Thomas Francis O'Gara, 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.