Brian O'Neill

Brian Edward O’Neill was born September 10, 1935, in San Diego, California as the eldest of seven children to Edward J. O’Neill and Susan Ellis O’Neill, and died on Saturday, August 08, 2026, in Houston Texas. With his father serving as a naval aviator and captain of the USS Hoggat Bay, an escort carrier in the Pacific Fleet during WWII, Brian learned early lessons in leadership and conservation as he helped his mother care for his younger brothers and sisters while their father was away. After graduating from the Severn School Preparatory Academy in Severna Park, MD Brian got an appointment to the US Naval Academy, graduating with honors in 1957. He then spent five years as a submariner (or sea dog as some say) traveling around the world and serving as skipper of the USS Aspro. It was late in his tour of duty in 1961 that he met the love of his life, Kathryn Theresa Luongo, at a friend’s wedding in Coronado, CA. After a whirlwind romance the two were married close to where they met in Coronado on May 5, 1962. The couple initially settled in Austin, TX for 3 years where Brian attended Law School at the University of Texas and graduated with high honors as a member of the “Order of the Goif.” They eventually moved to Houston in 1965 where Brian accepted a position as a securities lawyer with the law firm of Andrews & Kurth, eventually becoming a partner in 1974. While Brian thoroughly enjoyed his colleagues and work experiences at Andrews & Kurth, he realized how much he enjoyed working with people and recognizing business trends. One of the firm’s clients, Transco Energy Company, approached him in 1974 about becoming General Counsel. Brian eventually became President of Transco Gas Company, which encompassed both the Pipeline and Exploration divisions. He would later join the Williams Companies and become President of Williams Gas Pipeline Group shortly before they acquired Transco’s gas pipeline business in the mid 90’s, creating one of the largest integrated interstate gas pipeline systems in the country at the time. After spending five years integrating Transco into the “The Williams Companies” Brian decided to retire in 1999. While Brian thoroughly enjoyed his professional life and served on a number of organization boards during that time, he most valued the time he was able to spend with family and friends worshipping, playing golf, talking about politics and sports or just catching up on lost time. He saw retirement as a great opportunity to do more of all of these things. Brian is survived by his wife Kathy of 64 years, his daughter Kelley Del Valle and son-in-law Luis Del Valle of Edina, Minnesota, along with their two children Kathryn spouse (Meltiady Issa) and Father Andrew Martin, his son Sean and daughter-in-law Michelle, along with their three children Ashton, Paisley and Ava. He also leaves behind four brothers (John O’Neill and wife Diane, Peter O’Neill and wife Atsuko and Michael O’Neill) and two sisters (Susan Tilley O’Neill and husband Dick Tilley and Sheila Schor O’Neill and husband John Schor) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 9:30 am, Friday, August 15, 2026 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 3617 Milam St. Houston TX 77002. Honored to serve as Pallbearers are Mr. Sean Paul O’Neill, Mr. Bradley O’Neill, Dr. Meltiady Issa. Special thanks to Joseph Earthman Generations Funeral Home.

Brian O'Neill

September 10, 1935 - August 8, 2026