Robert C. O'Neill, age 83, of Lexington, MA and Stowe, VT, died after a struggle with Alzheimer's disease, Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. Bob, as he was known to most, was born on New Year's Day 1934 to the late Katherine (Hurley) and John T. O'Neill in Boston and raised in Medford, MA. A proud graduate of the Hobbs Junior High, Medford High School, and Boston College, he had many lifelong friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his brothers John T. and James D. O'Neill. He leaves his loving wife Katherine (McCarthy), whom he chose to call Katie in recent years but is better known as Kathy and a sister Julie Anne O'Neill of Medford. The father of three daughters, Bob had a special fortitude for his girls: Judy (Wilkinson) O'Connell and her husband Emmett of Stowe, VT, Molly (O'Neill) Robinson and her husband Jack of Salt Lake City, UT, and Betsy (O'Neill) Larkin and her husband Patrick of Somerville, MA. His seven grandchildren Dante, Emmett, Gavin, Danny, Tristan, Thomas, and Maggie loved their Papa fiercely. He will be missed by his extended family, including many nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Bob.

As a sales representative in the ski industry, Bob made a career of his favorite sport. Always the optimist, he saw every N'oreaster snowstorm as a win for the skiers. He shared his passion for skiing by serving as a ski instructor in Stowe in the early years. He was an avid gardener, planting a Victory Garden at the age of seven. During harvest time, dinners often consisted of up to eight vegetables plus a salad. Bob was an accomplished tennis player and coached the Lexington High School Girls' Tennis Team for many years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. A true adventurer, he enjoyed the outdoors through all four seasons. At the age of 62, he finished strong in the 100 ^th running of the Boston Marathon.

Funeral mass at Sacred Heart Church, Lexington, MA, Thursday, May 4 ^th at 10 am. Visiting hours at Douglass Funeral Home in Lexington from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, May 3rd.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Cure Alzheimer's Fund. Interment at Westview Cemetery in Lexington.