Irish Liquor Lawyer mourns the passing of Chicago Hospitality Legend and great friend Eamonn Vaughan.

Eamonn Vaughan, in a life cut way too short, lived the American Dream to its fullest. He came to America from Ireland as a teenager. Together with his partner and brother Kevin, they built a chain of well respected bars and restaurants. Anyone who has lived in Chicago has spent time at one of their great places.

But Eamonn was more than a great business man, he was a fantastic human being. Always friendly and always welcoming, pure class.

Having grown up in the same town, I knew Eamonn but not well. We got to know each other over the last decade pretty well. The highlight of my year was the Irish Fellowship Party, where, me, him, Shawn Sullivan, and Matt Keefe, would share good times and a lot of drinks. 4 Irish guys who grew up together in the same place. This year, Matt, Eamonn, and I raised our glasses to our dear friend Shawn Sullivan who passed the year before. Sadly, Matt and I will need to make another toast to our beloved friend Eamonn.

As we mourn in sadness, I will also try to celebrate the life of a great man, as my life, as with many others, was better and happier because we were lucky enough to encounter Eamonn Vaughan in our lifetimes.

As we say a tough goodbye to a great man and friend, we must take solace in that God is providing him his eternal reward, he will be reunited with his late parents and his best friend, Shawn Sullivan, who also died too young. Eamonn, Shawn will be waiting for you and I am sure telling you of every detail of life up there.

To his brother Kevin and the Vaughan family, you are in my prayers and thoughts.

And to Eamonn, may you be enjoying God’s eternal grace that you so richly earned by living such a decent life.

God Bless my friend and until we meet again!