Edward Joseph O'Neal , Jr.'s Obituary
Obituary of Edward Joseph O'Neal, Jr.
"Baseball Eddie"
Edward Joseph O'Neal, Jr., "Eddie," passed from this life to the next one on Monday, September 5, 2022, while in the care of Atlantic Shores Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Millsboro, DE.
Eddie was the son of the late Edward J., Sr. and Virginia E. Hitch O'Neal. Eddie spent his entire life in the splendor and excitement of being a boy in a man's body due to his health, and developmental issues resulting from childhood injuries. He was eternally optimistic, loved everyone, and was virtually a savant regarding baseball facts -- as he could quote without hesitation all the statistics, batting averages, runs and outs of each member of the Baltimore Orioles. The Birds never had a more loyal and excited fan than Eddie. In his younger years, Eddie worked at the Holiday House in Bethany as a helper, and he was a beloved fixture known to the local Sussex residents as he travelled by bicycle back and forth between Bethany, Millville, Clarksville, and Millsboro with his ever-present baseball glove and ball. After the passing of all of the members of his family, he remained a Ward of the State until his death on September 5th. In accordance with his wishes, Eddie was buried privately beside his parents and his younger brother who had died in an accident in 1969. He was buried with Orioles themed flowers, and a Baltimore Orioles plaque and dressed in Orioles themed clothing. Pastor Bob Hudson, who was his friend, officiated, and members of the staff of Watson Funeral Home attended as his friends, not just the caretakers of his final resting place in Millsboro Cemetery. It wouldn't be surprising if Eddie was met in Heaven not just by St. Peter, but members of the Oriole's team who got there ahead of him, to welcome him.
Arrangements provided by Watson Funeral Home, Millsboro
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