Alfred O'Neill

08/25/1941 - 02/20/2023

Obituary For Alfred O'Neill

Services will be held Friday, March 3, 2023:

Viewing: 10 A.M. Funeral: 11 A.M.

Antioch Baptist Church 6531 Little Ox Rd Fairfax Station, VA 22039

Antioch's streaming link for the viewing and service: https://antioch-church.org/streaming-access

Burial immediately following funeral service:

National Memorial Park 7482 Lee Hwy Falls Church, VA 22042

Alfred O’Neill, 81, passed away on February 20, 2023. Fondly known as Freddo, Fred, or Papa O'Neill, Alfred was a charismatic and affectionate man who loved the Lord profoundly. He always had great words of wisdom and always told stories using metaphors. Alfred’s motto was to “save every penny” and “give your best at work.” Alfred was always on the phone with family. He called or saw his children in person everyday, sometimes several times during the day. Alfred touched many lives. You could always call him to vent, no matter the time of day, and count on him to listen and share his wisdom. Alfred remembered everyone's birthday and reminded his children to contact them.

Alfred was born on August 25, 1941, in Port au Prince, Haiti. He was the son of Francois Paquitte O’Neell and Myrianne Joseph O’Neell. He was the 13th of 14 children. Everyone that knew the family used to say Alfred looked like his late father from the height, his handsomeness, and gentle personality. Alfred’s family was well known in Port au Prince because they owned jewelry stores. Alfred’s father was known as an excellent soccer player, and Alfred became one too.

After Alfred graduated from high school in Haiti, he moved to New York in the 1960s where he took some college classes. To support his family, he forewent his dreams of becoming a medical professional. He married Mimose Jean-Pierre in 1968, and they settled in Rosedale, Queens. They had four children Sandra, Kevin, Valerie and Christopher. The family moved from New York to Texas before settling in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Alfred spent many years living close to his children in Maryland and Virginia, and helping them to raise his grandchildren.

Disciple of Christ

Alfred was saved at First Baptist Church in New York in 1982. He gave his life completely to the Lord and spent many hours reading and studying the bible. He charged his children and grandchildren to always trust in the Lord. He spent a considerable amount of time talking to his family about God and would profess “the Man is for real” and how he has seen God do so many miraculous things in his and other people's lives. Whenever there was good news to share, he would say, “Praise God,” and if you had bad news, he would encourage you to trust and lean on God.

Love in motion

If Alfred’s life could be summed up in one word, it would be “love.” All he wanted from his family was LOVE. He embodied love and he was dearly loved by all. Every word that he spoke was laced with love. Every deed he did was embraced in love. Family meant everything to him, and he devoted his life pouring his love into his children, grandchildren (Kevin O’Neill Jr, Christopher Helms, Kaitlyn, Daniel, and Makayla Purvis) and great grandchildren (Roman and Tara). So much so that he moved closer to his youngest daughter to help her care for her three children. His recent care of his three-year-old granddaughter, Makayla, brought him so much joy. If any of his children thanked him, he would reply, “I’m doing my job.”

Giver to all

He will be remembered for his generosity, kindness, and always being available to talk. His charismatic ways were reflected in the endearing names he would call his children and family members, including “sweetheart,” “chérie,” and “coucoutte.” He always had money in his pocket in case someone needed help. He would humbly go without to ensure others were taken care of, be it a coat, a car, food, etc.

Before his passing, Alfred remembered the names of the nurses and techs who cared for him. All the staff spoke highly of him because he was so kind and loved to joke around.

His favorite pastimes were playing crossword puzzles, and watching sports, including soccer, basketball, and especially his beloved New York Yankees and New York Giants.

Alfred is preceded in death by his sons, Kevin Alfred O’Neill, and Christopher Brian O’Neill.

Those left to cherish his precious memories are his wife (Mimose), his daughters (Sandra and Valerie), son-in-law (Eugene), grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother (Richard), sister (Marie Terese), and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lovingly Submitted by the Family

“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3-4 NIV

In Lieu of Flowers please donate: The family of the late Alfred O’Neill has requested monetary donations be made to the family in lieu of flowers.

Zelle payments can be made to: vopurvis@gmail.com PayPal payments can be made to: @ValeriePurvis Venmo payments can be made to: @ValeriePurvis Checks payable to: Sandra O’Neill or Valerie Purvis