O'Meara, William L. (Uncle Bill)

William L. (Uncle Bill) O'Meara of Chicago passed away peacefully Thursday, June 7, 2012, at home at The Clare at Water Tower. A Mass of Christian Burial was held June 9 in the chapel at The Clare. Burial will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 16, in St. Bernard's Catholic Cemetery, Millersburg, Iowa, and following that a Memorial Mass is planned for 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in North English.

Bill was born in rural Iowa County on July 7, 1926, to Michael J. and Agnes Loretta (Berry) O'Meara. Bill graduated from Millersburg High School in 1943. Bill served in the Army in World War II in Germany and then attended Business School at the University of Iowa. After graduation, Bill worked for Price Waterhouse and he retired as an executive with John Morrell & Co.

Bill is survived by his brother, Clement (Connie) O'Meara of Northfield, Minn.; sister, Mary (Bob) Wagner; brother, Hugh (Irene) O'Meara; and sister, Helen (John) Gaffey all of Williamsburg; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Donald O'Meara and his wife, Pat, and Cyril O'Meara and his wife, Janice; and niece, Christy Gaffey; and nephew, Mick Gaffey.

Bill made his home in Chicago for more than 50 years and took great enjoyment in hosting family and friends who visited him there. His sharp sense of humor was familiar to all who knew him, as was his sincere attention to detail, which served him well in his professional and personal endeavors. Bill touched so many with his kindness and generosity and taught all of us how to enjoy life. Bill will be remembered most for the pleasure he found with and special attention he paid to all of his many friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Catholic Charities, 721 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL, 60610; or to a favorite charity.

Published in The Gazette June 13 and 14, 2012.