Desmond Charles O'Neill

Rochester- Dr. Desmond Charles O'Neill, 82, of 24 Hillcrest Drive died Sunday, January 30, 2011 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born April 22, 1928 in County Tipperary, Ireland, he was the second son of the late Eugene and Phyllis Warner O'Neill. After attending St. Kieran's College in Kilkenny, Dr. O'Neill graduated from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in 1957 with his post graduate studies at the Meath Hospital, Dublin. Following his medical studies, Dr. O'Neill was commissioned in the Irish Army, where he served for twelve years as a senior medical officer, retiring with the rank of Commandant. After leaving the Army, Dr. O'Neill practiced in London, England and in Bangor, ME, before settling in Rochester in 1972 and starting his practice in general and family medicine. He was loved by his patients for his listening and calming nature. During his career in Rochester, he served as Chairman of the Department of Medicine and as the inaugural medical director of the former Chemical Dependency Unit at Frisbie Memorial Hospital as well as a Delegate of the New Hampshire Medical Society. Dr. O'Neill retired in 2003, after more than 45 years of practice, including over 30 years' service to the citizens of the Seacoast area. Dr. O'Neill was also an accomplished musician, playing piano in numerous bands over the years, including most recently the Memorial Bridge All-Stars. He also enjoyed playing the accordion and organ. His additional interests included cars, boating, photography and traveling. He is survived by his beloved wife of forty years Rosemary (McCarthy) O'Neill of Rochester; His sons; Desmond H. O'Neill, Esq. and Dr. Cormac E. O'Neill, daughter in-law Marie and granddaughter Ciara; His brothers, Hugh and Frank, and sisters, Noreen and Maeve. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Eugene and Dermot. A wake will be held Wednesday, February 2, 2011 from 6 PM to 8PM at the R. M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 S. Main Street, Rochester, NH 03867 A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 11 AM at the St. Mary's Church, Lowell Street, Rochester, NH with Fr. Dan Sinabaldi as celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Mary Cemetery, Lowell Street, Rochester, NH in the spring.