Industry Veteran, and Unfinished Furniture Advocate, David O'Neil Leaves Legacy
Furniture World News Desk on
7/13/2023
Industry veteran, David O'Neil, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away on July 9, 2023, from pancreatic cancer.
Long-time sales representative, and partner in F&O Sales out of Marietta, Georgia, David represented Whitewood Furniture from the company’s onset in 1982 and pioneered the line throughout many southern states — working closely with unfinished furniture retailers on the advantages of real, solid wood unfinished furniture. David was involved with the Unfinished Furniture Association turned Authentic Home Furnishings, an association that advocated for the education of solid wood furniture.
O'Neil was well-known for his charisma, jovial spirit, and passion for the industry.
According to long-time friend and business associate, Jorge Mata, Whitewood Industries CEO, O'Neil was instrumental in Whitewood’s growth and success over the last thirty-eight years and will be sorely missed.
“David was a close and dear friend to me, and to his customers,” states Mata. “He could always be trusted to speak the truth, advocate for his customers, work tirelessly, and then at the end of the day, David was the life of the party, all the while making sure everyone got home safely. He was one of a kind. While the industry is losing a professional, many of us are losing one of our closest, most trusted friends and confidantes.”
David is survived by his wife of 41 years, Kathy; his 3 children, and his 6 grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held on July 20th at 3:00 PM at the upstairs at the Waverly Restaurant @ 2095 N Beach Rd., Englewood FL.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the nonprofit: Just Against Children Drowning by visiting justagainstchildrendrowning.org or by check at JACD PO BOX 494677, Port Charlotte Fl 33952.