Michael Charles O'Neil

Michael Charles O’Neil, age 93, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2018.  He was born May 24, 1924 to Jack and Nydia O’Neil.  He attended St. Francis Grammar School, Christian Brothers and Sacramento High Schools, and the University of Santa Clara. 

First and foremost, Michael loved his family.  He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Margaret.  He is survived by his first wife, Jean, his eight children, and his sons and daughters-in-law: Michael (Patricia), Elizabeth (Alan), Katherine (Richard), Matthew (Gabriela), Benjamin, Paula (Michael), Andrew (Geniya), and Jeffrey.  “Dad was the embodiment of kindness, generosity, humility and strength; wrapped in a sense of humor.  I think all of us knew to use him as a role model on how to live a good life.”  Michael received constant joy from his 26 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.  Together, they represent his living legacy, his strong Christian faith, his value in education, and his commitment to service.

As one of his grandchildren said “It’s tough to imagine living a more complete life.”  Michael was proud to have served in the Navy during WW II as a lieutenant aboard the USS Duluth.  Upon returning from the war, he graduated from Santa Clara Law School.  As a young man, Michael worked for his family’s gas and oil business.  He later began a 20-year career as a social worker with Sacramento County.  Michael was honored to have been selected by the Foster Parents Association to receive their inaugural Social Worker of the Year Award.

Michael enjoyed the company of his many friends and starting the day with his morning coffee group.  He liked ice cream, poetry and music, his dogs, flowers and gardening, and the great outdoors.  He enjoyed golf and fly fishing and he was one of the founding fathers of the Buffalo Chips Running Club; completing more than 40 marathons and ultra-marathons over the years!

Over the span of several summers, Michael hiked the Pacific Crest Trail.  He taught his children and grandchildren to love camping and backpacking in the Sierra, fly fishing, abalone diving on the coast, and exploring the beauty of Death Valley.

Michael was always devoted to God.  He attended St. Ignatius Catholic Church.  He was an active booster at Jesuit High School, helping to organize the fireworks booth for over 40 years.  He was tremendously honored to have been named as a recipient of Jesuit’s annual President’s Insignis Award.

He had an amazing impact on the world, and will continue to, through the legacy he leaves in his family and everyone he touched.  “Dad taught me to value family and friends, to do what is right, to be content with living a simple life, and not to chase material things.”  He never failed to find time to help his own grown kids: doing fix-it work around our homes and transporting grandkids to schools and activities.

“Dad seemed so at peace as a person, more than anyone I have ever known.  His spiritual life, patriotism, healthy lifestyle, humble service, and love of nature lived out in a steadfast manner was amazing to witness.  Oh, and I must mention his sense of humor and fun.  Gosh he never lost that!”