84, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 10th, 2016, surrounded by family. Born in Chicago, IL, the second of four children, Frank served in the Air Force on Guam during the Korean War in the early 50’s. After which, he moved to Phoenix, where he met and married the love of his life, Elsie. They were married 58 years. Frank was a natural born leader and inspiration both at home and at work. He always put the interests of others first, allowing him to be fair and a true voice of reason whenever troubles arose. Frank simply loved life and wanted everyone else to be having as good a time as he was, be it in the boardroom, or the backyard pool, where so many beautiful family memories flourished. Frank worked at Arizona Water Company over 30 years, rising to the position of President. Although widely referred to by business associates as kind and caring, he led the company with a serious sense of responsibility to both co-workers and customers alike. Always focused on what he could do to make things better, he became known as “the man with the red pen”.
Steadfast in their passion for family, Frank and Elsie remain the proud parents of Dona, Eileen and Mike and the even prouder grandparents of Paula (Eileen) and Jackie (Mike and Cecilia) and great-grandparents of Chloe and Cole Francis (Paula and Jason McGhee), recently born and named after Frank. Also dearly loved are their two step-granddaughters Anna and Emily (Dona and Mike Schumacher) and step-great-grandchildren, Nevan and Viviana (Anna and Jerardo Marquez). Frank and Elsie had many wonderful friends and were generous and active in their community, supporting St. Theresa Parish, Gerard High School, Arcadia High School and the universities their children and grandchildren attended.
Frank was a good and honorable man. He will be missed more than words can express. Visitation and Prayer Vigil is Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. Friday, February 19, 2016 at 10:00 am with a Burial Service at St. Francis Cemetery. There will be a Reception immediately following at the O’Neill home.
Lawrence W Dubreuil Sr
Eileen,My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Father,It is never easy to lose a parent. I pray for your peace and comfort as you continue your life journey without his earthly presence.
Terry Biehl
Uncle Frank was a man who loved his family!
He was so proud of his children’s accomplishments and he was so supportive of all the O’Neills’ in their endeavors.
He adored his wife Elsie, you could see it in his eyes every time he looked at her, she was the love of his life!
He was always there to listen and give encouragement to others, no matter what their situation was, he tried to listen and then give his wise and loving advice.
He loved hearing and learning about the O’Neill family history and to hear funny stories about the family.
You were always made to feel welcome at the O’Neill house!
He was there for the John O’Neill kids when our Dad left too soon!
He had a heart as big as Texas and a sweet smile that will be long remembered!
He rejoiced in each new family member added by birth or by marriage, he even got to see the new youngest addition to the family!
You will always be loved Uncle Frank!