Daniel Ignatius O'Neill

1938 - 2023

Daniel Ignatius O'Neill
February 16, 1938 - April 12, 2023
Sacramento, California - Daniel Ignatius O'Neill was born in San Francisco, California in 1938 to Irving Daniel O'Neill and Eileen Margaret O'Brien. Dan filled many roles during his lifetime. Student, Naval Officer, Reporter and Attorney. Son, Brother, Husband, Dad and Gramps. Friend. In all of these roles, he set an example of service, idealism and hope.
Dan graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1960. Dan loved his time at Notre Dame and was a supporter and fan until he died. At Notre Dame, Dan met his soon to be wife, Margaret Scott. They married in June 1961 and celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last year. After graduating from Notre Dame, Dan joined the U.S. Navy as an officer. He attended the US Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California and the American University in Washington, DC. During his years in the U.S. Navy, he proudly served aboard a naval destroyer stationed in Long Beach, California and at the Pentagon on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations. In 1968, Dan began a second career in journalism and joined the Sacramento Bee as a reporter. While working at the Bee, Dan attended law school at McGeorge School of Law. After graduation, Dan started his legal career with the Sacramento Public Defender and retired from the Public Defender's office in 1998.
Dan was a hands on father and throughout his lifetime he was a teacher, coach, mentor and friend to his five children. In all things, Dan was engaged and excited. Dan suffered from dystonia, a debilitating disease that caused him significant pain and discomfort, but he never stopped living life to its fullest. His marriage to Meg was one of his greatest joys. Dan is survived by his wife, Meg Scott O'Neill; his five children, Dan (Dorsey), Ann (Mark), Mary (Jon), Tom and Joe (Jonlyn); his nine grandchildren, Nick, Hana, Patrick, Miles, Kelly, Garrett, Rory, Ben and Grace; his brothers, John, Tom, and George O'Neill and numerous nieces and nephews. His beloved parents and his sister Eileen Dickson preceded him in death.