1947 - 2022
Visitation
December 8, 20223-7 P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home
No Funeral Date Scheduled
Edward James O’Neil Jr, long time Chelmsford native and founder of O’Neil Communications, died Friday, Dec 2, 2022, in Lowell, MA. He was 75 years old.
An entrepreneur throughout his entire life, Ed was born in 1947 in Lowell, to parents Edward Sr and Helen Hayes. In his youth he was known as the rhythm guitar player for area sensation Little John & The Sherwoods before leaving for the Air Force during Vietnam.
Later, Ed married and had three children and founded O’Neil Communications, a marketing firm that he ran for 4 decades before semi-retiring in 2009 to manage American Legion Post 313 in North Chelmsford.
He thrived as a creator in countless side endeavors including restaurant owner, launching a magazine and hockey coach. His family is at peace knowing Ed lived a full, interesting, funny, kind life on his own terms.
In addition to his children Shawn, Trevor, Mikaela, his brother Barry and 3 grandchildren, Ed is mourned by his longtime partner Sherry Scagel and countless friends from business life, the area golf courses and American Legion.
Ed’s visitation will be Thursday from 3-7pm at the DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX ST. CHELMSFORD, MA. A Celebration of Life Ceremony at the American Legion AW Vinal Post 313, 90 Groton Rd., N. Chelmsford from 1-5pm on Friday. He will be dearly missed by everyone that had the opportunity to know him. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Ferragut George
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I love you brother !
David Arsenault
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Very sad to hear about Ed. I was the original drummer with Little John and The Sherwoods when Ed joined the group. He was a great addition to our band an a very talented musician with a great voice that contributed to the over all sound of the band. I have some great memories of those days playing at The Commodore and the times we were on the road playing at various venues in New England. We were a closed knit group and bonded friendships that lasted a life time. I also played for him at the Legion and had a great time putting the band back together for a reunion show back about 10 years ago or so. I would also see him at the Legion once in a while and especially at the annual block party every summer I would sit at the bar with him and have a beer while we talked about the old days. Ed was always a very friendly and generous guy. He was really a very nice person to have played music with to have met and known most of my life. Ed you will be missed by me and all your friends and family. My sincere condolences to Sherry , his family and all his close friends. May you RIP Ed.
David Arsenault
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Very sad to hear about Ed. I was the original drummer with Little John and The Sherwoods when Ed joined the group. He was a great addition to our band and a very talented musician with a great voice that contributed to the over all sound of the band. I have some great memories of those days playing at The Commodore and the times we were on the road playing at various venues in New England. We were a closed knit group and bonded friendships that lasted a life time. I played for him at the Legion too and had a great time putting the band back together for a reunion show back about 10 years ago or so. I would also see him at the Legion once in a while and especially at the annual block party every summer I would sit at the bar with him and have a beer while we talked about the old days. Ed was always a very friendly and generous guy. He was really a very nice person to have played music with to have met and known most of my life. Ed you will be missed by me and all your friends and family. My sincere condolences to Sherry , his family and all his close friends. May you RIP Ed.
Shelley Desimas
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To our friend Sherry, all Ed’s family and friends: May our Father in heaven give you all comfort and bring to your hearts all the wonderful memories of Ed as he shared his life with you. John & I hold you in our hearts as you go through this most difficult time.
Jim McCready
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I was saddened and shocked to hear of my friend Ed’s passing.
Ed and I have known eachother for 40+ years… Ed as many of his friends knew was very talented. He was an artist as well as a talented musician… Ed always strived to be the best in all his ventures and tried to have fun along the way….
His quick humor was always something you’d expect when you were in his presents… my heart goes out to his family and Sherry … Ed was one of a kind and the world was a nicer place when he was around… I’m just glad I had the chance to know him and call him my friend….
Jim McCready
Barry Corbett
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I worked for Ed in the early years of his studio with his business partner, Darryl. He was a kind and generous boss, and we became good friends over the years. I will always treasure the time I spent with him, his quick wit and creative thought process. It was a wonderful place to start your career. I have such fond memories of working for him and listening to the stories he shared with us. He will be missed.
Michael Ferragut
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Sending my love and condolences to my cousins and the entire O’Neil family. May you find peace and positive memories.
Maureen Baril
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So sorry to hear of your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and the O’Neil family
Darryl Loyer
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I was surprised and saddened to hear about Ed passing away. I met Ed back in the early 70’s just after he graduated from Vesper George. We both were ready for a move to start our own design company and we started it in Ed’s basement coal bin. We worked together for many years and had many laughs together. Eventually our paths took different directions and he carried the business on. We kept in touch over the years and he told me how proud he was of his family. In recent years we saw each other less but enjoyed his St. Pat’s event each spring. I am sure his quick wit and positive personality will be missed by by his many friends. I am glad I was one of those friends.
My sympathies to his family at this time.
Darryl Loyer
Cheryle Leal
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My sincere condolences to Shawn,Trevor and Mikaela. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May your Dad Rest In Peace.
Love , your cousin Cheryle
Mickey Slattery
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I was very sorry to hear of the passing of a long time friend. He was a talented man in many areas. I met Ed when our sons were playing Dracut Youth Hockey. We all spent many hours in those cold ice rinks. May Ed enjoy Peace as he now rests in Heaven. My sincere condolences to his three children and his grandchildren. He will be missed. God Bless. ?
John Arrington
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I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of a dear friend. You have always been there for me and you will always be in my heart. My condolences to the family.
Donna Adams
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Sherry I was saddened to hear about Ed’s passing. Very sad time. I hope the day comes when you find peace in knowing that he still lives within your heart. Cherish every memory.