Robert A. O'Neil, Sr.

Robert A. "Bob" O’Neil, Sr., formerly of Concord and Chatham, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026, at Maplewood Senior Living following a period of declining health. He was 91 years old.

Born in Boston, Bob was the son of the late John J. and Mary (Agnew) O’Neil. He grew up in Arlington as the youngest of five children, several years behind his siblings, John “Jack” O’Neil, Paul O’Neil, Elizabeth “Betty” Neeven, and Joseph T. O’Neil, all of whom predeceased him. His parents affectionately referred to him as the “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.” Bob loved recounting stories of his childhood and the many shenanigans he and his siblings managed to get themselves into.

A graduate of Arlington High School, Bob proudly served in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and Fort Bliss, Texas. He later attended Boston College, where he met the love of his life, Susan “Sue” Cole. They shared nearly 60 years of marriage before her passing in November 2020.

With his outgoing personality and natural ability to connect with people, Bob was well suited to a long career in sales, holding a variety of positions over the years. He also played an important role in helping Sue establish and grow Junction Travel Ltd., a business they took great pride in building together.

Above all, Bob was a devoted family man. He was the loving father of five children: Julie O’Neil Dolan and her husband, Thomas; Meghan O’Neil Hammond; Stephen O’Neil; Robert O’Neil, Jr. and his wife, Kathi; and Jonathan O’Neil and his wife, Jen. He affectionately referred to them, even well into adulthood, as “you children.”

Bob was the proud grandfather of McManus, Kelleher, and Neilan Dolan; Marguerite and Julia Hammond; Johanna, Brennan, and Sadie O’Neil; and Hanlyn and Caroline O’Neil. He was especially fortunate to welcome two great-grandchildren, Nicholas Hammond and Beatrice Dolan, and to spend precious time with them. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

He had a lifelong love of the ocean and cherished the many summers spent in West Hyannisport and CBA Beach Club, surrounded by family and friends. On weekends, he’d drive up from Westfield, NJ and later Concord, to join the family. His children cherished playing in the water for hours with him and looking forward to the quarters he handed out to spend at the snack bar.

Bob and Sue then built a home in Chatham where they continued to build memories with family. An enthusiastic sports fan, Bob coached Little League baseball, famously leading his team, the Red Sox, to the “World Series”—or at least that was how he liked to tell the story. He was also one of the founders of the Friends of Concord Carlisle Football and played an instrumental role in bringing lights to the high school football field, making Friday night games possible. For several years, his familiar voice could be heard announcing those games, another role he thoroughly enjoyed.

Bob had a wonderful sense of humor and a playful spirit that stayed with him throughout his life. Even in his later years at Maplewood, his outgoing personality and genuine concern for others earned him the affectionate title of “Mayor of Maplewood.” He took the role to heart, making a point of getting to know residents and staff alike, ensuring that everyone felt welcomed, cared for, and appreciated.

Bob’s Catholic faith was paramount to his life. He leaves a legacy of love, laughter, friendship, and kindness. His warmth and generosity made people feel special, while his quick wit brought joy to those around him. Outgoing and genuinely interested in others, he could strike up a conversation with just about anyone—and usually did. He was always ready to lend a hand, share a story, or offer encouragement. His humor and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A private burial with U.S. Army military honors will be held at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord with family to honor and celebrate Bob’s life. Concord’s Town Flag will fly at half-staff on Saturday, November 14, 2026 in recognition of Bob’s dedicated service to our country.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or Continuum Hospice – Massachusetts, 21 Father Devalles Blvd, Suite 204, Fall River, MA 02721.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.