Obituary of Irene B. O'Neil

Irene B. O'Neil was an angel who blessed the lives of those she touched. A communicant at Holy Family Church for 67 years, her life was shaped by her faith. She and her husband, Hugh Thomas O'Neil, raised four children: Mary K. Weller, Elizabeth A. Roche, Maureen Dwyer, and Kevin H. O'Neil. Irene welcomed the spouses of her children with open arms, treating Cyril, George, and Tom like children of her own. She loved her seven grandchildren: Stacey Saporito, Marc Sgroi, Alison Phillips, Adam Weller, Heather Morales, Sean Roche, and Bryan O'Neil. She also had four great-grandchildren. Irene served the federal government for many years. Irene had a never-ending spirit of adventure. Whether this meant floating in a hot air balloon with Betsy, hopping on the back of a jet ski with Maureen, or racing down Route 81 with Mary in the convertible, she was always up for excitement. Irene loved camping at Southwick every summer with her girls. She also knew how to kick back and relax while fishing at the family camp at Cape Vincent. Irene loved cruising and fishing with Kevin on his boat at Sandy Pond to catch some sun and fun. Irene had a lively sense of humor, filling family gatherings with joy and laughter. She enjoyed travel to Ireland, trips to casinos, golfing, bowling, and card games – teaching all of her children and grandchildren to be ringers at Pitch. Irene passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 10, 2014. Funeral arrangements are by Edward J. Ryan Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave., Syracuse. Calling hours are Tuesday, April 15, 4-7 p.m. Mass will be said at Holy Family Church, Fairmount on Wednesday, April 16 at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 356 N. Midler Ave., Syracuse, NY 13206.