Obituary of Kevin G O'Neill

To view live stream of Kevin's Funeral Mass, follow LINK.

Kevin G. O’Neill, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday afternoon, June 15, 2025. He was 60 years old.

Born in Woburn, Massachusetts, Kevin was the youngest of eight children of the late Richard and Helen (Robertson) O’Neill.  Kevin was a shining light—his every smile, hug, and accomplishment was a precious gift to his family. For 60 wonderful years, Kevin brought unmatched  happiness, warmth, and laughter into their lives.

Kevin was a student of the Burlington LABBB program and graduated from the Lexington High School LABBB Collaborative. His classmates became his lifelong friends, who have continued to enjoy each other’s company throughout the years at recreation events, sport activities, reunions, birthday parties and other numerous happenings. 

Kevin was a fierce competitor who loved sports. At 14 years old, he won a Gold Medal in the 50-meter dash at the 1979 International Summer Special Olympics in Brockport, New York. He also placed fourth in the standing broad jump. He was one of 90 athletes representing Massachusetts that year in a global event featuring competitors from 37 countries. That first-ever international Special Olympics was attended by notable figures such as Eunice Shriver, Muhammad Ali, Bobby Orr, and Christopher Reeve, making it even more special.

In 2018, the Rotary Club and the Town of Burlington honored Kevin with a plaque on the Burlington Common alongside other local Olympians including Peter and Kitty Carruthers, Mark and Scott Fusco, and Kali Flanagan—a moment of pride for Kevin and his entire family.

Kevin continued competing in the Massachusetts Special Olympics for decades, participating in track and field, swimming, basketball, and softball. No matter the sport, Kevin gave it his all. He was known for his enthusiasm, unbreakable spirit, competitive nature, and an unshakable belief that he never lost.

He was a regular at the Burlington and Billerica Recreation Departments, taking part in street hockey, bowling, basketball, and horseback riding. He especially loved karate and enjoyed demonstrating his considerable martial arts skills whenever the opportunity presented itself.

His powerful softball swing, that once resulted in a smashed a car windshield, earned him the nickname “Boomer”—a title he wore with pride.

Kevin had a way of becoming the heart of every team he “coached.” His nieces’, nephews’, and great-nieces’ and nephews’ sports games weren’t complete without Kevin being in attendance. Whether on the bench, in the dugout, or acting as an honorary coach, Kevin brought good luck, joy, and unity. He even traveled across the country with a Dek hockey team, bridging generations and building bonds between young athletes and those with disabilities.

He adored being the center of attention. Kevin loved parties, music, dancing, and being surrounded by people. He perfected his dancing skills by studying movies like Grease, Saturday Night Fever, and Dirty Dancing, often performing his favorite dance moves to anyone willing to watch—and he was undoubtedly the best dancer in the room.

Kevin loved road trips, especially long ones. He traveled far and wide—to Florida, Arizona, Taiwan, Canada, Lake Placid (where he rode a bobsled), and even to the White House, where he met President Bill Clinton. He went camping, deep-sea fishing, ice fishing, attended countless baseball games, and proudly called his cross-country Red Sox stadium tour his “World Tour.” A meal of Chinese food and a Coke Zero completed his idea of the perfect outing.

But more than anything, Kevin had a heart full of love. He disliked arguments. He was kind, compassionate, polite, and deeply thoughtful. He wished Christmas would come sooner every year. He also felt that way about the second most important day of the year, September 21, his birthday!

Kevin reminded everyone around him what truly matters—family, kindness, laughter, and love. In a world often too busy, he slowed us down. He taught us how to see through innocent eyes, how to laugh louder, love deeper, and live more freely. Many believed they were helping Kevin, but in truth, Kevin helped them—just by being himself.

He kept his family close, inspired strangers to smile, and filled every room with light. It’s safe to say: Kevin was the biggest winner of all.

Kevin was the loving son of Richard and Helen (Robertson) O’Neill. He was the beloved brother and brother-in-law of Richard O’Neill & his wife Janice of Burlington (formerly of Tewksbury) Stephen O’Neill & his wife Vicki of Billerica, Helen (Jay) Lemelin & her husband Gerard of Palm Bay, FL, James O’Neill of Leominster, David O’Neill & his wife Pamela of Byfield, Susan Regan & her husband John of Vero Beach, FL, and Michael O’Neill of Burlington.  Kevin also leaves behind the love of his life and soulmate, Stephanie Klein of Burlington.  He was also survived by many loving, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and friends.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Thursday, June 19 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Friday, June 20 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, www.stveronicama.org, 111 Winn Street, Burlington at 10 a.m.  Services will conclude with Kevin being laid to rest with his parents at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.

Memorials in Kevin’s memory may be made to the  Burlington Parks and Recreation Department to support Therapeutic Recreational Programs and Scholarships, 61 Center Street, Burlington, MA 01803