LAWRENCE "LARRY" LEROY O'NEIL

Lawrence Leroy O’Neil, “Larry” as he was known by most, a man of immense generosity, friendliness, loyalty and faith, passed into God‘s hands on March 26, 2023.

Larry was a complex man. He was an extrovert and pragmatic. He was succinct, saying a lot without having to say much. To know Larry was to love him and that is not an understatement. No matter who you are, if you needed anything, he was there without question. He was a sensitive soul and tried not to take himself too seriously.

Larry had a playful heart. He spent much of his youth, roughhousing with his three brothers, building unique contraptions and doing outrageous stunts. He was a defensive lineman playing football for Bakersfield High as a Driller. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Newman Club.

Larry was a loyal volunteer and faithful husband. In 1963, he volunteered for the United States Navy. He served four years and did three tours in Vietnam. He told many stories about all the places he’d been in the world, and how honored he was to serve his country. He was a young handsome man, but his heart was captured by his one and only true love, Gertrude Marchetti. They were married on April 19, 1969 and have been at each other’s side until his death, just as promised. 

Larry was a “fixer” of all things. After serving in the Navy, he went into electronics trade school and then to work for Sears as a mechanical technician. Later in life he went into business for himself, establishing O’Neil’s Appliance Repair. He later went on to work for the Superintendent of Schools as a groundskeeper, where he remained until retirement. When people required his expertise. he would often donate his time. 

Larry was a giving and loving father. He always had a tip, trick or short-cut but made sure to also teach you the “right” way to do something. He was always there for his sons; the baseball games, plays, concerts, bumps, cuts, sprains and especially for the special needs of his youngest son, Ryan O’Neil. He was patient, loving, and understanding.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Jane O’Neil. He is survived by his loving wife, Gertrude O’Neil, sons Brandon and Ryan O’Neil; granddaughter Arianna “Oli” O’Neil; brothers: Ron and his wife Claudia, nephews: Anthony, Brian, Craig, Dennis & Eric O’Neil, Richard and his wife Nancy, niece Kristen Bernstein and nephew Tim O’Neil, Scott and his wife Katie, nieces: Adriane, Holly, Kelly O’Neil and Meghan Arrington; brother-in-law Joseph Marchetti, nephew Roy and his wife Elisabeth, their children Katya, Sawyer, Victoria and niece Julie Marchetti. He is survived by many more loved ones, too numerous to mention including cousins, friends, and their families.

Lawrence O’Neil‘s Rosary & Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis Church: 900 H St., Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 9:30AM and 10AM respectively. Internment with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Bakersfield National Cemetery. You will forever be in our hearts and minds, until we meet again. Rest in peace Pop!

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St. Francis Building Fund.