Kevin David O'Neil

Kevin David O'Neil, age 70, resident of Amador County for 30 years, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2017, at his residence in Ione, CA. He was born in Concord, MA on March 16, 1947 to the late Walter Leo and Ruth Craig (Blanchard) O'Neil. Kevin graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. After graduation he was drafted and served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. His love of travel eventually brought him to California where he worked in the hospitality industry for over 40 years. He eventually settled in Northern California, the perfect environment for a wine enthusiast. It was there that Kevin raised his daughter Erin and met his partner Vicki while enjoying every chance he could spending time with his pride and joy, his granddaughter Madison. Some may know him as the bartender at Ron & Nancy's Palace in Sutter Creek or as the Cellar Master at Vino Noceto Winery in Plymouth. Kevin will always be remembered for his heart of gold, his legendary storytelling, his love of a good glass of wine, his hometown roots and his favorite sports teams the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots, but most of all for his smile that could light up a room. He leaves behind his longtime partner of nearly 23 years, Vicki DiGiulio of Ione, Ca; his daughter Erin her husband Dale Whitaker of Roseville, Ca; his sister Sally Testa of Acton, MA and her husband John Testa; his brother Walter O'Neil of Lee, MA and his wife Victoria; granddaughter, Madison Lyn Whitaker; nieces and nephews, Michael, Danny, Katie, Evan and Tara. He was preceded in death by his brother the late Charles O'Neil in 2005. Contributions may be made in Kevin's name to MRF, Melanoma Research Foundation at melanoma.org.