Irish American community goes ‘Green for Arlene’ after devastating murder-suicide

The Irish American community in Yonkers, New York is showing its support for Arlene Connolly O’Neill, who was tragically killed by her husband Sean O’Neill in a murder-suicide on Wednesday morning, October 16.

Arlene, whose parents were from Co Monaghan and Co Galway, was a popular figure throughout the tight-knit Irish American community in Yonkers where she lived her entire life.

The 47-year-old was shot multiple times by her 54-year-old husband Sean, a retired NYPD Police Officer, before he turned the weapon on himself in their home in Yonkers, police said.

The couple are survived by their three sons who are aged 15, 13, and 11.

The 'Go Green for Arlene' campaign, launched by the Ladies Guild at the Annunciation Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Yonkers, is being embraced throughout the community as homes and businesses hang green bows and ribbons in Arlene's memory.

The initiative has earned the backing of the City of Yonkers, as well as numerous local businesses and community groups.

In a further show of support, people on social media are changing their profile pictures to an image of a green heart with 'Arlene' written under it.

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Elsewhere, the Aisling Irish Community Center in Yonkers said it is offering free counseling and grief support either through in-office or private virtual visits, with counseling grief support groups for the community to be planned in the coming days.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe launched for the O'Neill sons has raised more than $692k from more than 5.3k donations as of Monday afternoon.

In an update on Saturday, organizer Marie Milio thanked the many supporters of the fundraiser for their "incredible generosity."

Milio wrote that the family's "main priority is being together and creating as much stability for the boys as possible; your understanding and respect of their privacy is greatly appreciated."

Funeral for Arlene Connolly O'Neill

In an obituary shared by Flynn Memorial Home in Yonkers, Arlene was described as "a proud Irish-American" who "cherished her friends and family."

While she loved music and New York sports, "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."

The obituary says: "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."

Arlene's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, a contribution to the Connolly family or a charity of your choice would be deeply appreciated. Contributions to support Arlene's children can be mailed to The Connolly Family at 66 Grandview Blvd in Yonkers, New York, 10710.

A wake for Arlene will be held at Flynn Funeral Home on Central Park Ave in Yonkers on Tuesday, October 22 from 1 pm to 8 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at Annunciation Church in Yonkers on Wednesday, October 23 at 11 am, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York.

An obituary has not yet been published for Sean, though a post from Flynn Funeral Home says that his wake, funeral, and interment will be at the same time and locations as Arlene's.