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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
JAMES L. “BOZ” O’BRIEN, IN MEMORIAM
WHEREAS, Almighty God in His infinite wisdom has called James L. “Boz” O’Brien from our midst on January 28, 2026, at the age of seventy-five; and
WHEREAS, James L. “Boz” O’Brien was the loving and devoted father of Brendan O’Brien and Dan (Emily) O’Brien, and the proud and adoring “Grandpa Boz” to his grandson, Michael; and
WHEREAS, James L. “Boz” O’Brien was the devoted son of the late Lawrence and Margaret O’Brien; and
WHEREAS, James L. “Boz” O’Brien was the dear brother of Sheila (Maurice) McNulty, Paula (Jeff) Litman, Joanie (late Edmund) Obiala, Kevin (Patricia) O’Brien, Larry (Marie) O’Brien, and Caron (Edward) Hayes; and
WHEREAS, James L. “Boz” O’Brien was a cherished uncle, cousin, and friend to many, whose warmth, storytelling, and generosity touched countless lives; and
WHEREAS, a graduate of Queen of Martyrs Elementary School and Brother Rice High School, James L. “Boz” O’Brien embodied the spirit of Chicago’s South Side Irish community throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, on June 16, 1976, at just twenty-four years of age, James L. “Boz” O’Brien founded Reilly’s Daughter, transforming it into a cornerstone of South Side Irish life and a gathering place rooted in laughter, music, fellowship, and neighborhood pride; and
WHEREAS, through his remarkable ability to remember names, connect people, and welcome everyone as family, Boz created a pub where generations of Chicagoans forged friendships, celebrated milestones, and felt a deep sense of belonging; and
WHEREAS, Reilly’s Daughter welcomed notable figures including Chicago Bears players, former Mayor Richard M. Daley, and Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz, who once broadcast his television show live from the pub, further cementing its reputation as a beloved community institution; and
WHEREAS, Boz expanded his vision in 2002 with a second Reilly’s Daughter location at Midway Airport, and later returned to the original Oak Lawn site in 2015, proudly watching his sons Brendan and Dan carry forward the family legacy, with Brendan managing the location following its reopening; and
WHEREAS, Boz cultivated cherished traditions, including annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, soda bread and Irish coffee contests, and countless family gatherings, making Reilly’s Daughter not only a business but a home for community and family life; and
WHEREAS, beyond his success as a businessman, James L. “Boz” O’Brien was known for his quiet generosity, frequently helping others find employment, offering support without seeking recognition, and living by the values of kindness, hard work, and compassion; and
WHEREAS, all who knew him will attest that James L. “Boz” O’Brien was a man of extraordinary character, deeply committed to his family, and steadfastly devoted to his neighborhood and community; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, that the Board does hereby extend its deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family and many friends of James L. “Boz” O’Brien, and joins them in mourning the loss of a beloved father, grandfather, businessman, and community pillar; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body, and that a suitable copy be presented to the family of James L. “Boz” O’Brien, so that his memory may be honored, preserved, and forever cherished.
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