Kenneth C. “K.O.” O’Neil
Family and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Friday, January 28th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm in the Vertuccio & Smith, Home for Funerals, 773 Broadway (Rt. 107) Revere for Kenneth C. “K.O.” O’Neil. Kenny passed away following a brief illness on Monday, January 24th at Massachusetts General Hospital. He was 73 years old. A Funeral Service will be conducted in the Funeral Home at 7:15 pm. Interment will be held privately.
Kenny was a native of Winthrop, where he was born and raised. He was a proud alumnus of Winthrop High School, the Class of 1967. He was a long-time employee at Eastern Airlines, where he worked as a baggage handler for 25 years. When he retired, he held various jobs with his larger-than-life personality, including as a bartender at the “Shipwreck Lounge” on Revere Beach. Kenny made many friendships there and anywhere he went. Kenny also owned and operated his own business called “The Good Samaritan”, where he was a liquor distributor.
Kenny was a lover of the beach and he lived on Revere Beach with his longtime love, Despena “Dee” Baletsa. The couple shared 20 years of happiness and an abundance of wonderful memories. Kenny was undoubtedly a “people person” and he made sure that when you were with him, you were going to have a good time. He had a witty sense of humor, enjoyed sharing his colorful stories, and offered unmatched generosity to all of those around him. If you were a friend to Kenny, you were a friend for life and you could always count on him to be there for you.
Kenny enjoyed music very much, beginning with his trumpet playing in the Winthrop High School band. Kenny was also a member of the Winthrop Lodge of Elks #1357.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was the longtime fiancée of Despena “Dee” Baletsa of Revere with whom he shared his home with for 20 years. He was also the former partner of the late Stephanie M. Ciampa, the beloved son of the late Francis J. & Claire N. (McGough) O’Neil, the cherished brother of Karen Daly and husband James of Stoneham. He was the treasured uncle of Kevin Daly and his son Chase of Wilmington, James Daly and wife Erin of New Hampshire, and Janet Daly of Stoneham. He is also lovingly survived by Gregory Nigro and his fiancée Sindia Taylor and their daughter Madeline of Quincy and Nicholas Nigro and his wife Jessica and their daughter Nata of Washington, D.C. And no one could forget Kenny’s beloved canine companion the late “Callie” along with his many loving and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter 347 Highland Ave. Salem, MA 01970.
Karen,
My brother Dallas and I are sorry to hear about the passing of your brother Kenny. I remember when we moved to Bayou Street, you and Kenny were the first to welcome us to the Revere Street neighborhood. We have wonderful memories to look back on, especially “Mackery” (the ice cream man) stopping at the top of Bayou Street.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dallas & Judy (Taylor) Meinhardt
Dear Karen,
I am so sorry for the loss of Kenny. I remember all of us playing down on Bayou Street and in the baseball field and your grandmother sitting on her front porch. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
My Best,
Marilyn Murphy Rapchuck
I’m sorry to hear about this he was an amazing person with a heart of gold
so sorry to hear i worked with kenny at eastern he was a good kind man never had a bad word to say about anyone he was generous always great to be around rip kenny
Dearest DeeDee,
I am so very sorry for your loss! Know that you are thought of with love, support and prayer! May your loving memories of your years spent together sustain you and help you heal your broken heart!
With deepest sympathy,
Solange
Dee,
I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words to express the heartache that everyone is feeling right now because if you knew K.O you loved K.O. He was one of the kindest most generous people out there! He was a true friend to everyone. He will be so missed! You are in my prayers Dee
Love,
Kara
I worked with Kenny at Eastern Airlines and remember him as a great guy to be around. There wasn’t a mean bone in his body, always friendly and I remember his smile. A good man gone too soon and will be missed by all who knew him. RIP KENNY!!
Dee Dee,
I am so sorry for your loss. Kenny was a wonderful guy and I know you will miss him dearly. He was so kind to my mother and she adored him. If there is anything I can do just let me know. I am so glad you have your boys to get you through this sad time. Take care and lots of love.
Dee I am so very sorry for your loss. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Love & Prayers
Judey
Dear DeDe, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Kenny. May he RIP!