Educator, musician and loving family man, William J. O'Neil will be sorely missed by the many friends, colleagues and family members who had the good fortune to touch his life. Bill passed away September 8, 2015 after a prolonged and valiant struggle with Alzheimer's disease. A resident of Framingham, Bill was born in Belmont, MA, the son of the late William O'Neil Sr. and Gertrude Power O'Neil, and grew up in West Roxbury with his parents and his older sister, Mary. He was a "triple Eagle," graduating from Boston College High School and from Boston College where he earned both bachelors and masters degrees. He served his country in the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge in 1955, before beginning nearly four decades in the Massachusetts public schools. Bill's professional career began in Gloucester, where he taught primary grades for three years. He then joined the Needham public school system as a teacher, and later served as an elementary school principal. He proudly spent the next thirty-plus years educating generations of students before his retirement in 1992. Bill was a life-long Red Sox fan, and a particular admirer of Ted Williams. So much so that he managed to sneak out of work early in order to be present for the "Splendid Splinter's" last game at Fenway Park. He was also an avid music lover and musician. As a student, he was concertmaster for the Boston College Orchestra, and spent a number of years of his retirement playing violin in the Wellesley Symphony Orchestra. He sang beautifully and often, filling the air around him with tenor renditions of 1940s pop hits and classical music passages. He is survived by his wife of fifty-four years, Anita O'Neil, and his three children. Oldest son Michael lives in Toronto, Ontario with his wife Mary. Their children are William, Esme and Bridget. Daughter Nancy and her son Trevor live in Framingham, MA. Son Kevin lives with his wife Nancy in Medfield, MA. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law; Nancy Smith of Newington, CT and Denise LeClair of Seattle, WA as well as many dearly beloved nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, September 17th at the Matarese Funeral Home in Ashland, MA. A private burial will take place at a later date. For all of his accomplishments, those who loved Bill remember him best for his limitless generosity of spirit. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you honor him by performing a small act of kindness, remembering Bill as you do so.