  Michael John O'Neill was born October 21, 1918 in Bronx, New York to Francis Joseph and Winifred Agnes McManus O'Neill, both of Ireland. He was the second and last child to bless this union. He had an older sister, Mary. Mickey, as his mother lovingly called him, did not have a chance to know his father, who died May 14, 1920, when Michael was almost two years old. His mother worked hard to raise her two children with good values and love. Mickey attended the Holy Name Grammar School, where he excelled in spelling, winning many of the spelling bees he participated in. He also loved mathematics and was a whiz at it. He was always a high achiever, and was always helpful to others. Roller skating almost everywhere he went, he developed agility and independence. Upon completion of grammar school, he attended Commerce High School, graduating just before his 18th birthday. Not long after graduating from high school, he was invited to serve our country, and was enlisted in the United States Army Air Force on February 19, 1942. He served with honor and dedication, earning a Good Conduct Medal and rising to the rank of Sergeant. Part of his tour of duty lead him to South Dakota and his destiny. While attending a dance, he saw a beautiful young lady and felt his heartbeat speed up. Margaret Louise "Peggy" Feenstra had turned down many offers to dance that night, waiting for just the right one, and along came Michael. They danced that night, and continued to date after that. March 17, 1944, St. Patrick's Day, they went to church to be married. The priest, an Irishman, refused to marry them on such an important holiday and told them to go home. Bright and early the next morning, March 18, 1944, they were back to church, and that day became Mr. and Mrs Michael J. O'Neill. They were blessed with their first child, Michael Jr., in the summer of 1945 and then, on November 3, 1945, Mike was honorably discharged from duty with the Army Air Force. Sometime in late 1946 or early 1947, the family moved to Southern California and built a home on McClure Avenue in Paramount. The family grew over the next few years to include five other children, Francis, Kathleen, James, Ann and Patrick. Poop, as Michael became known by his family and friends alike, worked just down the road from home, at Alex Robbins. He walked to work and home, every day, and when he arrived home, he would tumble around on the grass with his children, enjoying the love and excitement of young parenthood. When Peggy called the family to dinner, they would all say, "Okay" and continue playing. When they finally sat down to eat, Poop would say, "All of you O'Neills by birth, raise your hands." The children would all laugh and raise their hands. Then he would say, "All of you O'Neills by choice raise your hands" and the kids would giggle as Peggy proudly raised hers. Poop and Peggy made sure that their children all had good religious training, and sent them to catholic school. Their faithful attendance at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church added to the strong values and ethics that were instilled in them at home. Education was important to Poop and to Peggy and they made certain that each of their children had the opportunity to attend college and earn degrees. Holiday times were special in the O'Neill household. Annual Fourth of July parties saw anywhere from 100 to 150 people every year and they all enjoyed bar-be-ques and fireworks, along with games. The home has 1/2 acre in the back yard, and that space has been a basketball court, volleyball court, fruit orchard, and berry patch, among other things. As the family grew older, marriage brought more people into the O'Neill clan. They were all welcomed and enjoyed the same generosity that their spouses knew growing up. With the growth of the family, came the growth of Poop and Peggy's pride. Grandchildren soon came along and brought a renewed sense of excitement and pleasure. Tragedy entered the O'Neill residence in the spring of 1991, when Frank, the second son, passed away. Poop and Peggy mourned the loss of a child, but resolved to go on with their lives and celebrate the time they had with him. A year later, on May 28, 1992, Poop was faced with the worst experience of his life, when his beloved Peggy went to join Frank in heaven. His heart was broken and his spirit was dampened. His sweetheart of 48 years was gone. Although it was very difficult, he rallied and was able to struggle through the grief. Life for Poop had changed. For the next ten years, he would be without Peggy, missing her and wishing to be with her, but through it all, he maintained his sense of humor and his sincere appreciation for those who performed good deeds. No one did anything for Poop without hearing "Thank You" from him. He was so appreciative of even the smallest deed. He loved to shower his family and friends with gifts and enjoyed watching the surprise on their faces when he did something special for them. He always kept boxes of See's Chocolates in the house, and would give a box to anyone who helped him. Birthdays always brought a two or three pound box, and at Christmas time, he gave a box of candy to the first person to send him a Christmas card. Christmas night, after the commotion and hustle had settled for most people, Poop had a houseful of friends, young and old alike. There was always food and drink and celebration. Santa Claus always stopped at the O'Neill house on his way back to the North Pole and he always had an extra gift for everyone who was at the house. Those friends who did not have much, always enjoyed the generosity of Poop and his daughter, Ann at this time of year. They did not want anyone to go without. Time took a toll on Poop, though, and his health started failing. It was harder for him to get around, his eyes gave him problems, and the circulation in his feet was not good. His daugher, Ann, moved in with him to help him with things he could no longer do. Even with faltering health, Poop never quit smiling. He always had a smile on his face, and his big blue Irish eyes always had a twinkle in them. He never complained of pain. His famous little comment was, "No comment" and those who knew him well understood that he was in pain. His sharp mind never quit working, though. He knew what TV station and what time every game was on. He knew whose voice was at the other end of the phone line. Ann would quilt blankets and Poop would help her tear the cloth. His sharp mathematical skills allowed him to calculate exactly how many strips or squares were needed for a quilt, and how big each of them needed to be. Poop became more unstable on his feet, and relied on Ann and his friends more. One night, he tumbled to the floor and hurt his leg and hip. His stamina kept him going for 4 1/2 days before he could be convinced to go to the hospital. Tests showed that his right hip was broken and surgery was scheduled. He came through the surgery with flying colors and still did not complain of pain. Rehab was needed for a couple of weeks, and he pushed himself to succeed with that so he could once again go to his home of 55 years on McClure Avenue, but that was not to be. Complications arose, and, in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 15, 2002, Poop fell asleep in Long Beach, California and woke up in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was once again reunited with the love of his life, and what a glorious reunion that must have been. Poop leaves to cherish his memory and to celebrate the love and example he taught them, his loving daughter and caretaker, Ann; his other children, Michael Jr. and his wife Sally; Kathleen and her husband Dennis; Patrick and his wife Karen; James and his wife Carolyn; Frank Prue; his grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Megan, Julie, Casey, Darby, Timothy, Jacob, Chad and Chris; his great grandchildren, Jake, Erin, Gweneth and Sami; his older sister, Mary McBride; his sisters-in-law, Mary Ella Duffy and her husband Dick; Luella Alberts and her husband Ben; Rosie Schield; many nieces and nephews, and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his cherished wife and companion, Peggy in 1992 and his son, Frank in 1991. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 21, 2002, at 9:00 AM at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 14815 Paramount Blvd., Paramount, followed by interment at All Souls Cemetery, 4400 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach, California. Those wishing to inquire about viewing times, are encouraged to call Gardenside Funeral Service, at (800) 795-0028. Poop's temporary address on McClure Avenue in Paramount, California has changed. His new, permanent address is: Heaven.    God looked around His garden and He found an empty place. He then looked down upon this earth; And say your tired face. He put His arms around you, He knew that you were suffering, He saw the road was getting wide, It broke our hearts to lose you, May there always be work for your hands to do; May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. An Irish Blessing If I were to look up the definition of "gentleman" in the dictionary, I would not be surprised to see three simple words: Michael John O'Neill. Poop was the epitome of a true gentleman, always respectful, kind and generous. He never said anything negative about anyone. His impish little grin, his twinkling baby blue eyes and his laugh were so familiar to all of us who loved him, and his quick witted comments and responses will be cherished always. To Poop, every person was an individual, and he never grouped people into a category. When you talked to him, you had his full attention, even if he wasn't feeling well. He focused his comments to you, as an individual, and he valued each person's self worth. He had a special way of making you feel like you were the only one he cared about at that moment, even if you were one of several people with him at the same time. Poop was wise and able to offer good, sound advice if asked for it, but never stuck his nose in where it wasn't needed or wanted. He was a faithful, religious man who remembered where he came from and knew where he was going. His life was exemplary of a true Christian. I will always remember him with love, laughter and joy, and I will be eternally grateful that I was privileged to call him my friend. Glenn Midgley, Owner of Gardenside Funeral Service "Pennies From Heaven I found a penny today Found pennies come from heaven, He said, "When an Angel misses you, So, don't pass by that penny, Author Unknown To my special Uncle Mike and Aunt Peggy, My Dear Poop, Luv, Ann P.S. Save a place for me!
VANESSA MORRISON Family reflections WE REMEMBER: K.O. Going ice skating every Saturday morning. We used to get up early and go from 10:00 to noon. Afterwards we'd always get ten cents to get that bag of cheese-flavored Popcorn.mmmm. Swimming. Mom and Aunt Ima would drive us to Newport Dunes. We'd go from 10:00 to 2:00, swim, eat, and play. Then we'd get a lollipop for the ride home. It was always a quiet ride home that way. He taught us all to swim at the Lynwood Plunge. He'd let us take our friends along and he taught them how to swim, too. I remember when we were little Pop used to go to Benediction at the church. He used to always go to that. I can still remember the smell of the incense. I remember Pop being a happy dumper. I remember when Pop would come home and we would run and jump on him, all these little kids jumping and laughing and grabbing him. I remember Pop smoking a pipe with the Sherlock Holmes stem. And we used to get him that smoking stuff for Christmas, different kinds of tobacco. He would have that cherry blend tobacco. I remember Pop took my Brownie troop ice skating and then spent the whole time holding each of the little girls up so they could skate one full time around the rink without falling. I can still seeing him skating past with my friends. I remember Pop would go to my college classes with me and we'd sit in the back and he'd smoke his pipe and take in the info. KAITLYN: He likes watching TV, watching all of the sporting events, making quilts. He always helped Aunt Ann with her quilts and counting. He liked to sleep. MEGAN: I remember he used to say to Kaitlyn, "When I'm old and gray, you can take care of me." That's because Kaitlyn's a good house cleaner. MEGAN: Grandpa used to sing to me. PATRICK: Yeah. He would always sing "O Danny Boy" and "Knock Three Times." Driving the Wally wagon with all of the kids in it. Mom would pile us all in and drive us to sporting events, sometimes the whole team, and Pop would come later on and watch. Pop would come to all of our sporting activities whenever possible, even if it was late. Mom would drive us and we'd drive Mom crazy on the ride and then Pop would show up and set us straight. And the part that we really hated the most was when he dumped all of the dirt in the back yard and we had to screen it of rocks and stuff to level the backyard playing ground. We used to play volleyball, baseball, basketball,soccer, any sporting event, whatever was in season, because we had our own athletic field in the back yard. We weren't allowed to play in the streets. I remember the paper boy would come by and park his bike and play with us in the back yard and forget to do his paper route. PATRICK & KO: We used to say the Rosary around the bed. All of us. We'd watch Lawrence Welk and the Ed Sullivan show, and of course Sunday night was reserved for the Disney TV show. Aunt Ima and Uncle Dale and the Stoner gang would come over and we'd make tubs, tubs,tubs of popcorn loaded with butter and watch TV. I remember sitting around the dinner table playing word games and thinking up odd phrases. When school started we used to cover our books with the shopping bags. We'd have a production line. One would cut, one would fold, one would sit on the books and make sure the covers were flat. I remember how Pop always doing the dishes so he could soften is hands. He would say he wanted to soak his hands after coming home from work. He had his one shot of whiskey when he got home from work. That bottle was stashed high up in the cupboard but he always had that one good shot. We used to sip his beer to see if it was poison. Pop and Mom gave us a good education. They had six I remember the front yard looking like a parking lot because of all the cars when we started to drive. I remember being taught to respect other people and Mom and Pop offering us any opportunities education-wise we wanted. MEGAN: I remember he'd watch us ride bicycles and watch our water fights. KAREN: I remember when these guys were born, he just would hold each baby and sing all the Irish lullabies. KAITLYN: Grandpa told me grandma always went shopping when someone was born. PATRICK: During football and baseball games, a bunch of girls would sit up in the bleachers with Pop because they liked smelling his cherry tobacco. DENNIS: He was a true patriot and a defender of America. He was a hard-working man that provided for his wonderful large family. PATRICK & KO: I remember on Christmas getting up early and standing in front of the car to take our annual Christmas picture, then tromping down to church for the first mass of the day, coming back and having to wait at a closed door until Mom and Pop were ready to go in and see what was under the tree. I remember he always called Mom his bride. I remember the three-pocket Christmas jacket and how he would go out to the car and kiss Mom. DENNIS: As a member of the Knights of Columbus he carried with him the virtues of loyalty, gallantry, observation, tact, perserverance, sympathy, HE ALWAYS HAD THAT IRISH TWINKLE IN HIS EYE. MR. ONIELL...THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS MAKING ME FEEL LIKE FAMILY.....YOU'RE GOING TO BE MISSED...BUT YOU'RE ALWAYS IN MY HEART.....PLEASE SAVE A PLACE FOR ME. ..ANNA HEMM Dear Mike, Your vivid baby blue eyes that sparkled with that "Irish Leprechaun" look. The "wiggle" of your eyebrows when you were being your charming Irish self. How you made each person feel special in their own way. The generosity with your friends and extended family. All the great parties through the 37 years of our friendship. How you and Peggy welcomed me, my husband and children unconditionally into your heart and home. The conversations we had and the privilege of being allowed to be there with you during the last few days of your life. You and your family have been a blessing to me along with a source of strength. I love you as a special friend and I will miss seeing you. I know you are in a better place and that you and Peggy are back together as you were in life. Love, Pat Morrison Years ago, Mike & Peggy folded me and my daughter Jennifer into their family. I loved the big family and all the fun they had. Mike & Peggy were always so kind to us. I hope it makes them happy to know that I took that wonderful experience and made it my own with my five children! Now our home is the one that everyone loves to visit and have fun - especially the 4th of July. So Mike & Peggy thanks for the wonderful example you were to me. Love,
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