Steven S O'Neill's Obituary
STEVEN S. O’NEILL
March 21, 1965 – March 3, 2023
Steven Sean O’Neill, 57, passed away on March 3, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya after a brief
illness. He was born on March 21, 1965, in Tacoma, Washington, to Constance and
Lawrence O’Neill and has been a lifelong resident of Pierce County. He was raised in
Browns Point, a close-knit, suburban community, with his five siblings, Darren, Kelly,
Patrick, James, and Matthew. Growing up in this area provided him with many
opportunities for fun, boating, fishing, outdoor activities, and many childhood friends
that he kept his entire life.
After he graduated from Stadium High School in 1983, he attended Bates Voc-Tech
Institute, studying small engine repair and then attended Green River Community
College, studying forestry. In 1983 while still in high school, he began working for a
Diesel Truck & Marine, a company in Tacoma, as an apprentice and lead shop mechanic.
After a few years, he moved into the marine industries when his brother-in-law, who
was managing a business venture in Alaska, called him to work in Valdez, Alaska, during
the Exxon Valdez oil spill, to work as an engineer on one of several vessels engaged in
the business venture. After that, he went to work for Western Pioneer, a coastal
freighter company in Seattle, as a diesel mechanic and moved up the ranks. In 1997, he
began working for the Marine Division of the Washington State Ferries working on
several different vessels, and he was working as the chief engineer on board the M/V
Chetzemoka at the Point Defiance-Tahlequah route when he retired in 2021. He was a
member of MEBA, the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, and during his career
as a merchant marine officer, he attended many classes to build upon his knowledge and
skills, receiving many awards and certificates of completion.
Steven loved spending time with family & friends and his animals, especially his dogs.
He enjoyed fishing, camping, boating, outdoor activities, working in his yard and
vegetable garden, fixing cars & heavy equipment and vacationing to Mexico and other
locations. He was a devoted son, brother, nephew, uncle, husband, and friend. He
helped people selflessly, and he was very generous with his time, skills, and talents,
always willing to help and could always be counted on. He lived a life of loyalty,
friendship, love, and devotion and was loved and respected by many people. He was
very active with his local church and opened his heart and home to his family, friends,
and members of the church.
Steven is preceded in death by his parents, Constance and Lawrence O’Neill, and most
recently his late wife, Eunice Githuka O’Neill of Kenya, Africa, who passed away just last
year in August. He is survived by his five siblings, Darren, Kelly, Patrick, James, and
Matthew, his half-sister Jenny, and his three step-siblings, Angie, Dan, and Julie, as well
as numerous extended family members and a multitude of friends.
A special celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
with a reception to follow at Cedar Springs Community Church, 25713 70th Avenue East,
Graham, WA 98338. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cedar Springs
Community Church.
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