Brian Thomas O'Neill, Jr.
March 29, 1966 – October 26, 2026
Brian Thomas O'Neill, Jr., 60, of North Easton, Massachusetts, and Brownsville, Vermont, and formerly of West Roxbury, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 26, 2026, following a long illness. A devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend, Brian was happiest spending time with the people he loved, whether on the golf course, the ski slopes, or simply enjoying life together.
Brian grew up in West Roxbury, the oldest of five children of Brian Thomas O’Neill, Sr. and Mary Patricia O’Neill, and big brother to Jim, Greg, Doug, and Lynne. His childhood summers were spent in Scituate, a place he returned to throughout his life to visit family, play golf, and walk along Minot Beach. He graduated from Holy Name School, where he played youth hockey, and later attended Catholic Memorial High School, where he played football, wrestled, and was a member of the golf team. As the big brother, Brian helped lead the way for his younger siblings, sometimes setting an example and other times showing them just how far the rules could bend.
Brian graduated from Boston College in 1988, where he was a member of the men's golf team and wrestling team. A proud Eagle, he remained a devoted fan of BC's sports teams throughout his life. But his greatest connection to Boston College was meeting Diana Garriga, the love of his life. They married in 1993 at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church at Boston College and shared more than three decades of love, laughter, and wonderful memories together. They settled in North Easton, where they built a loving home and raised their four children, Carolyn, Brian III, Alli, and Tina. In later years, Brian and Diana made Vermont their second home, spending as much time there as possible in a place where Brian was happiest.
Of all the things Brian accomplished, nothing made him prouder than his children. He shared a special bond with each of his four children and loved watching them grow into the people they are today. Throughout their childhood, he was a constant presence at recitals, field hockey games, volleyball games, football games, ski races, and gymnastics meets. As they grew, he remained their biggest supporter, always there to encourage them and cheer them on. He loved sharing his interests with them, whether hitting the driving range, racing down the ski slopes together, cheering on their favorite Boston teams, or enjoying a movie or game night. He treasured simply spending time with his family.
Following in his father's footsteps, Brian earned his law degree from Suffolk University Law School. He began his legal career in the Antitrust Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, serving during the administrations of Attorneys General James Shannon and Scott Harshbarger, before clerking for the Honorable Charlotte Perretta of the Massachusetts Appeals Court. He went on to practice immigration law for more than three decades, representing individuals, families, and businesses. Known for his extensive legal knowledge and practical judgment, Brian helped clients navigate complex immigration matters. He was active in the American Immigration Lawyers Association and took great pride in his work and the relationships he built throughout his career.
Golf was one of Brian's greatest passions and a constant throughout his life. From his early years playing at Hatherly Country Club to his time on the Boston College golf team and later as a member of Thorny Lea Golf Club, the game brought him tremendous enjoyment and lasting friendships. Some of his favorite times were spent on the course with his son, father, brothers and sister, and in recent years, he especially enjoyed introducing his daughters to the game. Brian loved the competition as much as the camaraderie, whether playing in a tournament or a friendly family match. To Brian, even the friendliest round was still a competition, and he always played to win.
Brian also loved spending time in Vermont, where he enjoyed skiing, hiking, and the outdoors. He loved working in his yard and gardens and took particular pride in keeping everything looking just right. A devoted Boston sports fan, he loved watching Red Sox, Patriots, and Bruins games and celebrating their biggest wins. He was never short on enthusiasm or shy about offering his opinion on how a game was played.
Brian knew how to have a good time. He loved hosting family and friends for the holidays, a Boston College tailgate, or simply to watch a game together. He loved a good party, dancing to his favorite '80s tunes, and was never one to pass up a good steak with a loaded baked potato, an extra-cheese pizza, or a brownie sundae. He had a mischievous streak and wasn't afraid to test the boundaries, particularly in his younger years, when his siblings were often willing participants in his adventures. His playful side was always evident in the good-natured teasing and lively banter he shared with family and friends. Brian was also a fun-loving uncle who delighted in joking around with his nieces and nephews.
Beneath his mischievous side, Brian was a generous and thoughtful man with a strong sense of what mattered most. Family and friends often turned to him for advice, knowing they could count on his honest opinion. He valued his friendships and the family traditions that brought everyone together and had a special affection for his dogs, including his late Chloe and his beloved Stella.
During the final three years of his life, Brian faced a serious illness with remarkable courage and determination, maintaining a positive outlook despite difficult treatments and setbacks. Through it all, he continued to find opportunities to golf, ski, and spend meaningful time with his family. His desire to keep doing the things he loved reflected the way he had always lived his life.
The O’Neill family extends its heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Mass General Brigham and Sanoviv Medical Institute for the care, compassion, and support they provided throughout his illness.
Brian is survived by his beloved wife, Diana (Garriga) O'Neill; his four children, Carolyn Anne O’Neill, Brian Thomas O’Neill III, Allison Margaret O’Neill, and Christina Maria O'Neill; his parents, Brian Thomas O'Neill, Sr. and Mary Patricia (Ford) O'Neill; his brothers, James O'Neill and his wife Katie, Gregory O'Neill and his wife Michon, and Douglas O'Neill and his wife Lisa; and his sister, Lynne O'Neill. He also leaves many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and treasured friends.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, William and Catherine (Burns) O'Neill and Edward and Alice (Goode) Ford; and his aunt and uncle, Kathleen (O'Neill) and John Hubbard.
Brian leaves behind countless stories and cherished memories that will continue to bring laughter and comfort to those who loved him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will remember the fun, friendship, and love he brought into their lives.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, November 13, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church at Boston College. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward at Corcoran Commons located on the Boston College lower campus to celebrate Brian’s life.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Brian’s memory may be made to My Brother’s Keeper, P.O. Box 338, Easton, MA 02356, or online at www.mybrotherskeeper.org.