Firefighter Jeffrey O’Neil Jr., 37, passed away tragically as a passenger in a car accident in the early morning hours of Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017.
Prior to becoming a New Haven firefighter of Engines 17 and 11, Jeffrey was New Britain’s Jeff O’Neil. Born in the city he loved, on Feb. 1, 1980, to parents Jeffrey and Judy (Link) O’Neil Sr., Jeffrey grew up surrounded by family and friends, who he loved more than anything. A self-proclaimed “Momma’s Boy,” Jeffrey’s heart was never far from home and the people he loved.
Always the class clown, Jeff was also academically gifted and graduated from New Britain High School in 1998 and went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from the University of New Haven with his master’s degree in criminal justice. After college, Jeff served the country as a federal agent for 10 years, working in Los Angeles and New York, before returning home and pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter. As a respected and trusted member of the New Haven Fire Department, Jeff brought levity to any situation and his presence will be sorely missed by all of his firefighter brothers.
Jeffrey was an avid video gamer and loved his New York Knicks and New York Giants, even through the bad seasons. Jeffrey was intensely loyal, consistently the center of attention and the life of any party or family gathering. He was overly generous to others, non-judgmental, and accepting of all. Jeffrey would make any situation humorous and he left an unforgettable impression on every person he met.
With his passing, Jeffrey leaves behind family and friends, who are devastated and heartbroken. Aside from his loving parents, Jeffrey Sr. and Judy, Jeffrey is survived by his sister, Lindsey Claxton; brother-in-law, Geary Claxton; and his niece, Rylee Claxton, who was the light of his life and who will always be Uncle Jeffrey’s girl; his grandmother, Natalie Lundgren, and an abundance of aunts, uncles, and cousins, who loved him dearly.
Jeffrey’s memory will be cherished by all those who knew him. Jeff left an indelible mark on an entire generation of people that will never dull. His impact on our lives will never fade and he will always be New Britain’s Jeff O’Neil.
Calling hours will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at Kenney-Luddy Funeral Home, 205 South Main St. New Britain. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at St. Joseph Church, 195 South Main St., New Britain.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the New Haven Firefighters Fundraiser set up in honor of Jeffrey’s love for his best girl, his niece Rylee, as proceeds will used for a college fund for Rylee in Jeffrey’s memory.
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