Age 17. 87 Mason Terrace, Brookline, MA. Born 4/02/1925, in Newton, MA. Died of carbon monoxide poisoning (death certificate). Clerk at Brookline Trust Co., Brookline. In a mixed-gender foursome with her boyfriend Nathan Greer, age 20 (Born 1/19/1922. Died 7/20/1998, age 76. Last residence Santa Fe, NM), of Santa Fe, NM, escaped, also James "Jimmy" Jenkins, age 22, of Fort Bragg, NC, dead, and a blind date of the latter, Miss Anne McArdle, age 18 (Born 3/28/1924. Died as Anne S. Hintlian on 5/15/2004, age 80. Last residence Lawrence, MA), of Lawrence, MA, escaped. Both men were seniors at Harvard University. Group was seated at a table in the southeast corner of the cellar Melody Lounge opposite the octagonal bar from where the fire began. When flames broke started up the stairs with Mr. Greer, then stopped in the foyer womens lounge to warn occupants (including the above Miss McArdle) of the blaze below. Mr. Greer at the city inquests: "Kathy had gone in there and told them that there was a small fire downstairs, so the girl was taking her time" (Boston Fire Dept. inquest, 12/01/1942). Pair became separated by the panicked crowd near the Piedmont Street revolving door. Mr. Greer escaped, hair and coat aflame. Latter (quote): "Everybody behind me was consumed, and Kathleen was right behind..." (The Boston Herald, 12/02/1942). Added: "...When they found Kathy in the lobby my wrist watch was in her hand" (The Boston Post, 12/02/1942). One of 28 persons age 17 or younger known present when the blaze broke (14 dead, 14 survived). Was the 11th-youngest fire casualty overall (of 490) at age 17 years and 7+ months. One of 20 names chosen by the Commonwealth as representative victims at the spring 1943 Grove manslaughter trials of club owner Barnett "Barney" Welansky, age 45 (not present due to illness), his brother James, age 46, and wine steward Jacob "Jack" Goldfine, age 47 (the latter two cleared of all charges). Resided on the same Brookline street as a victim in a separate party, Rodric Prendergast, age 18 (address 265 Mason Terrace, no other known connection). Parents Mr. and Mrs. John H. and Kathleen (Sullivan) O'Neil, same address. Burial at St. Joseph's Cemetery, West Roxbury (Boston), MA.

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