BEVERLY – Mr. James “Woody” O’Neill III, 61, of Beverly, beloved husband of Deborah (Tranos) O’Neill, died August 24, 2021 at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, with his beloved wife by his side.
Born in Beverly, he was the son of the late James II and Sandra (Berkeley) O’Neill. He was raised and educated in Beverly and was a graduate of Essex Aggie. Early in life he found a love for horticulture. This passion would stay with him throughout his days.
A talented professional craftsman, Woody was a well-known granite Artist on the North Shore. He apprenticed under his mentor and dear friend, Bruce Johnson, having worked together on many homes and memorial projects throughout Rockport, Gloucester and the North Shore. He and Bruce Johnson created and designed all the stonework at the Fisherman’s Wife’s Memorial on the Boulevard in Gloucester. He also completed stone work at the Rockport Library and many private homes throughout Rockport and the North Shore. He was known for his hand cut stone work and dedication to detail and finish work. He was well respected by all in the construction and mason industry.
Woody loved to spend his free time in the garden, tending to his beautiful flowers. He was an avid reader as a young guy and enjoyed Sci-Fi movies, books, scratch card lottery and traveling. He and Debbie went on many cruises and stayed at beautiful resorts in the Caribbean. He loved dogs especially his Beauregard and Lilly. He enjoyed a good cribbage game and loved digging up very old artifacts from his job sights and was a Civil War and W.W.II buff. He was a devoted husband and a dear and loyal friend. He will be deeply missed.
Woody is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Deborah (Tranos) O’Neill of Beverly, his step-daughter, Jillian Bailey and her husband, Michael of Georgetown, his step-sons, Jeffrey Simpson and his wife, Lori of Danvers and Brandon Simpson and his wife Louisa of Danvers, his grandchildren, Alexia, Giovanna, Austin and Harper, his sisters, Kelly Robinson and her husband, Greg of Ayer and Katie Cipriano and her husband, Jason of Hampstead, NH, his brother, Joseph O’Neill and his wife, Linda of Beverly, nieces and nephews, Michael, Robert, Jennifer, Leah, Jimmy, Sarah, Austin, Lily.
ARRANGEMEMENTS: His funeral services are private. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) Danvers. Donations in Woody’s memory may be made to the Lupus Foundations, 2121 K Street, NW Suite 200, Washington, D.C., 20037. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com
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