Leo Edward O'Neil

Leo Edward O'Neil (January 31, 1928 – November 30, 1997) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Manchester in New Hampshire from 1990 until his death in 1997. He previously served as an auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts from 1980 to 1989 and as coadjutor bishop of Manchester from 1989 to 1990.

Biography

Early life Leo O'Neil was born on January 31, 1928, in Holyoke, Massachusetts. He attended both Blessed Sacrament School and Sacred Heart High School in that town. In 1945 he entered Maryknoll Junior Seminary in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. He then served as parochial vicar in several parishes in the diocese and was named pastor of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish at Haydenville, Massachusetts, in 1976.

During his tenure, O'Neil worked to foster a common vision among New Hampshire Catholics with a program entitled "Renewing the Covenant." He also won the affection of people with his inspirational homilies and flair for poetry. In 1993, O'Neil underwent surgery for multiple myeloma. He continued to battle with cancer and serve as bishop for four more years.

Death O'Neil died at age 69 in Manchester on November 30, 1997 — the seventh anniversary of his installation.