Kevin Michael O’Neill, loved people, animals
Kevin Michael O’Neill, of Lewes, and Poolesville, Md., passed away after a brief illness Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. Kevin leaves behind many friends and family members who will miss him profoundly, including most notably his husband, Steven P. Ross of Lewes.
He was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Karen O’Neill; grandparents, Walter and Kathrynn Lucinski, and Alice and Bernard O’Neill; aunt, Kathy James; uncles, Thomas O’Neill and Edward O’Neill; and sister-in-law, Holly O’Neill.
He is survived by his brother, John O’Neill; nephew, Braden O’Neill of Germantown, Md.; and aunts and uncles, Lisa (Ray) Graff, Susan (David) Anderson, Bonnie Heiserman, Laurie (Rene) Lucinski, Fran O’Neill, Kevin (Paula) O’Neill, Bernard O’Neill and Michael O’Neill. He will be missed by his cousins, Geneva (Will) James, Lena (Emma) Graff, Nicholas (Stephanie) Graff, Anna (Lukas) Schornstein, Leigh (Jared) Heiserman, Christian (Rachel) Lucinski, Catherine (Steven) Goodbred, Patrick (Ruth) O’Neill, Marie (Daniel) O’Neill, Danielle (Kyle) Nekimken and Brian (Alexandra) O’Neill.
Kevin loved people, and made many deep and lasting friendships throughout his life. He leaves behind special friends, Stephanie Bell, Jason Sickeri, Judith Campell, Jennifer Wenk and Ryan Bell; as well as his beloved rescue hounds, Hope, Donna, Quinn and Ribeye; and his tortoise, Stan Lee.
Kevin graduated from University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in social work and psychology, and after working in various hospital settings in direct care and management, began a career in healthcare consulting and technology sales. He was thrilled to have recently returned to a position directly helping others as a peer recovery coach at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes.
Kevin was funny, loving, sarcastic, whip-smart and tenacious. His disdain for pandas and his love of “Alice in Wonderland” and “Godzilla” were legendary. He touched many people with his optimism and kind heart, and was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
The family wishes to thank the caring and compassionate staff of the Cardiac and Pulmonary Intensive Care Unit at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center.
In lieu of flowers, to honor Kevin, consider a donation to Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958, to support the work that he was passionate about, peer recovery services for those struggling with the disease of addiction.
A celebration of his life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, at Angola by The Bay Clubhouse, 33457 Woodland Cir., Lewes. A block of rooms for out-of-town guests will be available at Hampton Inn, 18826 Coastal Hwy., Lewes (844-202-5116). For larger parties, reach out to family for options.
“In the garden of memory, in the palace of dreams, that is where you and I shall meet.” - from “Alice Through the Looking Glass.”
Professional arrangements entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes, Lewes.
Visit Kevin’s Life Memorial and sign his online tribute page at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
