Craig Francis O'Neil

Craig “Tiny” Francis O’Neil

November 27, 1932 - July 3, 2016

Funeral Mass

Thursday, July 14, 2016 /10:00 a.m.

St. John of the Cross Catholic Church

8086 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945-2532

Reception immediately following in the Church hall

In lieu of flowers Tiny requests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice in his memory.

Tiny O’Neil passed away peacefully, at the age of 83, on July 3, 2016 at home surrounded by his family. Tiny was born in Lisbon Columbiana County, Ohio to parents Leo Anthony and Emma O’Neil along with 8 older siblings (hence the nickname Tiny). Tiny moved from Ohio to San Diego, with his family in 1952. He married Jane Gittins on September 17, 1955 at St. Rita's Catholic Church in San Diego. They moved to Spring Valley in 1961 where they raised seven loving children. He worked for the City of San Diego in the Civil Engineering department as a surveyor where he helped map out many historic spots like Mission Bay, Coronado Bridge and the Gas Lamp Quarters. He was active with Rancho Elementary, La Presa Middle School and Mount Miguel High School PTA, Sea Scouts, and Boy Scouts as a Scout Master also earning the rank of an Eagle Scout himself. He helped shape the lives of many school children by serving two terms on the La Mesa Spring Valley School Board. Tiny loved camping, bridges, family vacations at Camp Oliver, taco nights and family time. Tiny had a strong faith in God, and was a member of St. John of the Cross Catholic Church since 1961. Tiny was a cancer survivor although cancer took his wife Jane, of 56 years. During his recovery from cancer he reconnected and later married Barbara Rojas in February of 2015. Tiny had a love for Native American culture. He was beloved for his humor, his humble manner and his sincere interest in everyone he met-one felt good to be in his presence.

Tiny is survived by his second wife Barbara, his children, Katie McCauley; Maurine O'Neil; Annie Lacey; Patrick O'Neil; Jeannie Hardy; Daniel O'Neil, 17 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Tiny is reunited with his wife Jane, son Matthew, his brothers, sisters and parents.

Those we love don’t go away,

They walk beside us every day,

Unseen, unheard, but always near,

Still loved, still missed and very dear.

Tiny was much loved and will be greatly missed.