Hugh Thomas McNeilly

Hugh Thomas McNeilly, 67, of Sonoma passed away peacefully at home on April 24, 2025.

Hugh was born in Mountain View, CA to Hugh P. and Dorothy McNeilly. He was raised in Glen Ellen and attended Dunbar, Altimira, and Sonoma Valley High. In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, travel, Bay Area sports, horse racing, hiking, and spending time with his family.

He was a long-time member of the Sonoma Valley Men’s Golf Club. Some of his best golf memories were playing St. Andrews Links and Pebble Beach Golf Links. He would fondly look back on his travels, including trips to Europe, cruises, and road trips. Hugh was a lifelong fan of the San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors, and San Francisco 49ers. He could regularly be found hiking at the Glen Ellen reservoir, Montini Preserve, and Overlook Trail. He owned and operated McNeilly’s Tavern until it’s closing in 2007, and most recently was a bartender at the Saint Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco and the Sausalito Yacht Club.

Hugh is survived by his wife, Jill, children Joe (Roselle), Lissa Turnbull, Markie Zainal (Ali), grandchildren Mason and Max McNeilly, Tasha, Toran, and Seamus Turnbull, and a granddaughter soon to be born to Markie and Ali. He is also survived by his sister Janice Holliday, brothers Earl and Daniel, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Robert and John.

Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services at St. Leo’s on May 23 at 1 p.m. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Sonoma Overlook Trail (c/o Sonoma Ecology Center) or By the Bay Health.

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