Michael Joseph O'Neil

Michael Joseph O’Neil was born to Francis and Blanche O'Neil on July 24, 1940, in San Fernando. The youngest of seven children, the family moved in 1948 to Bakersfield, where he attended and graduated from Garces Memorial High School. Following high school, Mike joined the Navy and was stationed in the Pacific Northwest on Whidbey Island. While in Bakersfield, Mike worked for Richfield Oil in their telephone services division.

In 1964, he met his sweetheart, RoseMary Stumpf, at a church social. The pair married on October 2, 1965, after which they moved to Pacific Grove to be near Mike’s aunt, Daisy Bostich. They welcomed their two children, Ellen and Timothy, in 1966 and 1968 respectively.

Following their move to the Monterey Peninsula, Mike worked for Pacific Telephone, which he and his work pals called “Ma Bell.” He started as a lineman and installer and eventually worked his way up to being a telephone engineer. He had great skill with mechanical thinking and building, and was capable of fixing anything from houses to enchiladas to his Model A Ford. He enjoyed fishing, camping, the outdoors, gardening and history.

RoseMary and Mike were married 57 years, until she passed away on January 28, 2023. He followed her shortly afterward on March 8.

Mike is survived by his son Timothy O'Neil, daughter Ellen O'Neil, brother Patrick O'Neil, and sisters Marie Simonich, Clare Callagher, and Frances Adams.

He will be buried in the Veterans Cemetery in Seaside, Calif.