A 55-year-old man who was found dead in Lynnfield in an apparent homicide earlier this month is being remembered for his athleticism and devotion to family.

Lynnfield resident Timothy O'Neil was found dead from "apparent trauma" after Lynnfield police responded to an address on Lookout Terrace around 8:30 p.m. on May 9, the Essex County District Attorney's Office said previously. Authorities have so far released little information about his death, but have said that they do not believe there is a wider threat to the public.

O'Neil was born on Halloween in 1969 to Catherine and James O'Neil, according to his obituary. He was raised in Lynn and attended Shoemaker Elementary, Pickering Junior High and St. Mary's High School, graduating in 1988.

"An extremely gifted athlete, Tim was a standout on the football field and a proud member of St. Mary's 1987 and 1988 State Champion Baseball teams," his obituary reads. "His passion for sports led him to Loomis Chaffee School in Connecticut, and later to Westfield State College and UMass Boston, where he continued playing football."

After college, O'Neil played semi-pro football for the Merrimack Valley Outlaws and the Lynn Havoc, according to his obituary. He also remained a "devoted" Dallas Cowboys fan throughout his life, "though it brought plenty of teasing."

O'Neil was a self-employed landscaper and snow remover who "took immense pride in his work, especially in keeping his own lawn and garden immaculate," according to his obituary. Like his father, he was a regular at the Gannon Golf Club in Lynn where he could often be found playing with his friends.

"Known affectionately as 'Timmy' or 'Bull,' he was a strong, loyal, and dependable presence in the lives of everyone who knew him," his obituary reads.

More than anything, O'Neil loved spending time with his family and was known as the resident "grill master," according to his obituary. He and his family often enjoyed going on boat rides, riding bicycles and walking through Lynn Woods Reservation.

"Though he was soft-spoken, his sense of humor and quick wit shone through to those close to him," his obituary reads. "He was the quiet rock of his family -- a loving son, husband, father, Grampy, brother, uncle, and friend -- whose strength, warmth, and kindness will be deeply missed."

O'Neil is survived by his mother; his best friend and wife of five years, Kristin O'Neil; his daughters, Terin O'Neil and Alicia Kuchar; his granddaughter, Layla Rich; his siblings, Elizabeth O'Neil, Jennifer Gormley and Kevin O'Neil; and many other beloved friends and relatives.