Mark Damisch Obituary

Damisch, Mark William

Mark William Damisch, 68, passed away on September 6, 2024 – his 43rd wedding anniversary with his wife Patricia (Patty) Andrea Koulogeroge Damisch. He valiantly battled metastatic colon adenocarcinoma for nearly four years. He is the son of John W. Damisch and the late Harriet Darley Damisch and the brother of Peter W. Damisch (Lesley). He leaves behind his cherished daughters Dr. Kristina E. Damisch (Kevin), Katherine H. Damisch (Kevin Pollack) and Alexandra W. Damisch (John O'Neill), as well his adored grandchildren Michael and Anastasia O'Neill and Luke Pollack. Mark also enjoyed wonderful relationships with his nieces, nephews and three godsons.

Mark was born in Lake Forest, IL and grew up in Northfield, IL. Suffering through sometimes debilitating months of asthma as a child contributed to his famously tenacious nature. He was drawn to music and began playing the organ, and later the piano, as a preschooler. Growing up in a household that included both parents and a grandfather, Mark learned to love politics, world travel, books, sports and family. He earned Eagle Scout ranking at age 12. Mark spent many Sundays at his paternal grandparents' farm playing with cousins in the corn fields of Hampshire, IL.

Mark earned three degrees from Northwestern University – a Bachelor of Science in Radio, TV and Film; a Juris Doctorate from the Pritzker School of Law and a Masters in Management from the J. L. Kellogg School of Management. He also was a CPA. It was at Northwestern that he met his wife Patty on a blind date that would change his life forever. One of his most treasured honors was serving on the Northwestern University Board of Trustees. He is being buried proudly wearing his academic regalia.

After graduation, Mark worked at the State's Attorney's office in the Special Prosecution Division working on many important cases before joining his father's law firm Barclay, Damisch & Sinson LTD. Mark served in many capacities in local government. He chaired the Northbrook Cable Commission in the 1980's as cable tv was being introduced to the area. He served on Northbrook's Plan Commission, was a Village Trustee and finally became the Village President of Northbrook for 12 years. Under his tenure, Northbrook earned its first AAA bond rating. Mark negotiated many deals that enriched Northbrook's tax base, such as the building of Crate and Barrel's corporate headquarters. He started the Arts Commission and Human Relations Commission and also instituted a program to plant more trees in public parkways. On a regional level, Mark became the President of the Northwest Municipal Conference as well as the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus where he worked to unite local municipalities to be one voice for areas of mutual concern.

Mark never abandoned his love of music. In high school, he directed and wrote music for Potpourri, New Trier West's musical variety show. In college, he wrote music for the Waa-Mu variety show. When his high school choir went to Europe to perform, he got the idea that he could do the same thing on his

own. He raised money to fund the idea by performing locally for his first tour. For his second trip, he convinced local insurance magnate W. Clement Stone to sponsor a friendship tour. Mark and his cousin, ballerina Lori Darley, performed for charities and public venues throughout Europe in the name of peace and international cooperation. The time constraints of a budding career and parenthood stopped Mark from continuing to tour in his early years, but he revived the idea in 2000. For many years, all three daughters performed with him traveling to over 40 countries. Mark continued to play free classical piano concerts in over 60 countries until the month before his death.

Mark's joy in life was family and friends. He loved entertaining at home or going out to restaurants, cultural and sporting events. Mark is especially known for his over-the-top elaborate tailgate parties at Northwestern University's West Lot of Ryan Field. Every week, total strangers would come to admire and photograph his themed tailgates.

So many people touched Mark's life. A special thank you to Moc Lewis and Alek Petrovitch, His Eminence Metropolitan Nathaniel, Jim & Sylvia Vail and the two other "Chuckleheads". They and so many more special people made Mark's life richer.

Visitation Wednesday, September 11th from 4:00-8:00 PM at N.H. Scott Funeral Home, 1240 Waukegan Road, Glenview, Illinois. Funeral service Thursday, September 12th at 9:30 AM at Saints Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 1401 Wagner Road, Glenview, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Sts. Peter and Paul Greek Orthodox Church, 1401 Wagner Road, Glenview Illinois 60025

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