Patrick J. OGara Obituary (1943 - 2017)

Patrick J. OGara, 74, of Normal, passed away at 1:34 a.m., Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.A Celebration of Patricks Life will be scheduled in a few weeks. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Homernis assisting the family with arrangements.Patrick was born January 7, 1943 in Chicago, the son of Daniel and Gladys Whitelaw OGara. Survivors include a sister, Gail (Sonny) Mirsky of Huntley; four nieces, Kate Mirsky, Colleen (Jeff) Jackson, Kelly (Kathy) Mirsky and Beth (Dave) Carlson, and a nephew, Tom (Linda) Rood.He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Roberta Rood and a brother, Daniel OGara.Active in the Chicago Theater for many years, Patrick taught theater at Columbia University and was involved in both the Jefferson Committee and Old Town Community Theater. Most recently he was Professor of Theater at Illinois State University for nearly 30 years.