Owner of Iconic Reilly's Daughter Tavern in Oak Lawn Dies at 75

James 'Boz' O'Brien, a beloved community figure, ran the family-friendly establishment for decades.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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James 'Boz' O'Brien, the owner of the iconic Reilly's Daughter tavern in Oak Lawn, Illinois, passed away on January 28 at the age of 75. O'Brien had operated the beloved establishment, which grew from a 1,400 square foot space to over 5,000 square feet, for decades, turning it into a hub for the local community.

Why it matters

Reilly's Daughter was more than just a bar - it was a gathering place that brought together people from all walks of life, from politicians to neighbors to former Chicago Bears players. O'Brien's death marks the end of an era for the Oak Lawn community, which had come to rely on the tavern as a center of social activity.

The details

O'Brien opened Reilly's Daughter in the mid-1970s when he was just in his mid-20s. Over the years, he transformed the tavern into a beloved local institution, hosting frequent parties, celebrations, music events, and other gatherings that helped define the community. The tavern was known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with O'Brien welcoming a diverse clientele that included pals, politicians, neighbors, labor leaders, and even members of the 1986 Super Bowl Bears.

  • O'Brien opened Reilly's Daughter in 1976.
  • O'Brien passed away on January 28, 2026 at the age of 75.

The players

James 'Boz' O'Brien

The owner of the Reilly's Daughter tavern in Oak Lawn, Illinois for decades.

Brendan O'Brien

The son of James 'Boz' O'Brien, who confirmed his father's death.

Mike Houlihan

A longtime friend and customer of James 'Boz' O'Brien.

Lou Holtz

The former Notre Dame football coach who hosted a live TV show at Reilly's Daughter.

Lightning & Thunder

A Milwaukee-based Neil Diamond tribute band that performed regularly at Reilly's Daughter.

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What they’re saying

“It was something to see. It showed how many lives my dad touched.”

— Brendan O'Brien, Son of James 'Boz' O'Brien (Chicago Tribune)

“Boz held that place together. He was a larger-than-life character, Irish to his core and personality.”

— Mike Houlihan, Longtime friend and customer (Chicago Tribune)

“I never would have taken that leap of faith if Boz hadn't believed in me.”

— Mike Houlihan, Longtime friend and customer (Chicago Tribune)

The takeaway

The closing of Reilly's Daughter marks the end of an era for the Oak Lawn community, which had come to rely on the iconic tavern as a hub of social activity and a place that brought together people from all walks of life. O'Brien's legacy as a beloved community figure and tireless worker will continue to be felt long after his passing.