Michael O'Neill

1947 - 2023

Michael O'Neill

October 22, 1947 - September 3, 2023

Fresno, California - Mike was born in Coalinga, California on October 22, 1947, to Michael and Claire O'Neill. He was the oldest of seven children. He is survived by his siblings - Kelly (Anastasia), Colleen Driscoll (Michael), Mary Kathleen Uniacke (Joseph), Daniel (Vinci), Timothy (Anna), and Maureen Byrne (James). Mike attended Huron Elementary School, Coalinga Junior High, and San Joaquin Memorial High School. Shortly after graduation, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. After his honorable discharge, he attended Fresno State University and earned a degree in Agricultural Economics.

Through his sister Colleen, Mike was introduced to Rosemary Murrin. Mike and Rosemary fell in love and were married at Saint Rita's Catholic Church in Fairfax, California on June 10, 1972. Mike was warmly welcomed into the Murrin family by Rosemary's parents, Thomas and Marguerite, and siblings Maureen Wayne (Jay) (d.), Thomas (d.), Anne Finnegan (Dennis), Patricia Eckhardt, Elizabeth Roney, James (Jennifer), and Peggy Murrin. They welcomed four children, Sean (Colleen), Kathleen Foreman (Justin), Patrick (Nancy), and James (Lauren). Mike's six grandchildren, Caitlin, Allison, Vivienne, Jack, Liam, and Nolan were his pride and joy. In 2022, Mike and Rosemary were blessed to be able to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by their many loved ones.

Throughout his life, Mike was steadfastly loyal to his many family members and friends. He was an engaging storyteller and was never at a loss for words. Mike had a natural gift for showing compassion and offering advice that was rooted in his own personal experiences. His favorite moments were spent talking and listening to the people he cared for the most.

Mike will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Rosemary, and their children. He will be fondly remembered by the O'Neill and Murrin families including his siblings, brothers and sisters-in-law, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. His grandchildren will greatly miss the kindness and love that he showed them every day. Although our hearts are broken, we are comforted knowing that Mike will rest in God's great care.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held on Tuesday, September 26th, 2023 at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 at the Shrine of St. Therese Catholic Church in Fresno, California at 10:00 a.m

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nazareth House - 2121 N. First Street, Fresno, CA 93703