Bernice O’Neill obituary: Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, East Haven

Bernice O’Neill, 90 of New Haven passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her husband and family on June 25, 2026. She was born November 15, 1935 in Long Branch NJ to Catherine (Sullivan) Eltringham. Bernice is survived by her loving and devoted husband of over 53 years, Robert O’Neill and three children; Patrick O’Neill (Tracy) of North Haven, Kate Grossarth (John) of Bay Head NJ and Daniel O’Neill (Kelly) of Trumbull along with six grandchildren she adored; Bridy O’Neill, Darby O’Neill, Emily Grossarth, Will Grossarth, Riley O’Neill and Caragh O’Neill. She is also survived by her sister, Kathie Krell (Dennis) of PA, and numerous nieces/nephews and in-laws.

Bernice is preceded in death by her mother and two sisters, Eileen Coleman and Kathleen Scheib.

Bernice graduated from St Jerome’s Catholic High School in Tamaqua, PA. After graduation, she moved to CT and eventually met her husband, Robert. Being an amazing mom, she raised her three children in Fair Haven.

Active in her children's activities, she was the treasurer of New Haven Youth Soccer for many years. For her hard work and dedication, Bernice received the NHYS Lifetime Membership Award. She was also active in the St. Francis Parochial School PTA, the highlights being the Christmas Bazaar and Strawberry Festival. During the summer months, she enjoyed relaxing with her friends and family at Silver Sands Beach Club and putting her toes in the sand.

Becoming empty nesters, Bernice and her husband moved to the Morris Cove section of New Haven. To keep herself busy, Bernice was hired to manage Rosie's Cleaners, located on Wall Street on Yale University’s campus. She enjoyed meeting new students and pinning their hometowns on her world map. Bernice loved her Yale Bulldogs, becoming a Yale Football and Yale Hockey season ticket holder for many years.

Bernice also enjoyed swimming with her numerous friends at Gaylord Rehabilitation Center. She also enjoyed trips to Bay Head on the Jersey Shore. Bernice’s world changed when the first of her six grandchildren, Emily, was born and lovingly gave her a nickname. From then on, Bernice has been known by all as “Goppi.” There was nothing she liked doing more than spending time with them at the field, theater, or beach, supporting her grandchildren’s passions.

The family would like to thank all of the nurses and staff at The Landing for taking such great care of Bernice.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday June 30, 2026 from 4 to 7 Pm in the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home, 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday July 1 at 11 AM in St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish at the Church of St. Bernadette, 385 Townsend Ave., New Haven with Committal to follow at St. Agnes Cemetery in Branford.

Bernice was a woman who loved color. Feel free to leave your black at home and join us in your beautiful summer colors to celebrate the amazing life she lived- full of color and love.