On November 5, 2021, John died at home, with his loving and devoted wife Maureen and his close friend Bill Currie at his bedside.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Maureen O’Neil, his 3 “Darling Daughters" Colleen and Janet (Mark Lewis, Collingwood Ontario) Mary Jo ( Mike Saunders Harrisonburg, Virginia) his cherished grandchildren Nina, Aidan and Brooke and his extended O’Neil Family in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
John was born in Toronto and spent his early school years at St. Monica’s Separate School and then went on to St. Michael’s College School for his high school years.
He began his teaching career at the age of 19, obtained his teaching certificate from the Ontario Teachers Training College, his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Windsor and his Masters of Education from the University of Ottawa.
In 1965 he was hired by the Toronto Catholic District School Board as an elementary School Principal until his early retirement in 1991.
His second career as a Registered and Certified Financial Planner offered opportunities to travel throughout the province providing workshops for teachers preparing for retirement.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place in Toronto. Funeral services interment and a Celebration of Life will take place in Prince Edward at a later date.
Sincere gratitude and a heartfelt thank you are extended to John’s medical oncologist Dr. Malcolm Moore and his team of doctors, nurses, and support staff at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
Thank you to the staff of the Home Care and Community Support Services Mississauga/Halton Palliative Care Partners, personal support workers and medical professionals; The Dorothy Lee Hospice In Home Palliative Care Team who provided him with care, comfort and kindness in his final days. And a very special thank you to Nurse Peter who cared for him in his final hours.
John was an adoring husband, soulmate, best Bud, loving Dad, cherished Grandpa John, Uncle John, #6 ,SMC Oldtimers hockey player, brother in law, Happy Golfer, world traveler, train lover, sailor, teacher, principal, “SIR”, financial planner, retired OPP auxiliary, PEI seasonal resident, inspiring leader, list maker, voracious reader, parade lover, fun seeker, gentle soul. So many interests, so many things to do, so many places to see, so many stories to tell…..just not enough time. God Bless you and Keep You.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:
Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
JMFMON Family Fund at Toronto Foundation: torontofoundation.ca/ferrigan
The Angel Foundation for Learning TCDSB (Maureen O’Neil Summer Camp Fund)
Info: Cremation has taken place in Toronto. Funeral Mass, Interment and Celebration of Life will take place in Prince Edward Island later in the Spring. Dates to be announced.