Charles E O'Neil

Charlie served in the US Navy during the Korean War. After an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Charlie worked in a hospital as an orderly where he met Kathleen. Their courtship blossomed into love and Charlie married his soul mate, Kathleen, on August 8, 1959.

Charlie and Kathy were blessed with their son, Michael and in 1961 Charlie drove his family from Boston, MA to Fresno in his ‘59 VW Bug. Dennis was born soon after followed by Maureen.

Charlie began working as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service. After a rewarding career that spanned 32 years, Charlie retired from the USPS. He then served his colleagues as the NALC Director of Retirees for 15 years. Many remember the Charlie the Tuna patch he frequently wore on his uniform and could hear him say, “Sorry Charlie!”

Continuing to build his family, Alice and Danny were born, his basketball team was complete! A devoted family man, Charlie was involved in all aspects of his childrens’ lives. He volunteered at their school events during elementary and high school. He was an amazing Scoutmaster for Troop 23 in Fresno for over 10 years. He coached and mentored many young men on their way to Eagle Scout, including his son, Michael and later on, Michael’s son, Sean as well as grandsons Christopher, Andrew and Kevin Golden.

Charlie loved physical activities, he enjoyed Tae Kwon Do but excelled at roller skating; many remember his speed skating and dancing accomplishments. He could be found spinning his wheels as well as the record discs at the old Carousel Roller Rink. Charlie always won the school father speed races easily even while giving them a head start and skating backwards. Charlie could be seen riding his red Honda motorcycle to work, rain or shine. Maureen has fond, albeit astounding memories of rides to and from school and other special events! It’s no wonder Michael began riding motorcycles in his teens and continues today or that Maureen married a Harley Rider. The feeling of the wind in your face and the wide open road is a calling a two-wheeled enthusiast hears in their very being. Charlie’s grandsons, Sean, Andrew and Kevin have followed in their Grandpa O’Neil’s tracks.

Charlie coached his kids on and off the court; basketball was really an O’Neil sport (Go Celtics!) The O’Neil kids excelled in basketball. His children still hear him yelling, “Get the lead out” as they played on their basketball teams and his right handed hook shots were a sight to behold. Many a night they all played into the night on the court in their driveway. Oatmeal raisin cookies and See’s Candies were Charlie’s sweet tooth favorites.

Charlie was devoted to our Lord and the Catholic Church; he served as a lector and usher at Sacred Heart Church for many years. He helped run parish carnivals and was never slow to get involved. He was an SJM Band Booster, never missed a parade, half-time show or concert that his children performed in. Charlie also volunteered his time ministering to others through RSVP for 20 years as well as Mended Hearts and the Nazareth House for 5 years and Neighborhood Watch among others. He was as passionate about his civic duty as he was his family and his faith. It is not surprising that Alice is heavily involved in the Teacher’s Union fighting for what’s right and making Charlie proud.

Charlie enjoyed many home improvement projects and hobbies, but developed a special passion for woodworking. The kids think of their Dad when they smell sawdust and remember watching him cut wood in his garage workshop. With mentoring from Ken Sakata at Fresno City College he honed his craft and lovingly made numerous family heirlooms. He helped coach Michael and Kevin with their Eagle Scout service projects; it was just a natural fit.

Charlie was enthralled with trains and the railroad. He had an extensive model railroad collection in the infamous “train room”. Train whistles, watches, posters, calendars; it was easy to find a gift for Dad.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Kathleen, his children: Michael, Dennis, Maureen Golden and her husband John, Alice McQue and her husband Bob, Danny and his wife Rhonda, and by his 9 grandchildren: Erin, Christopher, Andrew, Sean, Jessica, Kevin, Sabrina, Zachary and Briana as well as many friends and acquaintances.

The Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at The Shrine of St. Therese on Thursday, November 8th at 7:00 pm. Father Michael will celebrate mass at St. Therese on Friday, November 9th at 10:00 am. A reception at St. Therese will be held immediately after the internment at Fresno Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Shrine of St. Therese.