Michael James O'Neill

O'NEILL, Michael James Jan. 14, 1945 - Sept. 27, 2019 Michael Mickey J. O'Neill passed away suddenly at his home in Sydney, NS, of a massive heart attack. He was the son of Michael A. and Anne E. (Riley) O'Neill, Sydney River, NS. In his early years Mickey worked with Ambulance Services in Sydney; Curry's Funeral Home, Sydney; and Maintenance Services with Cape Breton County School System. With a thirst for travel and the opportunity to meet new people Mickey moved to Alaska, USA, where he was employed in the salmon fishing industry. In the late 1970, Mickey moved to Toronto where he established a successful security company. After a few years, Mickey moved to New Hampshire, USA; and then, in search of new adventures and year-round sunshine he moved to California, where he found his dream job working as a booking agent for various hotels and casinos in the Palm Desert area: bringing the Blues to the Desert His work created opportunities to meet and work closely with a very specialized segment of society; and, as a bonus it nurtured his passion for music. He recently retired to the land of his childhood, and settled in Sydney, his beloved Cape Breton Island. Mickey is survived by his only sibling, his sister, Betty Neill, Antigonish, NS. He was predeceased by both his parents. Cremation has taken place and as per his wishes, there will be no formal funeral or church service. A gathering of relatives and close friends will take place at a later date.