Oneil J. Cormier Jr.

Oneil Joseph Cormier Jr. of Waterbury, Connecticut (formerly of Cromwell) passed away peacefully at age 75, on Saturday morning, March 8, 2025, at the Elim Park Health Care Center in Cheshire, Connecticut.

Born October 22, 1949, in Biddeford, Maine, Oneil was the fourth of seven children, a son of the late Oneil J. and Lucille J. (Simoneau) Cormier. Along with his parents and three elder siblings, Oneil moved to Naugatuck in 1952 (on his 3rd birthday), where he later attended and graduated from St. Francis Grammar School and Naugatuck High School (Class of '67). He earned his B.S. degree in English at Central Connecticut State College (now CCSU), a diploma in Programming at the Computer Processing Institute of Connecticut (CPI) in Hartford, and his Master's degree in Library Science at Southern Connecticut State University.

After college, Oneil had worked in the field of mental health for the better part of a decade, after which he enjoyed a 20-year career in computer programming. During that time, Oneil decided to explore new places — first moving to Springfield, Massachusetts before eventually settling in Boston. Though he always remained a New Englander at heart, Oneil later moved to sunny San Diego, where for nearly 10 years he made his home within walking distance of Pacific Beach. By the late 1980s, Oneil yearned to return to his roots — to be closer to his family, spend time with his aging parents, and once again enjoy the change of seasons. Back home in Connecticut, Oneil enrolled in a college curriculum to complete his Master's Degree, after which he was first employed at the Stratford Public Library and then at the New Britain Public Library, retiring (at age 70) in 2019 as the Assistant Head of Adult Services.

A humble and selfless man, Oneil had many interests but he especially loved nature and enjoyed being outdoors. His favorite activities included spending time at the beach, running, tennis, and hiking; and for 25 years, he organized and looked forward to an annual fall hike with his many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. An avid reader and a longtime fan of UConn women's basketball, he also enjoyed meditation and yoga, visiting museums, attending plays, music, dancing, art, and cooking, as well as family celebrations and his annual vacations with friends. A talented self-taught acoustic guitarist for more than 50 years, Oneil shared his love of music at many family gatherings; but most memorable to him were the 12 family weddings at which he was asked to play and sing 'The Wedding Song'.

Oneil is survived by an ever-growing tight-knit family (all of whom he loved dearly): 6 sisters and brothers, a brother-in-law, and 3 sisters-in-law — Jeanne Remiszewski (Stanley) of Watertown, Dianne Bedard of Prospect, Dennis Cormier and Ron Cormier (Valerie) of Naugatuck, Joe Cormier (Jacquie) of Beacon Falls, and Dan Cormier (Donna) of Prospect. He also leaves behind his much-loved 11 nieces and nephews — Shelley LaBonne, Stan Remiszewski Jr., Darren Bedard, Doug Bedard, Teri Chasse, Jennifer Cormier, Crystal Burr, Sherri Crane, Kelly Giordano, Jessica Daddio, and Jaimie Cormier; as well as 20 grandnieces & grandnephews; 4 great-grandnieces; 2 great-grandnephews; 10 nieces- and nephews-in-law; numerous cousins; and several close friends. In addition to his parents, Oneil was predeceased by his eldest nephew Donald W. Bedard Jr., his brother-in-law Donald W. Bedard Sr., and his sister-in-law Ellen F. (Kaminski) Cormier.

On Oneil's behalf, the Cormier family would like to acknowledge and thank all who helped care for him in recent weeks and over the last three years — especially Dr. Kert Sabbath & the staff at the Leever Cancer Center, the aides who helped care for Oneil at home, and Brian Bedard & the staff at Elim Park for their prayers and compassion. In lieu of flowers, for those who are so inclined, memorial donations in Oneil's name may be made to the Harold Leever Regional Cancer Center at www.leevercancercenter.org/donate/

Calling hours will be held from 5:00 to 6:30 on Wednesday, March 12, at the Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Avenue in Naugatuck, followed by a Time of Remembrance at 6:30. A graveside service will take place at 11:00 on Thursday morning, March 13, at St. James Cemetery in Naugatuck; and at the family's request, all are asked to meet directly at the cemetery.

To use Oneil's favorite French expression, we say "à bientôt" (see you soon) ...to a much-loved brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend.