Francis Joseph O'Neill, a 48 year resident of Lemon Grove, died on Thursday, January 13, at 6:48 a.m. He was born on October 2, 1918 in Cordova, Alaska to Henry (Harry) I. O'Neill and Florence Leahy, he was the youngest son of 12 children.

Francis graduated from the University of Alaska and served in World War II in combat operations with the 8th Air Force as a Captain in the Army Air Corps. He was an accountant and retired from the Southland Corporation in 1987.

On his return from the war, he married Phyllis Maxine Schlesser in October 1945, living in Anchorage, Alaska until moving to Lemon Grove in 1957. Dearly loved by his family and friends, he is survived by Phyllis and children: Mary Kathleen O'Neill (Larry Stoner) of Garden Grove, Robert F. (Kathleen) of La Jolla, Thomas J. (Sherie) of Rancho Penasquitos, Daniel J. of Spring Valley, Mark H.W. of San Diego, and Teresa O'Neill Topping (Woody) of El Cajon. His daughter Susan O'Neill Ferris predeceased him. Grandchildren are Kaitlyn, Leslie, Angela, Shannon and Erin O'Neill; Nicholas and Christopher Topping; Meghan and Mary Teresa Ferris; stepgrandchild Ronald Hillers; and step-great-granddaughters Kjersten and Elle Hillers. He is also survived by his Son-in-law John Ferris of Orange; brothers Michael (Jeri) and Patrick (Sandra) O'Neill, sisters Rusty Imlach, Teresa Hartung and Rosemary Clark; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Francis was a 46 year member of the Knights of Columbus Nocturnal Guard, San Miguel Council-Knights of Columbus and the University of Alaska Alumni Association. During his retirement Francis volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society at his parish. He was active in the Boy Scouts as a child and when his sons were in scouting.

Services were: Visitation on Thursday, January 20, at Conrad Lemon Grove Mortuary, 7387 Broadway, Lemon Grove with a Vigil Thursday evening at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, 8086 Broadway, Lemon Grove. Mass of the Resurrection at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 21 at the Church. Francis was buried with military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery following the Mass. A reception followed the burial at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 8205 Lemon Grove Way. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Knights of Columbus-San Miguel Council #3667, PO Box 1077, Lemon Grove 91945-1077. "Our father was the best dad a child could ever have." TT