connecticut, to John Frank O’Neil and Marie Vane O’Neil. He met the love of his life Patty (Patricia A. Cloughessy) at Assumption elementary school. They later dated and married on January 26, 1957, after he returned home from serving in the Army. They devoted their lives to raising six children in a home filled with love, laughter, and the most amazing family celebrations, gatherings and pool parties.
Jim worked as a sheet metal worker at Connecticut Sheet Metal in Bethany and was a member of CT Sheet Metal Workers Local 40. He retired in 1994 after 38 years. In his younger years he enjoyed playing the bass fiddle at various jazz clubs and night clubs across the lower Naugatuck Valley. He later traded his bass for coaching the Red Wings little league team, actively participating in the Assumption School PTO helping to coordinate and support annual parish picnics, the school’s Memorial Day Parade marches, and minstrels and anything else his children were involved in. He was also a lifelong communicant of the Church of the Assumption.
Jim was a loving and dedicated husband, father, and friend to many, and he will be missed dearly. He is survived by four of his children: Geralyn O’Neil-Wild (daughter Madalyn and son Bobby Wild), Mame Sardo (husband Gino, son Jason, daughters Jamie Pandolfi and Courtney Martino), Rosemary Slowik (husband Tom), Thomas G. O’Neil (sons Tommy and Jimmy), nine grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Patty (Patricia Cloughessy), one son James D. O’Neil, one daughter Tricia O’Neil DeToro (surviving husband Armand and sons Patrick and Eamon DeToro), and his brother John F. O’Neil.
Calling hours will be on Wednesday, January 29, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Bennett Funeral Home, 91 N. Cliff St., Ansonia. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon in the Church of The Assumption. Burial with full military honors will follow in Mt. St. Peters Cemetery in Derby.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift can be made to: Griffin Health Hospital Hospice Unit or The Center for Cancer Care at Griffin Hospital in care of The Bennett Funeral Home 91 N. Cliff St. Ansonia, CT 06401
