Upper Deerfield Mourns Lifetime Member Terry O'Neill

Members of the Upper Deerfield fire service are remembering John Terrence “Terry” O’Neill Sr., a founding member of Upper Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company #3 who served the organization for 58 years.

O’Neill, 84, died at his Upper Deerfield Township, New Jersey, home on July 6, 2026. During nearly six decades with the fire company, he served in numerous operational and administrative positions, including Chief, Assistant Chief, President, Fire Marshal, Trustee and Treasurer.

O’Neill was among the members who established the fire company during the 1960s. According to his obituary, the founding members mortgaged their own homes to help finance construction of a firehouse for the community.

His public service extended beyond the fire company. O’Neill served for 10 years as Superintendent of the Upper Deerfield Township Public Works Department and later served as a Township Committeeman. Township records also show O’Neill serving on the Upper Deerfield Township Planning Board.

O’Neill was also active in the broader community. The Seabrook Educational and Cultural Center identified him as Upper Deerfield Township Deputy Mayor during one of its volunteer recognition programs, where he participated in recognizing community volunteers.

Funeral services were held July 13 at the Parish of the Holy Cross St. Teresa of Avila Church in Bridgeton, followed by interment at Laurel Lawn Cemetery.

O’Neill’s 58 years with Upper Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company #3 included both fire-line leadership and the administrative work involved in maintaining a volunteer fire organization.