Mitch Dudek

Sam Sianis, legendary owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, died Friday from natural causes at Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital. He was 91.

The 12-show lineup kicks off in September with a circus-arts work from Montreal and introduces a new Scrooge in ‘Christmas Carol.’

The 12-show lineup kicks off in September with a circus-arts work from Montreal and introduces a new Scrooge in ‘Christmas Carol.'

Mr. O'Malley didn't spare details of his downward spiral as an addict and, in doing so, became a guidepost for others who struggled with substance abuse.

Since the Chicago funeral home operator's death Sunday, people whose lives he touched have been sending flowers, cards, hot meals and thousands of messages. “We're so appreciative . . . the support we're receiving,” his wife Donna Leak said. “It's nourishing to our souls.

Since the Chicago funeral home operator's death Sunday, people whose lives he touched have been sending flowers, cards, hot meals and thousands of messages. "We're so appreciative ... the support we're receiving," his wife Donna Leak said. "It's nourishing to our souls."

He got his break when he met Tim Reid through the South Side Jaycees. They did a drug education presentation for kids. It was a hit. People said they should be professional comedians. They performed as Tim & Tom, one of the nation's first multiracial comedy acts.

He was the powerful head of patronage for Mayors Richard J. Daley and Michael Bilandic before leading the Chicago Board of Trade.

“You name a funeral director in Chicago,” said Leili McMurrough, president of the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, where he taught. “They were all taught by Tim. Very few people have the privilege of shaping a profession. And Tim did exactly that.”

He was called the “glue” in the Belgian community and in retirement found community in the gatherings of young people at pubs who considered him family.