Billy Hork Obituary

MY late husband. loved going to the Oak st. gallery. The art work he bought there are still with me today. I will be selling my house so I will miss the artwork we had gracing my house.
The new buyers just love our
artwork and wish to purchase
them
.Do you know someone who could tell me their worth?
You may contact me at 847- 922 -8630
It makes me sad to see them
leave my house.
They have brought our family
such pleasure. My blessings are
With your family.

All of us who had the pleasure
of shopping in the Billy Hork
Galleries should consider themselves truly lucky.
Sorry about your loss.

I started working at Billy Hork Galleries in April of 1975. A snowstorm kept me from the first interview I was supposed to have that day but I called and said as soon as the snow was cleared I would come in. Billy said no worries, just get here when you can. I´m always here from 10-6.....7 days a week. I thought to myself, this is the weirdest job interview I´ve ever encountered. I came in on a Monday the following week we talked and he asked when can you start. I said I needed to give a two week notice and he said I respect that so see you two weeks from today. I came to work that Monday.....there was no desk, there was no real outline of what was needed or what I was supposed to be doing. Just a guy who needed someone who was organized. Billy and I worked well together. I made him organize sales records, keep files for vendors and babysit his dog Czar when he needed to get away. I held him back from buying too much art just because it was a good deal.....he taught me everything there was to know about merchandising and what made people respond to advertising. He came to my wedding that year and became my friend. 5 years later I was Vice President of the company and life was great for a booming business. The company grew from two locations to 5, he got married, we both had children and then 25 years later in 1990 it was time for me to leave and be a full time mom (for a few years). We lost touch after that even tho we lived a mere short walk from each other in Northfield. It was hard to walk away. I loved my job, my co workers and Billy. It was just time to move on. I miss you sir. You taught me so much and I hope this Irish Catholic girl taught you a few things too.

Never forgotten.

A good friend missed.

Billy was just the greatest. When u looked up the word NEGOTIATE in the dictionary, it just said "see billy hork. "

I just heard about Billy today. I am so so sorry-- I worked for Billy in the early 80s. I still tell stories about the dogs and setting up the warehouse sales. I would stop in and say hi for years after leaving. I am just so sad to hear this.

I am sad to hear the Billy passed away. I was a 17 year old latino kid at Lane Tech HS in 1977 when I came across a "help wanted" post in the counseling office. I met Billy that same day and he offered me a job on the spot. I worked at N Clark street after school and Billy gave me work on Sundays at the Oak Street gallery.
God Bless
Ramon

I just heard of Billy's passing and want to send my sympathy to his family. I have bought art from Billy since the very beginning of his business. Seeing Bill was always a fun and enjoyable experience. He went out of his way to meet with us and to find just want what we needed (even if we didn't think we did!!!) When I was ill many years ago he called me to find out how I was and always asked about my family. He was a great guy and will be missed by all who knew him.

My dearest cousin Monica, Jonathon and Nick,

We were both very saddened to hear of Billy's recent tragic death. We are sending our deepest sympathies and prayers to cope with this great loss.

with love and sympathy,
Jim and Suzanne Healy

Dear relatives of Billy:
I'm sorry this note is late in coming. I am living in CA now and just heard of Billy's passing. I worked for Billy in the late '70s both on Oak St. as a salesperson and as manager of Broadway. It was an extraordinary work experience and Billy was a kind, generous, funny, energetic and knowledgeable boss and co-worker. The high point of the year was always the Oak St. Art Fair where we got to work side-by-side with the Master of Sales, Billy. We watched as he befriended and sold to anyone and everyone who walked by! Other memories include Billy confronting groups of transvestites who were stealing large graphics right off the wall of the Broadway gallery. He managed to get back the art and get the thieves to exit gracefully. I"ll never forget the stories of how Billy started selling art right out of his trunk. I never knew if this was actually fact but it was certainly believable. Billy had a great way of stimulating retail sales during a slump. We had a Blizzard Sale whenever the city was snowed in and Billy Hork Galleries would be the only store on the street with customers! I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person and a brilliant businessman. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Warm regards, Leslie August (Wilson)

I was so sorry to learn of Billys passing.I still enjoy the paintings I bought from him 30 years ago.He was very kind to me as a young collector and in the process became a good friend.

I am Billy's first cousin. We were very close growing up, going to our grandparents house every Sunday. I was always very fond of him and know how hard he worked building his galleries. We were very proud of his great success. Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are to hear about this tragic event. He was a great guy and full of life. He loved his work and he loved people. We take comfort knowing his art and memories are in so many homes. Our thoughts and prayers are with Monica, Nicolas and Jonathon.

Monica, Nick, & Jonathan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Billy will be missed, he was a very special person with an incredibly big heart. Megan (Chance) Clancy

Dear Monica:
Nora and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to you and your children. I always looked forward to Billy's visit's especially when he was with Barry. We had such a great time together. I will miss Billy very much; he was a wonderful friend.
Eric and Nora Gross / Naples FL

I was shocked to learn of Billy Hork's sudden passing. I worked for Billy in framing for four years(1987-1991). My condolences go out to his wife, sons, and the employees who worked for him.

Dear Monica,
I am so sad about learning the bad news on Thanksgiving Day.
I had the utmost respect for Billy and it was always a pleasure to see you and him at trade-shows and do business with him.
My only regret is not having spent more time with him outside of business venues.
If I can help in any way, let me know.
Sincerely,
Gerard

To Monica, Nicholas, Jonathan, and Donald Hork and Janet Seitzer,

I wanted to express my deepest sympathy for the loss of such a dear and wonderful person. It saddened me to hear the news via email today from his friends in Lincoln Park. I bought my first two pieces of signed art from Billy in 1977 - under $100 each (framed) and they are both worth a great deal more today -- More than ten times the purchase price. And, I love them more today than when I bought them. I knew Billy when he was single and dating a friend. He was full of energy, life, and had a loving, generous heart. I know he will be missed. I wish there could have been another way for him and my prayers are with his family and close friends. I think of him often over the years when I look at my two Rene Carcans. I wish you peace.

Ellen Rubenson Erlanger

I'm so sorry to hear about Billy. He was friends with my father who started an art gallery outside of Boston at approximately the same time as Billy. They were cut from the same cloth, and when my father died 14 years ago, Billy went out of his way to express his sympathies and share his insights. He was a caring man, full of wisdom and humor, and he will be missed.

Billy was a dear friend from high school through and past college until our lives went in different directions. I remember when he opened his first store and we (all of his friends) were there to help him. I regret that I never met his wife and children, and send them my deepest and most heartfelt sympathies.

To the family of Billy Hork, my sincere sympathy. I moved to Chicago in 1973 and lived at 2 E. Oak. I had no furniture coming out of grad school, and walked by Billy's gallery on Oak Street. I bought my first piece of art from him, "George the Wonder Horse," which was a Wes Cole Scott litho; it hangs in my home still 35 years later along with many other purchases from Billy. It was months before I could buy any furniture after that purchase, but it hung proudly on my living room wall!He launched my interest in art and helped me create a passion for collecting which I have now done my entire adult life. He was always a great source of information, friendship and humor. I lost touch with him when we moved to Winnetka, and then a year ago I bumped into him on the north shore. He not only remembered me, but remembered some of the pieces he helped me acquire. I was so saddened to read his obituary, I feel like I have lost a thread through my last 35 years in Chicago. Again, my sincere condolences.

We are devistated to hear about Billy's death. We just found out today and express our deepest sympathies. Billy was a very kind, sweet and generous man. He was always a pleasure to be around. We will greatly miss him.

Our deepest condolences to you and your family. We met Billy when we first moved to Chicago, 13 years ago. We always enjoyed 'visits' with him each time we saw him at the gallery. He brightened our day with his stories and jokes. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Monica, Billy has always been a part of my heart. And all of your family. I remember our times together so clearly. My thought are with you.

My deepest condolences to Monica and the boys. Billy was a real friend, the kind of friend you could always count on no matter what. I cheerish my memories of the times I spent with Billy and how we both laughed. Billy will always have a special place in my heart. God Bless

I knew Billy for more than 30 years.His demeanor and unaffected kind nature was a constant. We loved to kibbutz when we met.
My home is loaded with sculptures and art which I bought in no small part due to Billy's
great taste and passion for art his vocation and avocation.
Over the years I brought many people into his store.All wound up with wonderful
art.
I remember taking my ten year old niece into the Oak Street Store many years ago.While looking through the stacks some glass accidentally broke and she cried.Billy stepped in and told her not to cry and gave her a framed work. He refused to let me pay.That was Billy.
Many people have treasures that were acquired from Billy.But the true treasure
was having known Billy Hork.
My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife and children.
He will truly be very missed.

The memorial service today befitted the man whose life we celebrated. When I got home, Carleen, my wife, pointed out to me that we had a photo of Billy on our bedroom wall. Billy came to a golf outing that I sponsored and we all were photographed with Bob Love(former Chicago Bull). Billy was was a man of conviction and courage who will be remembered and missed by those who knew him.

Again, condolences.

Ralph Musicant

.

Monica, Nick and Jon,
Billy will be missed. We are glad to have had the chance to get to know him and share some memorable times together. We remember the wedding in Mexico...Monica and her sons on the dance floor and Billy sitting at the table with the biggest smile watching them. You are in our thoughts.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you

David Debbie Brandon and Phillip Elsasser

Over 30 years ago I walked into the Billy Hork Gallery to buy art. When Billy saw me, he walked up to me and asked me if I remembered him. I said I did. We went to grammar school and high school together. He reminded me that during a dance in Junior High, I was the only girl who danced with him that night. After telling me that memory, he turned to his Gallery staff and said "50% off anything she wants in the store."
That is my memory of Billy. Always a warm and charming man, it was a pleasure to see his smile over the years as I visited his galleries. He was loyal and generous. I will miss him. Billy Hork was a special man. It was my great pleasure to have danced with him many years ago. Our dance created a warm and lasting bond.

Billy was my next door neighbor for 15 years in Lincolnwood when we both were kids. He was a year older than I and I always thought he was a hunk. We lost touch when our parents moved and passed away. Sincerest sympathies to his wife and children.

We will love Billy until we move along. And we will always remember those happy times, the visits and travels we shared. Our thoughts are with you, Monica, Nick and Jon.

Martin Kappeyne & Linda Andrews

Dearest Monica, Nick, and Jon,
We will always hold in our hearts our many, many fond memories of Billy through the years. You are also in our thoughts and hearts. We are here for you now and always.
With much love, Char, Jon, Lauren, Jamie, & Ruthie

Monica, Nick and Jon,
There are no words for the sorrow of this loss. My heart goes out to you. I'm so grateful for the years of life lessons and good times while working for him. He was amazing in so many ways.

As a distant cousin of the Hork family, I extend my deepest sympathy on this sad occasion.

Dearest Monica and family,

My arms are around all of you. Billy's bright smile will be welcomed in Heaven...mostly, by David! Much love, Meg

My sincerest sympathies go to all of Billy's family in a time of great sadness. I remember Billy from Bradley and ZBT, as a fun loving and creative individual. He will be missed.

Monica,My deepest sympathy to you.Billy and I were friends since Bradley,I remember watching him in California park his car,pop the trunk and sell.I loved & trusted him,he will really be missed

Our deepest condolences to the Hork family. Billy was such a part of our lives over the past 36 years. He will surely be missed.

Dear Don, Jan, Mara, Scott and families,
Our thoughts are with you and your extended family. Know that your many friends grieve with you for the tragic loss of your dear brother and "Uncle Billy".
Don, I know that you will find comfort in remembering happy times together when you were children, learning and laughing together...and the special memory of sharing Billy's 60th birthday breakfast with him.
We are sorry that we are not be able to be in Chicago for you....
Linda (Sprechman) and Harold Jacobson

There are no words to express the sadness we feel with this news.

Billy was the person you always thought of as wonderful. Whether you saw him all the time or not for years, we always picked up where we left off...with a smile.

Sympathy is not enough for you his beloved family. But carrying the knowledge of what a great guy this was, will hopefully help you through the grieving.

He is now with the great artists .

Love Ralph and Dolores Barnett

Monica, Nick and Jon- We will always remember Billy as wonderfully generous, funny and so full of life. We send our love and deepest sympathy to you all. David, Nancy, Sebastian, and Grier.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Andi and Jack Weiner

I am shocked & saddened to hear about the passing of Billy. He was truly a unique person who made an great impression on everyone who met him. I will miss him. Monica, my deepest condolences to you and your family.

To the Hork Family: Like so many, Billy's presence fills our home in the many pieces of art he helped us purchase. His absense leaves a void in us all. Know that he was loved, appreciated and admired. Our sincerest condolences to you all.
Ron Deitch , (ZBT, Bradley '68)
Beth Jacoby

Our deepest sympathy

Billy Hork is one of those people who has touched the lives of many and in the process has made a deep imprint upon each. My deepest sympathy to your entire family.

Monica, Nick, John.........

Billy treasured you three. Billy will be missed. Billy was a man of many passionate interests and he always went at it with an amazing, polite and driving force. Billy added something special to the room wherever he went. He looked at my art and quickly and correctly found kind words to tell me to keep my day job.

Larry Glickman

Monica and all the Hork Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you so often during these difficult days. There are no words. I only wish I knew how to bring you comfort. I grieve with you.

What I appreciate the most about Billy was his constant effort to make every experiece as special as possible and ensure that everyone was having the best time. Too many of my memories spent with the Hork's were just so fun and so great. You will be greatly missed.

To your entire family, my deepest sympathy. Billy and I were friends for many years. He will be greatly missed.

To the entire family, our condolences to you all. Billy was a great person and full of life and he will be greatly missed.

To the entire family:
Please know you have our deepest sympathy. Billy will be missed by everyone who knew him. His warmth extended to all. Jonny - our door and our hearts are always open. We are thinking of you.

With sincere and deepest sympathy to the family of Billy Hork on behalf of the Commissioners of Special Service Area #8.
Sincerely, Ernestine Alfonsetti

I want to extend my sincerest condolences to Billy's family. Although Billy and I only knew one another for a short time, he was the sort of person who made you feel as though you were life-long friends. He was a true gentleman and I consider myself fortunate to have called him my friend.

Doug Imber
Glencoe

I will always be greatful that Billy touched my life, I hold highest regard for his profesionalism , vast wealth of knowledge, sense of humor and boundless genorosity. A bright star in the nite his inspiration will never fade. God bless you, your family and all the hearts you touched...

Billy was my ZBT fraternity pledge father at Bradley University. He was lively, energenic, and a great guy. I am terribly saddened by the news of his passing. My heartfelt condolences go to his family.

Billy was simply the best. When I acquired 200 or so signed, limited edition prints as settlement of a lawsuit, I gave them all to Billy and asked him to sell them for us. It took almost three years for all the art to be sold. We never had a written agreement, but with Billy, none was ever required. He will be missed.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of all of us at Larson Juhl are with you at this time of sorrow. He was an icon in the industry, and we enjoyed working with him over the years. He will be missed by many.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We will all cherish the memories we have of Billy.

Our hearts go out to the entire Hork family for your tragic loss. We will always remember Billy's generosity and fun loving spirit. May you find peace and strength from your family and community who knew him and loved him

To the Hork Family:
I will always cherish the times I had with Billy in our teens and early 20's.

With Love,
Howard Waitzman ( aka Butch )