Thomas O'Gara Obituary

O'Gara, Thomas Francis 78, of Wilmette, Illinois, passed away January 3, 2018, with his wife and son by his side. A Chicago native and lifelong resident of the area, he was born December 22, 1939, to Viateur Francis and Mary Ellen (Collins) O'Gara. He graduated from St. Ignatius College Prep, Loyola University and Chicago-Kent College of Law, and was a practicing attorney for forty-five years. Tom's favorite days included achieving a good result for a client in court and working in his Skokie office; catching up with a family member or old friend and telling stories of days gone by; watching a classic movie and pouring over the newspaper; and discussing it all with his wife over dinner and a well-selected glass of wine. He enjoyed trips to Europe, returning many times to Ireland and Italy, and often visited his son in New York City, always recording his travels with many pictures. He was devoted to the memory of his parents as well as his brother, Fr. James, whom he missed dearly in recent years. Tom is remembered for his generous, loyal and optimistic nature. As he would be saying now, he had a good life. Tom is survived by his wife of forty-four years, Judith; son, Patrick Francis of New York, New York; brother, Martin (Gerlinde) of Mainbernheim, Germany; sister-in-law, Linda of Batavia, Illinois; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John, Fr. James and Daniel; parents-in-law, Harold and Lucille Davidson; sister-in-law, Barbara Davidson; and a multitude of others to whom he was close. Visitation Tuesday, January 9, 2018 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, at Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois. Visitation Wednesday, January 10, 2018, 10:00 a.m. until start of Funeral mass at 11:00 a.m., Saint Joseph Parish, 1747 Lake Avenue, at Ridge Road, Wilmette, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities, 721 North LaSalle Dr., Chicago, IL 60654. Info: www.donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-1990.