George "Mickey" Michael O'Neil

Born in 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio, George graduated from St. Edwards, served in the National Guard, and began a career in sales manufacturing. His hobbies notably included roller skating, which he coached, competed, and judged, golf, and flying. He earned a pilot’s license and flew prop planes for fun. He met and married the love of his life, Jean in 1966 and was soon outnumbered with three daughters. Life and weather intervened in the late 1970’s and he moved his family from freezing Cleveland to sunny Sarasota, joining his parents and in-laws who were already here.

One can talk about career accomplishments and challenges alike, but his greatest accomplishment and joy by far was his family. Proud and loving doesn’t begin to describe how he felt about his wife and children. George (“Hubs” to Jean) and “Wifey” as he called her, were married for 58 years. When it came to his girls, as they grew up, he never missed a chance to attend, coach, and support their skating competitions, ballet and dance recitals, gymnastics meets, choir practices, and circus performances. That love and support extended to his five grandchildren (and lots of fur-grandkids), all of whom he adored.

George had an uncanny resemblance to the late actor Mickey Rooney (appropriate that his nickname was Mickey) and was always seen wearing one of his many Fedoras. He was a proud and stubborn Irishman who faced life with a smile and was always willing to help others. He was strong in his faith, active at his church, and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his beloved wife Jean, his daughters’ Colleen Thayer (Chad), Eileen Grum

(Steve), and Kathleen Kurtz (Matt), grandchildren Wyatt, Michael, and Cora Thayer, Liam Grum, and Gunnar Kurtz, and a host of extended family and friends who he loved and who will miss him deeply.

We will honor that Irish spirit on September 7, 2024, at 10:00am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Sarasota. Fellowship to follow in the Spirit Center.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties, an organization close to his heart.