It is with deep respect and sadness that Chicago-based W.E. O’Neil Construction announces the passing of William “Bill” O’Neil II, former CEO and Chairman of the Board, aged 83, who led the company through decades of significant growth and change. He passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family on April 10.
As the grandson of founder William Edward, Bill O’Neil carried the family legacy forward with a focus on trust, growth, and the people around him. He joined W.E. O’Neil in 1967, working his way up through roles like layout engineer, superintendent, project manager, and estimator—learning the business inside and out. By 1985, he became CEO and led the company into a new era of expansion, partnering with major corporations and taking W.E. O’Neil to new markets across the country.
For Bill O’Neil, the strength of the company always came from its people. In his own words: “Hire people that are smarter and better than you are. Then give them responsibility and let them grow. Promote them, praise them, and support them.” He trusted the people around him, giving them the tools and opportunities to succeed and carry the company forward.
An important moment in O’Neil’s career came in 2020, when W.E. O’Neil became a 100% employee-owned company. This milestone was the result of a collaborative effort between leadership and the O’Neil family, ensuring the company’s future would belong to those who build it. “It is, and always has been, about our people—our W.E O’Neil family,” he said when reflecting on this change. “Putting them right up front is the right thing to do.”
O’Neil’s care for the team extended beyond the work itself. He made time for picnics, jobsite visits, and small reminders that every person mattered. Through decades of change, he preserved what made the company special, while setting it up to thrive for generations to come.
Outside his professional life, O’Neil was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His warmth, creativity, and generous spirit touched all who knew him. In recent years, his heart belonged to the outdoors and the arts, with a passion for photographing wildlife and for music. He brought joy and connection to every gathering.
“As I worked at W.E. O’Neil over the course of several decades, the one thing that became more and more apparent about Bill O’Neil was that he had two great loves in his life, the love he demonstrated for his family and the love and support that he showed for the employees of W.E. O’Neil,” shared Brian Ramsay, previous CEO and current Chairman of the Board. “I really came to admire how Bill was able to focus so strongly on both his home and work family, and was also able to make everyone that he touched feel important and special. He was a unique and special leader, friend, and family patriarch, and his legacy will carry on for many years to come. Rest in peace, Bill.”
The people of W.E. O’Neil extend heartfelt condolences to the O’Neil family. The family shared a personal obituary which can be read on Legacy.com here.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the future. To honor Bill O’Neil, the family kindly invites donations in his memory, honoring his legacy of love, laughter, and giving to:
– Center for the Arts (Jackson, WY)
– Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (Kanab, UT)
– St. Mary’s Food Bank (Phoenix, AZ)
