Legendary South Side Irish Pub Owner Boz O'Brien Dies at 75

Visitation and funeral services announced for the founder of Reilly's Daughter

Feb. 1, 2026 at 11:47pm

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Boz O'Brien, the legendary owner of the iconic South Side Irish pub Reilly's Daughter, has passed away at the age of 75. O'Brien opened the beloved bar in 1976 and ran it for 27 years, creating a lively atmosphere that attracted politicians, sports fans, and the local community. After selling the original location, O'Brien opened a smaller version of Reilly's Daughter at Midway Airport. His sons have since reopened the original Reilly's Daughter pub. Visitation and funeral services have been announced for the beloved pub owner.

Why it matters

Boz O'Brien and his Reilly's Daughter pub were fixtures of the South Side Irish community for nearly three decades. The pub became a gathering place for locals, politicians, and sports fans alike, embodying the spirit and culture of the neighborhood. O'Brien's passing marks the end of an era for this iconic Chicago institution.

The details

Boz O'Brien, whose real name was James, opened Reilly's Daughter in 1976 in a strip mall at 111th Street and Pulaski Road. The pub quickly became a hub for the local Irish community, hosting Irish singers and musicians, and providing a place where young people from the neighborhood could work and put themselves through college. O'Brien was known for his charisma, charm, and wild stunts, like selling chances for fans to throw bricks at TVs during Howard Cosell's Monday Night Football broadcasts. After 27 years, O'Brien reluctantly sold the original Reilly's Daughter in 2002, citing burnout, but later opened a smaller version at Midway Airport. The original location retained its Irish roots under new ownership as Hoops and Helmets and Quigley's South Side Irish Pub, before O'Brien's sons Brendan and Danny reopened Reilly's Daughter at the original site in 2015.

  • Boz O'Brien opened Reilly's Daughter on June 16, 1976.
  • Boz O'Brien sold the original Reilly's Daughter location in 2002 after 27 years of ownership.
  • Boz O'Brien passed away on January 28, 2026.
  • Visitation for Boz O'Brien will be held on February 2, 2026 from 2 to 9 p.m.
  • Boz O'Brien's funeral mass will be held on February 3, 2026 at 10 a.m.

The players

Boz O'Brien

The legendary founder and owner of the iconic South Side Irish pub Reilly's Daughter, known for his charisma, charm, and wild stunts.

Brendan and Danny O'Brien

Boz O'Brien's sons who assumed ownership of Reilly's Daughter and reopened the original location in 2015.

Howard Cosell

The late ABC sportscaster who drew the ire of Boz O'Brien after a disgruntled fan threw a brick at Cosell's limo during the World Series.

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What they’re saying

“It is with great sadness we share the passing of our founder, the legendary Boz O'Brien, whose determination and grit turned a vision into the greatest tradition the South Side of Chicago has ever seen, Reilly's Daughter. Boz had the gift of gab and would strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved to entertain, he loved Chicago and its politics, but most importantly, he loved his sons, Brendan and Danny.”

— Brendan and Danny O'Brien, Sons of Boz O'Brien (Facebook)

What’s next

Visitation for Boz O'Brien will take place on February 2, 2026 from 2 to 9 p.m. at Curley Funeral Home in Chicago Ridge. His funeral mass will be held on February 3, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. Cajetan Church in Chicago, followed by interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip.

The takeaway

Boz O'Brien's Reilly's Daughter pub was more than just a local watering hole - it was a hub of Irish culture, community, and tradition on Chicago's South Side. O'Brien's larger-than-life personality and commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere made Reilly's Daughter an iconic institution that will be deeply missed by generations of loyal patrons.