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Neil Melinkovich Obituary
Neil focused on healthy nutrition and regular exercise to center his mind and nurture his body. Born into Roman Catholicism, Buddhism became the primary focus of Neil's adult spiritualism. He meditated religiously and went on annual Northern California retreats to Tassajara Zen Center with his eldest sister, Georgyn.
Neil pursued an acting career with modest success before he stumbled into his true vocational calling. This followed his personal commitment to twelve-step recovery in the late 1970s. His passionate and persuasive speaking commitments at recovery meetings led to him becoming a sobriety Life Coach.
Neil was predeceased by his parents, George and Terese, and his brother-in-law Ken Bonner. He is survived by his sisters Georgyn Hittelman (Karl), and Denise Bonner, brother Marc Farrell Melinkovich (Nancy), nieces Michelle Techel (Eric) and Megan Melinkovich, as well as four great-nephews.
The family plans a private memorial service and suggests any recognition of Neil's passing be directed to a homeless support charity or outreach organization of the donor's choice.
"Za Bogen" Neil ("God Bless", Croatian)
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Memories and Condolences
for Neil Melinkovich
Illiana heathcoe
January 18, 2026
What can I say about him . I miss him everyday,he was my bestie at times at other times he was my hero. He always told me the truth even when I wasn't asking. We got so close he made me a character in his screen play. You couldn't help but love him and he was so infectious anywhere we went he was the main attraction I admired him dearly. I miss you my friend I find comfort knowing that you are always with me in my heart.
Sonia
December 15, 2025
I was saddened to come upon this notice of Neil's passing. I met Neil by chance in the late 1970's in Laguna Beach. We quickly became friends with his enigmatic character. He was driving his blue Porsche 911 on Coast Highway near Main Beach, personalized plates "SEVENZEN11", and looked like he had been cast straight out of Hollywood casting for an awesome beach scene with his beautiful eyes, handsome face and curly hair. He slammed on the breaks to ask me if I needed a ride. When I replied "NO!", he must have parked and followed me to my spot on the beach, because I opened my eyes from sunbathing to find him standing over me, offering me an Italian shaved ice. What a gorgeous man! How could anyone say no? He is one of those people you meet in life whom you never forget. Rest in peace, Neil. Chasing ladies up in the clouds!
Rick T.
November 21, 2025
I knew Neal for a couple of years through the program. He was a character, but I always liked him. This town is very rough on someone that is creative and striving to be fluent in the arts.
No matter how good you are there´s always somebody else that´s better or somebody else that´s more connected or somebody else that is actually related to somebody that can make their lives change in the stroke of a pen.
I´m not sure if ever realized that and that must´ve been an incredible cause of frustration and heartbreak for him as it has been many of us that has endeavor down this path.
He always had a smile on the face. He was always quick to a solid conversation about sobriety, and I respected him for that. It saddened me deeply when I found out that he was gone. I had just seen him three days prior to his passing.
Rest in peace, my brother
Peggy Shaw
January 17, 2025
I just recently heard about the death of my friend , Neil from my Brother! I was very sad since he was such a sweet and thoughtful man that I had attended high school with! I miss his fabulous smile and friendly personality...RIP Neil and I'll always remember you my friend..Love, Peggy
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Nick Roberts
January 8, 2025
I met this guy at the gym and he was seriously one of a kind. what a gift of gab he had, our conversations in passing were always invigorating and left me pondering sentences so out there I would have thought them inconceivable to be uttered by anyone else. so smart, so worldly, so funny! rest in power brother
JAMES PEARLMAN
December 14, 2024
I think of you often. You are deeply
Jimmy Pearlman
December 4, 2024
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Illiana heathcoe
December 3, 2024
I met Niel when he was writing his movie,he changed my life for the better and I'll always remember him and hold him close to my heart .see you later Niel
Mike mccoy
May 8, 2024
You´re missed .
Joe Capone
February 20, 2024
Neil, He always said we were like cockroaches, nothing could kill us. He was the first guy I saw floss while driving on pch after a long ocean swim in the seventies when I met him . Jeff Corey´s acting class was our initial meeting. He was angry, funny, intelligent, most importantly never boring. He had an amazing family, his pop was a legendary running back for Knute Rockne s fighting Irish. Neil and his brother were great ballers at pali. Hey good bud, remember wherever you are ,I know one thing. You are laughing. We both loved whales, so the last five decades when we called. Our greetings we would imitate a whale song . Crazy. Gonna miss you NEELEY, Joe Capone
Douglas gates
February 12, 2024
I loved Neil, especially at the ages between eleven and thirteen...he lived right near the high school, and we really soaked up the entire area...
Steve O'Brien aka Stevo
January 23, 2024
Neil was funny, I never saw him without a smile or some kind of mischievous grin like he was up to something. I hadn't seen Neil in years, but last summer a friend shared a video of Neil embracing and speaking to a swimmer whose life he had just saved off of Santa Monica beach. This moment of Neil feels like who he really was deep inside, or part of his evolution, or the best of who he was in a moment that gave life to another. It was a pretty pure moment. RIP Neil, you'll not be forgotten. Peace to family and friends.
Jimmy pearlman
January 21, 2024
RIP, Jimmy
Tony Oteri
January 21, 2024
Linkage (the nickname I used to call him) lived his life exactly the way he wanted to.
He was passionate about health, fitness, eating well and constantly searching for spiritual guidance. He was a flawed masterpiece, with many skills and a wide scope of knowledge.
I am missing you, pal.
So long for now.
T. Oteri
T.P. MacNeille
January 21, 2024
A funny,smart and beautiful man. So many gifts.
I will remember Neil with great fondness.
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