Austin Martin O'Toole, Esq.

Austin Martin O’Toole passed away on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, surrounded by family, American flags and his favorite music. He was the finest and kindest of spirits. He was great fun as well, especially on major holidays in Houston and Galveston and summers on Nantucket. Corporate lawyer, mediator/arbitrator, community contributor, sailor and runner, Austin finished 27 marathons including Boston, New York, Houston and at age 67, the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. His exemplary focus, devotion and encouragement on so many levels inspired family members and others to develop and achieve their potential.

Austin will be most lovingly remembered by his wife, Valerie J. Sherlock, his daughter, Erin A. O’Toole-Pullen, D.V.M; son Austin M. O’Toole, Jr.; grandson, Jonathan H. Pullen (all in Houston); granddaughter, Alexis I. Pullen of New York City; niece, Bridget M. Dahill of Amherst, MA; sister-in-law, Mary M. O’Toole of Mansfield, MA and numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins in Massachusetts, Washington State and Alaska.

Austin is pre-deceased by his parents, Helen V. and John B. O’Toole, Jr., M.D.; his uncle, Francis Austin O’Toole, M.D.; siblings in adulthood: Elizabeth “Beth” O’Toole Dahill;, John B. O’Toole, III, M.D; Terrence J. O’Toole, M.D.; and by siblings in childhood: Alma O’Toole, Judith O’Toole and Patrick O’Toole.

Born in New Bedford, MA, Austin grew up sailing competitively at the yacht club, later in New England inter-collegiate races, and much later sailing with family and friends on Galveston Bay. In 1957, he received a business degree from The College of the Holy Cross. Prior to law school, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Captain. In 1963, he earned his law degree (J.D.) from Georgetown University Law Center, where he was named to the law review (Board of Editors of the Georgetown Journal). The next year, he was selected to clerk for Honorable E. Barrett Prettyman, Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals, Washington D.C.

Austin began his law career in New York with White & Case, a prominent Wall Street firm. Moving to Houston, he joined The Coastal Corporation as Senior Vice President and Senior Counsel for the next 28 years. Leaving the corporate world in 2002, he enjoyed a successful second career as a mediator/arbitrator.

Over the years Austin combined his love of international travel, athletics and Irish heritage to attend the Olympics and O’Toole clan rallies in several countries.

AUSTIN O’TOOLE LIFE TRIBUTE

No tribute to Austin O’Toole is complete without mentioning his exceptional rescue pets. In a New York shelter, Austin found the extraordinary Irish Setter, “Beau Geste,” and developed him to be an AKC champion show dog. In Galveston, a potentially handsome stray cat (who considered himself a champion) found Austin running on the beach. Adopted on the spot and named “Seawall,” he became a loyal companion and NFL fan, never missing a televised Texans or Patriots game, right at Austin’s side.

Austin will forever be in our hearts.

“Fair Winds and Following Seas”

A Memorial Service for Austin Martin O’Toole will be held on Thursday, June 12, 11:00 a.m.

Chapel of St. John The Divine Episcopal Church

2450 River Oaks Blvd., Houston, Texas 77019

The previous day, a private interment and military ceremony with the Marines will be held at Houston National Cemetery