Gene O’Neill passed away September 22, 2012 after a three and a half year stay at Mabie South, Skilled Nursing Facility at Hazel Hawkins Hospital in Hollister. Our family is grateful to every staff member for the excellent care he received. The wonderful people we have met during these past years have become true friends and extended family. The shared smiles, compassion and empathy we received are treasured gifts. You are all loved and will remain within our hearts. God bless you.
Native of Hollister, CA, Winton Eugene O’Neill was born March 7, 1921 to Leo and Alma (Davis) O’Neill. He was oldest of three children, preceded in death by younger sister, Virginia Gardner Brookshire and brother William “Billy” was the youngest. The family of five lived at 111 Chappell Rd.
Gene graduated from Sacred Heart and Hollister High Schools. He attended Santa Clara Catholic University for two years in the pre-med program, until Uncle Sam called him to the Army. As a Tec4 Radio Operator, Signal Corps, during WWII, he completed his two year enlistment with tours in the Philippines and New Guinea, then returned to Hollister.
Gene initially opened an Army Surplus store but is best known for O’Neill’s Mens Clothing store on San Benito Street where he remained in operation until 1971.
On May 3, 1947, Gene married Geraldine “Gerri” Lange at the Carmel Mission, CA. They raised three girls, Ellen, Gwynn and Joyce.
Gene had a passion for writing. He wrote poetry and Herman Wrede made him “Mr. Front Page” of the Free Lance and Pinnacle in many editions chronicling his Army days, legends of Hollister, and tasty recipes.
Gene enjoyed many interests from mushroom hunting to clamming with brother Billy, rock hounding with Carl Blifus, Great Books reading club, Lion’s Club, participated in the Hollister Merchants rodeo events. His gourmet cooking (octopus salad, fish head soup) brought prize winning chili verde at the Chili Cook Off and first place at the county fair for his pepper jelly. As first ever entry in abstract art, he won best in show at the County Fair for “The Hanged Man.”
He and Fred LaSelve dismantled old houses and sold the lumber, occasionally finding treasures of silver quarters and old bottles. He weathered some deep sea fishing trips off Moss Landing with James Ferber and Carl Blankenship. He frequently took road trips to Mexico and Baja with friends Jim Linney, Buddy King, Norv Tyler. He collected cactus and rocks from several trips. After retiring O’Neill’s Men’s Clothing store, Gene owned Gracia Bros. Saloon.
Gene’s 1967 Ford Bronco was his signature as he drove the streets of town.
Gene was always up for an adventure. He and boyhood friends scaled Santa Ana Peak as teen agers and found a spring at the top of this dormant volcano. This story always seemed mysterious to his children. On October 24, 2009, this feat was repeated by daughters, Ellen and Joyce. No longer a spring but the view was magnificent.
City government was also a passion Gene acted on. He served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, was elected to the City Council in 1967, and topped it off as Mayor of Hollister, 1971.
As a family, our great venture was running the Jet Dragon Fireworks stand the week of July fourth. Rite of passage for his daughters was running the stand unsupervised.
Gene is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gerri O’Neill currently living with their oldest daughter, Ellen and friend Terry Keplar in Orlando, FL. Daughters Gwynn Renfrow (husband Tim) and Joyce Davidson (husband Claude) live in Hollister. Gene is uncle to Larry Gardner (wife Eva) their daughters Elaine (husband Steve) and Irene all of San Francisco, CA. He is Grandpa to Ashlee Hartigan (husband John), Shanda Renfrow (son Mason Turner), Brian (son Shiloh) and Audrey Davidson, Scott Hritz. Great grandpa to Shiloh Davidson and Mason Turner. Also, his sister-in-law Marjorie Pagano and her three children Susan (husband Scott McDonald), Thomas, Peter Alex. Great nephews and great nieces include Jack Lavagnino (wife Melissa) their children Megan, Andrew, Jennifer; Matthew Lavagnino (wife Clarissa) and son Matteo; Amy and Beth Pagano
Mass for Gene O’Neill will be celebrated at Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum, Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. Contributions are preferred to Hollister Historical Society or a Mass offered in his memory.
For concoldences, visit www.grunnagle.com
