The community of Yonkers is in shock after a murder/suicide which resulted in the death of a beloved fifth grade schoolteacher, Arlene Connolly O’Neill.
According to multiple reports, Connolly O'Neill, 47, was shot multiple times by her husband, Sean O’Neill, at their Chittenden Avenue home in the Westchester County city on Wednesday morning, October 16.
Sean O’Neill, 54, then shot himself once in the head, said Yonkers police. O'Neill was a retired NYPD officer.
The couple's three sons, aged 15, 13 and 11 were at home when the shooting occurred but were unharmed. They are now in the care of relatives.
"The City of Yonkers and the Yonkers Police Department extend our condolences to the family and friends of the O’Neill family," the Yonkers Police Department said in a statement.
In a statement, the Aisling Irish Center said it extended heartfelt condolences to our own local O’Neill and Connolly families during this tragic time of loss.
The statement added: "Making sense of tragic, sudden and traumatic loss can be painful and deeply hard to understand. The community at large can be impacted in a profound way. Our close knit community mourns along with the family.
"The usual routines of life can often be disrupted for us by the sad reality and distressing thoughts of the close connections we had, at this time. The joy of living in a close community can quickly be replaced by a heavy sadness carried by everyone."
The center statement offered assistance to anyone who felt the need for help in the aftermath of this and any other tragedy stating: "If you find you are: Weighed down by sadness and cannot shake it by your usual sources of support, Impacted by overwhelming thoughts of powerlessness from what happened, Experiencing distressing thoughts or triggers while trying to get on with your usual daily functions or responsibilities, Feeling like you just need to talk…..Then, we are here to help. Aisling has formed a team of professionals ready to provide grief support. You are not alone in your sense of loss.
"Call the Aisling Irish Cultural and Community Center at 914-237-5121 for free counseling and grief support. We can provide either in-office or private virtual visits to meet your needs. Counseling grief support groups for the community will be planned in the coming days."
An obituary from the Flynn Memorial Home in Yonkers describes Arlene as "a proud Irish-American" who "cherished her friends and family."
The obituary states: "Arlene Connolly O'Neill passed away unexpectedly on October 16, 2024. She was 47 years old.
"The daughter of Peter and Ann (Varley) Connolly, she was born on September 5, 1977 in Yonkers, NY, where she remained a lifelong resident. Arlene is survived by her adoring sons, Sean, Brendan and Nolan, whom she loved fiercely. She is also survived by her mother, Ann; her sister, Denise (Rob) Gallitelli, her brother, Mark (Michelle) Connolly, and her brother Pete (Deirdre) Connolly. In addition, she is survived by her cherished nieces and nephews, and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. Arlene is predeceased by her father, Peter Connolly.
"Arlene attended elementary school at St. Denis in Yonkers and Sacred Heart in Dobbs Ferry. She graduated in 1995 from Sacred Heart High School in Yonkers. She earned her bachelor's degree from Pace University and her two master's degrees from Lehman University. Arlene was a teacher for 26 years, starting her career in the Yonkers Public Schools before joining the Eastchester School District, where she taught fifth grade at the Anne Hutchinson School. Arlene was loved and respected by her colleagues and students alike. She was passionate about her role as an educator and found it deeply rewarding. She loved her students beyond measure and still kept in touch with some after all these years. She even inspired some to follow in her foot steps.
"Arlene was a proud Irish-American, with her parents hailing from County Monaghan and County Galway. Arlene cherished her friends and family, often impressing them with her incredible memory of their shared past. She was a music lover, who enjoyed attending all types of concerts, and could also be found at sporting events, cheering on her favorite teams: the NY Yankees, the NY Jets, and NY Islanders. Above all, her most-adored past time was going on nonstop adventures with her three boys, who were the loves of her life. The boys were her entire universe and she would have moved mountains for them.
"Arlene was a larger than life human being whose beautiful eyes and bright smile could light up a room. Her energy was infectious. She is gone too soon and will be dearly missed by so many. The world now has a void that can never be filled. Our hearts are heavy with her loss. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in support for Arlene's Children."
A wake for Arlene was held at the Flynn Funeral Home on Central Park Avenue in Yonkers on Tuesday, October 22. A funeral Mass will be held at Annunciation Church Wednesday, October 23 at 11 a.m. followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, Westchester County.
An obituary for Sean O'Neill, also posted on the Flynn Funeral Home website, states in part: "With heavy hearts, we announce the tragic passing of Sean O’Neill, who left us on October 16, 2024. Sean was a father, brother, uncle and friend who, despite a life filled with love and devotion to his family, found himself lost in tragic circumstances."
Against the backdrop of tragedy a "Go Green for Arlene" campaign has been launched by the Ladies Guild at the Annunciation Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Homes and businesses in Yonkers have been displaying green ribbons and bows in Arlene's memory. The campaign is being supported by the City of Yonkers.
A Go Fund Me site has been established to aid the three boys. The link is https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-family-of-arlene-connolly-oneill
