Charles Joseph O'Neill

Charles “Charlie” O’Neill of Wilmington, DE passed away Monday November 21, 2022, at the age of 76. He was born on January 19, 1946, son of the late Bernard and Mary Jane O’Neill (nee O’Kane).

He was raised and grew up in Havertown, PA where he went to school at Sacred Heart and Monsignor Bonner High School.

Charlie served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War where he was severely injured and transferred to the VA Hospital in Philadelphia for follow-up treatment and recovery.

Following his discharge from the Navy, Charlie started his career at Philadelphia Channel 17 as a cameraman and subsequently spent over 40 years as a production engineer at WHYY until retiring in 2015. During his tenure with WHYY he worked at the affiliate station in Wilmington where he became a familiar face to every elected official in the State as well as becoming the preeminent authority on all of Delaware’s diners.  

Charlie was a self-described fitness fanatic and spent hours at the gym where he met the love of his life, Jan. They spent many happy years together traveling, camping, hiking, and enjoying time at the beach in Fenwick Island. Charlie especially loved visiting his relatives in Ireland and exploring his Irish heritage and, was not averse to hefting a pint or two of Guinness while sharing stories with friends.  

Charlie’s ability to engage complete strangers in conversation allowed him to make friends wherever he went, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed.

In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his sisters, Rosemary Sellers and Margaret (Peggy) Stuhltrager.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 21 years, Janice “Jan” O’Neill and his sister, Jean Ann Jenkins of Broomall, PA. Charlie also leaves behind many nieces, and nephews, friends, and neighbors. He will be missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am on Wednesday November 30, 2022, at St. Joseph on the Brandywine, 10 Old Church Road, Wilmington, DE 19807, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10:00am. Interment will be held in the adjoining cemetery.

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