WATERTOWN- It is with heavy hearts that the family of Mr. O’Neil “Neil” St-Onge, age 89, say farewell for now, to our beloved father, grandfather, great- grandfather and brother, following his peaceful passing into eternal rest on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Apple Rehabilitation of Watertown, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. He was the husband of the late Theresa (Pinette) St-Onge.

Neil was born on July 6, 1937, in a log cabin in Saint John, Canada, the son of the late Albert St- Onge and Jeanne (Defour) St-Onge. He was raised in New Brunswick, Canada, where he experienced a demanding childhood that helped shaped the strength, determination, and resilience that would become such an important part of who he was. He was the oldest and the only boy- of seven siblings, growing up with six sisters whom he loved very much and who adored their brother in return. His family was always an important part of his life, and the bonds he shared with them remained strong throughout the years. He met the love of his life; Theresa (Pinette) St-Onge at the hospital when he was ill. Theresa worked as a candy striper and took great care of Neil when he was sick. Their relationship continued to grow and one night out with friends, they danced the night away. After that, they built a life together and were married for over 50 years. Together, Neil and Theresa came to Connecticut in 1959 and started a family in Oakville/ Watertown, creating a home filled with love, lasting memories and laughter with their closest friends and family. He was a man who believed in hard work and making a life for the people he loved. He was hardworking, dependable, resourceful, and helpful. He had many different jobs like woodcutting or picking potatoes but also worked at Willie’s in Watertown for years, and then he built his own family towing business that ran 23 ½ hours a day. The business began in 1971 and ended in 2014; the catchy slogan became well known and reflected Neil’s personality and dedication. If someone needed help, Neil was the kind of person who tried to be there. His business became a part of the community and a reflection of the man behind it especially when anyone needed help.

Neil was also a longtime and dedicated member of the Watertown Lions club, where he was involved for many decades, was a Diamond Member and proudly served as Presidents more than once. Through the Lions Club, he made lifelong friendships and shared some of his happiest memories. From the annual turkey shoots and Christmas tree sales to countless gatherings; the friendships he built turned into family. Some of Neil’s fondest memories were made with the friends he considered family; they were like his brothers. He was an avid fan of Montreal Canadiens and Notre Dame football. He especially treasured the many trips to Notre Dame football games with Skip, Ron, Steve, and Jack, along with the countless parties, dinners and get togethers shared over the years. His home in Oakville was a place where people gathered, storytelling, laughter filled the rooms and memories were made. Those who knew Neil will remember him not only for what he accomplished, but for the way he made people feel. He had a way of bringing people together and creating memories that lasted long after the gathering was over. He knew hardship, but he also knew tremendous happiness. Through life’s difficult moments and its celebrations, he continued to build a life surrounded by family, friends and people who cared deeply for him.

He even had his moment in local history when he served as Mayor for the day in Watertown, something that became another special chapter in his life. He was also into woodwork craftsmanship; his incredible talent and creativity lives on through the beautiful things he made with his own hands. From the hope chests and toy boxes to the intricate Town Hall and schoolhouse that were proudly displayed at town museums, which each piece reflected his patience, true craftsmanship and love. Most special of all were the many little matchstick houses he made for his family, they were treasured reminders of the talent, time and love he put into everything he created.

To his children, especially his grandchildren and great- grandchildren, Neil was more than a father and grandfather. He was a source of love, wisdom, stories, laughter, and memories that will be carried forward for generations. His presence in their lives helped shape who they were to become, and his strong influence will continue, even though he is no longer physically with them any longer. Neil leaves behind a lifetime of stories; stories of family, friendship, hard work, laughter and love. While his passing leaves an emptiness that cannot be filled, his memory will live on in the people he loved, the friends that turned into family, his family, and the countless lives he touched along the way. He will be deeply missed, forever loved and never forgotten. Rest peacefully, Neil. Your work here is done, but the memories and love you gave us all will remain forever.

The family of Neil would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the entire staff at Apple Rehabilitation in Watertown and to the hospice staff who took care of Neil in his final days. Also, the family would like to express their gratitude to Father Glen for his prayers, spiritual guidance, compassion, and comforting presence. His kindness brought peace and strength to Neil and our family in his final days. To everyone who cared for Neil, stood beside him, prayed for him, and helped make his last chapter one of comfort and dignity; thank you. You will forever hold a special place in our family’s hearts.

Left to cherish and honor his legacy are his children: Rick St-Onge and his wife Gail of Watertown, Betty Nearing and her husband Bob of Watertown and Tommy O’Neil St-Onge of Watertown and his grandchildren: Steven and his wife Tonya, Christina and her husband Christopher, Renee, Trevor O’Neil St-Onge and his wife April and Lindsey and her husband Mark. He also leaves behind his great- grandchildren: Ilyana, Katherine, Izaiyah, Manuel, Julien O’Neil, Oliver and Yvonne, his sisters: Bernadette Grandmaison, Geraldine Leveque and Rinette Couturier, his beloved goddaughter; Denise as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members and beloved friends. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Carolyn McKenna, who passed in 2019 and his sisters: Georgette Michaud, Dolores Plourde and Yvette Thomas.

Funeral services for Mr. St- Onge will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Casey- O’Neill Funeral Home & Cremation Care 742 Main St, Oakville, CT 06779. Burial will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects and visit with Neil’s family on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the service commences at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. To honor Neil’s memory and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Watertown Lions Club P.O. Box 281 Watertown, CT 06795 would be greatly appreciated by his family. In this time of reflection, the family welcomes all who knew and loved Neil to share messages of condolence, comfort and cherished memories. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to connect with the family or honor their loved one’s memory.