Joseph A. O'Neill

Joseph Anthony "Shorty" O'Neill, 76 of Reading, died November 28, 2007 at 4:44 am in The Reading Hospital and Medical Center with his wife and daughter by his side.

He was the husband of Mary Zitta (Frank) O'Neill, whom he married March 26, 1955. They celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary this year.

Born August 9, 1931 in Robesonia, he was a son of the late Harry Joseph Sr., and Anna Catherine (Clauss) O'Neill.

He was a 1949 graduate of St. Peter's High School, Reading.

Joseph was a member of St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church, Reading.

He was an Army Veteran of WW II and a social member of the Sinking Spring Fire Company.

Joseph was employed as an essential part of Empire Wrecking Company, Reading, for over 50 years, where he was the heart and soul of the company.

He was a member of the Teamsters Local #429.

Joseph enjoyed deep sea fishing and the Jersey Shore and golf.

He is also survived by a daughter, Zitta M. (O'Neill) wife of Robert H. Conner of Reading.

Other survivors include a sister, Anna M. (O'Neill) widow of Lloyd Riegel of Reading and a brother, James J. husband of Mildred (Kase) O'Neill of Bern Township.

There are also two grandchildren, Karis M. wife of Denis P. Callahan of Washington, D.C., and Marisa J. Conner a graduate student at East Stroudsburg University.

He was predeceased by seven siblings, Francis, Harry Jr., Charles, Catherine, Theresa, Elizabeth and Dorothy.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 11:00 am in St. Margaret's R.C. Church, 925 Centre Ave., Reading, PA 19601, with the Rev. John Gibbons celebrating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass in the Church. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Church at the above address. Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., West Reading is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, visit www.kuhnfuneralhome.com