Main Line restaurateur and real estate salesman, Francis Thomas O’Neill Sr. of Wayne, died on June 11 of heart failure at 90 years old, writes Bonnie L. Cook for Philly.com.
O’Neill, known to most as “Frank,” was born in Phoenixville, and lived in Merion, Haverford, and Villanova before settling in Wayne.
He attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School and then enlisted in the Army during World War II. When he returned from the war, O’Neill switched to retail, opening a flower shop and a furniture store in Ardmore’s Suburban Square.
He then expanded into hospitality by acquiring the Tavern in Bala Cynwyd, Lock, Stock & Barrel in Paoli, and the Inn of the Four Falls in Conshohocken. He later sold the restaurants and moved into selling residential real estate on the Main Line which he did until his late 80s.
O’Neill is survived by sons Frank Jr., Brian, Bill, Joe, Mike, and Vince, and 16 grandchildren. His wife Margaret died in 2011.
“He taught us the meaning of hard work,” said Frank Jr.
Read more about O’Neill’s life at Philly.com by clicking here.
