Leonard Thomas O'Neill

Leonard T. O'Neill, age 88, of Cheshire, beloved husband of Harriet Horton O'Neill, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2015 at the CT Hospice in Branford. Born in Dorchester, MA, he was the son of the late Mae V. and Thomas J. O'Neill. He grew up in Groton and attended Robert E. Fitch High School and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Following the War he attended Boston University and received a bachelor's and master's degree in Public Health. Mr. O'Neill worked as a sanitarian for the Norwich and New London health departments before relocating to Fairfield where he retired after 35 years in the department with the last 12 years as Director of Health. During his tenure he initiated the rental housing inspection program and food handler's supervisory training program. He also taught an Environmental Health class at the University of Bridgeport. Survivors in addition to his wife include six children, Leonard T. O'Neill, Jr. of Florida, Kathleen O'Neill (Matt Kramer) of Geneva, IL, Thomas J. O'Neill, Jr. (Carey) of South Windsor, Mary O'Neill (Patrick McDonald) of Naugatuck, Colleen Semian (Scott) of San Antonio, TX and Janice O'Neill (Brent Poetschke) of San Antonio, TX; eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was predeceased by a daughter, Dorothy O'Neill, a grandson, Daniel O'Neill of Fairfield and a sister, Margaret Horan of Groton. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, August 31, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. meeting directly at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1719 Post Rd., Fairfield. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com