I’m extremely sorry to the O’Mara family for their loss. I had the pleasure of meeting and spending an extremely memorable weekend with Joe and his 2 sons Tommy and Owen. His son Tommy is one of my best friends and I was lucky enough to be invited on a hunting trip in Bolivar Missouri with the O’Maras and their close family friends, the Roberts. Joe was very generous during this trip. He drove us from Illinois, let us use his guns and gear and showed us the ropes when it came to hunting. With my luck and the hospitality that the O’Mara’s family and friends showed me, I was actually able to kill my first deer, something I’d always wanted to experience. Without the generosity, inclusiveness and thoughtfulness Joe possessed, I would have never gotten to experience this. It is something I will remember for the rest of my life. I now have that deer skull hanging on my wall and it will always remind me of Joe.
5
Joe was a man whose life was a tapestry of countless stories and never-ending laughter. It was always astonishing to see how he connected with people across the globe, leaving a lasting impression wherever he went. He leaves a remarkable legacy – while the world feels a bit emptier, that legacy will hopefully be a source of comfort during this tough time.
To the O’Mara family, in this difficult time, please know you remain in my thoughts. Joe's memory will continue to resonate in the hearts of all those who had the privilege to know him.
6
I was very shocked and saddened to hear of Joe's passing. My condolences to the O'Mara Family.
6
One the very first industry peers I met in Chicago. RIP Joe and my deepest condolences to the family.
5
So very saddened to hear the news. Joe was a best friend to me and to so many others. He was a legend and a great family man. Joe always brought people together, and lived like to its fullest. I’ll miss him every day. May he rest in peace.
6
My heartfelt condolences. Was deeply shocked and saddened to hear this. Joe was a remarkable entrepreneur and person, always both feet on the ground. His presence, person, and many stories will be dearly missed. My thoughts are with his kids, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.
3
I am shaken to my core to learn of joes passing. I worked with Joe on projects for over 25 years. He was kindered spirit and I shall miss him dearly although I shall always cry him in my heart Until we meet in the next life . Eternal rest, grant unto him ,O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
3
I am so saddened to learn of Joe’s passing. My deepest condolences to the entire O’Mara family.
3
I am completely shocked and sad about this news as I worked with Joe for 1yrs. His humor, easy going vibe were contagious. He will be dearly missed and my deepest condolences to the extended O’Mara family.
2
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for the entire family
2
Brit and family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences at the passing of your wonderful dad, Joe. Joe made us so welcome last October & we enjoyed Joe's stories whilst in Chicago.
Sending love and prayers to all the O'Mara family,
Janice & Stephen Wilkins
2
Sending my most sincere condolences to you and your family Peter! Always here if you need anything! Your family is in my prayers!
2
As Robert Cortright said, Joe, ”always has a good story to tell.” I see there’s a spot for stories, so I thought I’d share a “Joe Story” here. I'm sure there are plenty more and I'm hopeful others will share.
I am a former employee and vendor of Joe’s. But like many I quickly became a friend. Joe met my mother before I met Joe. This isn’t a bad mom joke. Joe just happened to buy the home in which I grew up from my parents. Joe especially loved my stories about my high school years in that great basement. Ironically Joe and I both worked in the Retail FX brokerage business. But neither of us knew the other existed. Surely, we would know each other from the many conferences we both attended. But no. It took a previous colleague of mine working with Joe to connect the dots. This isn’t the “Joe Story”, but I find it to be a unique part of our friendship.
The Joe story…. I was working with Joe at DirectFX. We were set to attend the IFX Expo in Cyprus. Given there were no direct flights to Cyprus, Joe booked us on a connecting flight to Amman Jordan. He was very excited to share his experience of visiting Petra for the 6th time with me. I was thrilled. Given this was my first time in the middle east, I went along with more than a little trepidation. After a 10-hour flight, we arrived in Amman at 23:00. As it would turn out, there was no more red wine on the plane after we deboarded. After navigating customs, we arrived outside of the airport to a cattle pen of screaming cab drivers. Joe happens to be encircled by each of them negotiating the best rate to Petra, a 2 ½ hour drive through the Jordanian countryside (which looks different than the Western Suburbs). I remember thinking, “Joe, perhaps the best approach here isn’t finding the cheapest taxi.” We jump in the taxi and Joe immediately falls asleep. I’m very much on edge, and poke Joe and start to say, “what if…”. Joe cuts me off and says, “tell them you’re Canadian”. And goes back to sleep. Sleep is nowhere in my future. I couldn’t fall asleep if I wanted to.
In the end, we pulled into this great hotel just outside of Petra. The views along the way were like nothing I had ever seen. But nothing compared to the day spent hiking with my friend in one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. There was never a doubt in Joe’s mind. He had done this a dozen times. I on the other hand would never have planned a trip like this had I never met Joe.
You’ll be missed Joe.
6
Peter and Family - Please accept our heartfelt condolences at Joe's passing. He remains alive in his children and all those Joe touched during his Earthly life and his impacts will continue to be realized for years to come, not only for donating Gunga Din to the Brookfield Zoo, but also for those literally around the world Joe impacted for the better. God bless Joe's soul, family, and friends. Respectfully, John N. Maher
2
Our deepest condolences to the entire O’Mara family. We lost a great man and a great dad.
2
Dear Caleigh and family,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your beautiful, kind, loving family! I am so sorry and heartbroken for all of you.
God’s Blessings,
Lori and Bob Osmanski
2
Joe was one of a kind. He will be remembered fondly. I am glad that he leaves behind such a great legacy.
2
My deepest sympathy to the O’Mara children and siblings. Joe will be missed dearly.
3
I am shocked and saddened at Joes passing. Always a friendly smile and a good story to tell. He will be missed!
3
So sorry to hear this. Very sad news. Joe was always full of life. My condolences to his family
2
I extend my deepest condolences to his family. Joe was a dear friend, and his absence will be profoundly felt. I will miss him immensely.
2
Share with others
