O’Neil, who was battling fibrosis of the lungs, was the vice chairman of Newport Beach and Co., a nonprofit marketing arm for the city.
O’Neil served two terms on the City Council from 1994-2002, and he served as mayor in 1999. He won the Newport Beach Citizen of the Year award in 2006, presented by the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce.
O’Neil also served as counsel for Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian’s board for about 25 years.
O’Neil, who grew up in Oakland, battled polio that left with a disability to his left arm. He earned a bachelor’s degree from USC and earned a law degree from UC Hastings College of Law.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Mayor Dennis O’Neil. He will be dearly missed. https://t.co/ylBMF1ZH0u pic.twitter.com/vLHcxOhLXx
— CityofNewportBeach (@newportbeachgov) January 7, 2017
“Denny was mayor when I was hired as city manager in 1999,” said Homer Bludau. “Beyond his role as an elected leader, Denny was always a voice of reason, insight and could cut through an issue to a logical conclusion… More than that, he was one of my very close friends who was always supportive of me and always had the community’s best interests at heart.”
Gary Sherwin, president and CEO of Newport Beach and Co., said, “I cannot express how difficult it is to lose Denny. His contributions to our organization as an executive committee member have been hugely significant, including his pro bono legal work on our behalf.
“He was always a wise and thoughtful voice during and between our meetings as well as a dear and loyal friend. He was completely devoted to our cause and mission and this loss is devastating.”
O’Neil is survived by his wife, Thais, and his daughter, Molly Proul, granddaughter Lucille Proul and sister, Nancy O’Neil.
Services will be Thursday at Our Lady Queen of Angels Church, 2046 Mar Vista Drive.
— City News Service