Obituary of Kevin Wayne O'Neil

On Tuesday, December 15, 2020, Kevin (Pop-Pop) O’Neil gained entry (or so we hope) to the pearly gates at the age of 68. Funny, outgoing, and vivacious, but also introverted and introspective. If you knew him well or barely at all, he always left you thinking. Whether it was about how absolutely, ridiculously funny, or just downright inappropriate he was, he left his mark. We will always remember his infectious smile, piercing blue eyes, and caring heart. His presence and oftentimes crude jokes will be sorely missed. Before his arthritic hands rendered him unable to do so, he loved to strum away on one of the many guitars he taught himself to play. In recent years, he was introduced to the convenience of online shopping, freeing up time to write poems, none of which were suitable for children under age 18. It was then that he developed an interest in all things “smart” in hopes they would be intelligent enough to band together and serve as his very own Rosie Jetson. After the passing of his wife, Bonne, Kevin became extremely fond of the once begrudged pet birds she bequeathed him. Following graduation in 1970 from West Warwick High School, Kevin enlisted in the Air Force. Despite the many offers to be “loved long time” while stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War, Staff Sergeant O’Neil returned stateside in 1974 to complete his 8-year term. During that time, he met and later married his former wife, Mary. Prior to retiring in December 2017 as a Field Service Technician, and much like Donna Summer, he too worked hard for the money. In addition to Bonne, he is preceded in death by his mother, Katherine, and older brother John. Kevin is survived by his favorite (and only) child, Stephanie McLaughlin, and her husband, Cory of West Greenwich, RI. The cherished stepfather to Jennifer Daniel and her husband Timothy of Largo, FL. Proud Pop-Pop of Jenna, Jackson, Dylan, and Mina. Great-grandfather to Piper. His baby sister, Ann-Marie, and her husband, Dr. Michael Burgdorf of Rome, NY. He is further survived by nephews Nicholas, Alexander & Jonathan, as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Burial will take place at the Mount Pleasant Funeral Home, and a celebration of life and burial of his ashes will be held on a later date. In the interim, his ashes will be kept in his daughter’s home so long as they match the décor. His family is beyond grateful to the many doctors, nurses, specialists, therapists, and volunteers that worked tirelessly to try to help cure Kevin of his cancer. During that time, he never lost his sense of humor and loved to tease the doctors and would often be found flirting with the nurses, “only the pretty ones, though.” To show our gratitude, kindly send donations to The Veteran’s Administration, https://www.pay.gov/public/form/start/52253675/. Kevin loved so many and was loved by so many more. When you think of him, celebrate the good memories you have. For further information and condolences, please visit mountpleasantfh.com.