Thomas O’Donnell, 47, inherited his late father’s love of inventing culinary dishes. “He was always by his father’s side when he cooked,” said his mother, Nancy O’Donnell. But after attending St. Patrick High School on Chicago’s Northwest Side, Mr. O’Donnell–known as “Tommy” to family and friends–decided to join the Army, where he served in the medical corps. He found his true calling when he enrolled in the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago and received his professional cooking certificate in 1994. He worked as a chef at several hotels and restaurants, including the Fairmont Hotel. Mr. O’Donnell died Sunday, June 22, of a stomach aneurysm. He adored reading about Chicago architecture and was a frequent visitor to the Art Institute of Chicago. “He knew buildings inside and out,” his mother said. “He loved the city.” Mr. O’Donnell enjoyed golf and was a huge fan of Frank Sinatra. “He was very easy-going. He found joy in everything,” said his mother. “He was there for everybody. He didn’t know the word `no.'” Mr. O’Donnell is survived by his mother; a brother, Mitchell; and two sisters, Laura Hardy and Kelly O’Donnell. Services have been held.
