William O'Neill

William Atchison O'Neill (August 11, 1930November 24, 2007) was an American politician and member of the Democratic Party who served as the 84th Governor of Connecticut from 1980 to 1991. He was the second longest-serving governor in Connecticut history, with 10 years in office. Biography O'Neill was born in Hartford, Connecticut, the son of Joseph and Frances O'Neill, He was educated at Teachers College of Connecticut (now Central Connecticut State University) and the University of Hartford but left without matriculating. He married Natalie Scott "Nikki" Damon in 1962. He sold insurance for Prudential Insurance Company. Career O'Neill served as a combat pilot with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. He was a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Upon his return, he ran the family business—an East Hampton tavern where residents and politicians often met and where he, by his own admission, learned to listen. Elected to six terms in the Connecticut House of Representatives, O'Neill served as majority leader from 1975 to 1976 and 1977 to 1978. He was House assistant minority leader and assistant majority leader. He chaired the Coalition of Northeastern Governors and the New England Governors' Conference and was president of the Council of State Governments.