Joseph W. O'Neal, retired school teacher

O'Neal

Joseph W. O'Neal, 85, of Tonawanda died Saturday, March 1 in Niagara Hospice House, Lockport.

Born Sept. 9, 1922 in Lockport, Mr. O'Neal was a teacher for the Sweet Home schools for 22 years and LaSalle Junior High School for 11 years, retiring in 1984.

He received his Master of Science degree in education from Niagara University in 1951 and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII on the U.S.S. Sproston DDS No. 577 as a radar man and plank holder, or first crew member of ship after it was commissioned.

Mr. O'Neal was a member of St. Christopher Seniors, Niagara University Boosters and New York State United Teachers, head of Catholic Charities for St. Christopher Church and a Eucharistic minister.

Mr. O'Neal was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Smitherman, in 1994.

He is survived by daughters Susan Obsterle and Maureen Bluett; son Michael; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 8 at St. Christopher Church, 2660 Niagara Falls Blvd., Tonawanda.

Arrangements are by Amigone Funeral Home in Tonawanda.