Michael Louis O’Neill (aka Captain Mike), 75, of Ventura, California made his transition on Wednesday February 9, 2022.
The greatest human being, real or fictional, to walk the earth. Michael O’Neill embodied everything that is good and pure in the world. His very existence was and remains the faint but perpetually shining light emerging from the existential abyss.
Michael was born in Rochester, New York, to Thomas George O’Neill and Elizabeth Louise O’Neill on May 12, 1947. He went to Brighton High School in Rochester, New York and joined the Navy in August 1965. He was in the first graduating class of Oxnard College.
He had a variety of intriguing careers in his twenties and thirties. He worked as a commercial fisherman, as well as a cook on larger oil boats. He owned two business in Port Hueneme. One was Gold Coast Pool Room, where he was always happy to share his expertise with the patrons. The other was Front Street Pizza (highlighting his ability to throw pizza dough, which was second to none!)
His love of the ocean led him to his ultimate career as a boat captain. He worked on the oil boats in the Channel Islands as well as running boats in the Gulf of Mexico for over 30 years.Ultimately earning a 500 ton captain/1600 ton mate license. During this time he also ran sport-fishing boats satisfying another love, fishing!
He was a wizard in the kitchen and the garden. A passion handed down to him by his grandmother. He once made a quiche from scratch with no recipe, having never made one before. It was absolutely delicious!
He was an artist skilled in both sketch drawings, water colors, wood carving, especially orcas, and making mobiles.
Michael could befriend anyone and, in a matter of minutes, make them feel they had known each other for decades!
Legend has it that he once made a date with a “wrong number”!
His greatest achievement and joy was being the best Dad ever to Katie. His boundless love for her was his inspiration and motivation for the second half of his life.
Michael is survived by his daughter Katie of Las Vegas, Nevada, sister Judy & husband Gene,
Nephew Steve, Nephew Brett, of North Carolina, first former wife Leslie Crandall of Ventura, and second former wife Liz Fernandez of Newbury Park.
He is preceded in death by his Father, Tom O’Neill, Mother, Betty O’Neill.
Michael requested to be cremated and ashes scattered at sea. Due to the current covid restrictions neither a celebration of life nor a date for the scattering at sea has been determined.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Ocean Conservancy,
oceanconservancy.org
The family would invite anyone who would like to pay their respects to Michael to go to a body of water, be it ocean, lake, or river (he loved them all) and let your memories of Michael fill your heart. Know he’s "GONE FISHIN!"
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.