Ellen O'Neill, 86

Beloved Educator, Artist, and Matriarch

Ellen O'Neill, a longtime resident of Salt Point and Manhattan, passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born on November 5, 1938, in the Bronx, Ellen was raised by her mother, Tina Coppola and by Frank Coppola. Raised in the family's Italian restaurant on White Plains Road, Ellen grew up with the deep belief that "food was love"—a philosophy she carried throughout her life.

Ellen received her education at Mount Saint Ursula High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from the College of New Rochelle, followed by a master's degree from Western Connecticut State University, along with 90 additional graduate credits. All while raising four children. She devoted over 30 years to teaching, beginning in the Bronx and later at Copper Beech Middle School in Shrub Oak, NY, where she made a lasting impact on countless students and formed lifelong friendships.

After her retirement from teaching, Ellen embraced a second chapter as a fundraiser in Manhattan while nurturing her lifelong passion for the arts. A gifted writer and performer, her work was featured in the book, Corona City, and she took to the stage in the off-Broadway production Love Notes, earning a standing ovation for her moving piece, "Him and Jim." She also graced the stage in the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival's production of Our Town.

Ellen will be remembered for her brilliance, grace, and boundless warmth. Her laughter could light up a room, her wisdom touched generations, and her generosity knew no bounds.

On July 13, 1976, she married the love of her life, Jim O'Neill, and together they  brought up a family grounded in love and strength.

In addition to her husband Jim O'Neill, Ellen is survived by her sons, Andrew Cirincione, Robert Cirincione (Yanire), and Joseph Cirincione (Laura); her daughter, Christina Colarusso (Anthony); and the great joys and prides of her life, her grandchildren: Kristen Stralka (Brandon), Andrew Cirincione (Gina), Michael Colarusso, Joseph Colarusso, Jake Colarusso, and Robbie Cirincione. She is also survived by her beloved brother Frank Coppola (Diane), and her cherished lifelong friend, Rochelle DeAngelis.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 23 from 4 – 7 pm at Allen Funeral Home, 1605 Main St., Pleasant Valley. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, May 24 at 10 am from St. Joseph's Church, North Ave, Millbrook. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla. Memorial contributions may be made in Ellen's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

Ellen O'Neill lived a life full of passion, purpose, and love. Her legacy lives on in her family, her students, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.