Obituary of Gerald Daniel Patrick O'Neil

It is with great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Gerald O’Neill on Monday, May 26^th, 2025, at his home in East Tracadie with his partner and best friend Cecilia at his side.  

Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia on March 4^th, 1951, he was the son of the late James Ignatius and Sarah Elizabeth “Betty” O’Neil.  

Gerald grew up in his hometown of Mulgrave, NS.  Eventually he left his hometown and travelled the country to find work.  He believed in continuous learning and personal growth. Gerald tried his hand at many different jobs before deciding that working as an Ironworker was his calling.  He moved back to his home in East Tracadie the summer of 2015 to study and attain his Ironworker Red Seal which he completed in the spring of 2017 at the age of 66.  Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with cancer a month later and was unable to return to work in Alberta.  He retired and remained at home until his death. 

Gerald valued family and enjoyed spending time with them. Gerald loved the outdoors, cutting wood in the winter and multiple trips to the beach in the summer to swim, eat, and enjoy the view. Gerald was also known for his green thumb, always having a big garden and lots of flowers on his property, when anyone came to visit, they never left without a flower or a vegetable from the garden.  

Gerald will be forever remembered for his strong faith in his savior Jesus Christ, generosity, sense of humor, and humility. His teachings of love, faith, and forgiveness will never be forgotten by his family.  

Gerald, Jerry, Dad, Pappie will be greatly missed by his partner and best friend, Cecilia (LeBlanc); Daughters: Kate, Sarah (Corey) Rogers; Stepdaughters: Elaine (David) Ingraham, Ronata (Shawn) Timmons; Siblings: Sean (Debbie), Raymond (Carol), Lawrence (Denise), Moira (Clarey), Cormac, Bernard (Sun Ai), Francis (Patricia), Dennis (Veronica), Adrian (Jacquie); sisters-in-law, Noel and Heather; Aunt: Sister Phyllis O’Donnell, C.S.M.;  Grandchildren: Dawson (Ren) Gwinn, Annie (Gracie Ann) Ingraham, Reid (Skipper) Ingraham, Rori (Rosie) Timmons, Ryeleigh (Shamrock) Timmons, Reece and Peyton Rogers; Great-grandchildren: Noel, Magnus, Darrell, Parker, and Gabe, along with many Nieces and Nephews.  

He was also predeceased by his brothers: Michael Allen (in infancy), Philip and Anthony; His sister: Catherine and Stepfather: Bernard Decoste.  

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Dennis Haverstock Haverstock Funeral Homes Ltd, Port Hawkesbury. Funeral mass will be held 6 p.m.on Wednesday, June 11, 2025  in St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, 28 Church St, Mulgrave. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, to honor Gerald’s memory and his love for all gardening, take the time to plant something and watch it flourish.  

A man who plants a garden, grows Love.  

Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.haverstocks.com