UKRAINIAN VILLAGE — Michael Gormley, the owner of a Ukrainian Village dive bar that cultivated a community of regulars, has died.
Gormley — known as "Inner Town Mike" to patrons — was born in Co Tyrone, Ireland in 1927 and emigrated to the United States in the late 1940s, eventually settling in Rogers Park in the early 1970s, according to his nephew, Denis Fogarty.
"He had a good run," Fogarty said of his uncle, who was just shy of 89 when he died in Sept., after his health had deteriorated following a car accident last winter.
"He was mentally sharp till the end but ultimately passed from old age," Fogarty said.
Gormley opened Inner Town Pub, formerly a Polish tavern, in 1983. It was a favorite hangout for "Gone Girl" author Gillian Flynn when she lived in the neighborhood.
Fogarty said his uncle was actively managing the day to day business of the bar until last year.
The bar announced news of Gormley's death earlier this week and is hosting a celebration of his life at 9 p.m. next Friday, Nov. 11, at Inner Town Pub, 1935 W. Thomas St.
"Please come to share stories from over the many decades and to raise a glass for Mike, who made the ITP a Chicago institution, and the Home of the Arts," the bar posted on its Facebook page.
Fogarty said after his uncle took over the building at 1935 W. Thomas St. in the early 80s, he "witnessed the renaissance of the neighborhood."
"It was important to Mike that [the bar] kept its character, as he put it, the home of the arts. The community of artists and musicians was important to Mike as was the focus to detail of all the outlandish art that makes up the decor of the pub. He cultivated special evenings of open mic nights and comedy shows. We currently still have comedy shows, poetry readings, local Dj's and art installation evenings. Maintaining that atmosphere even as the character of the neighborhood changes was Mike's priority," Fogary said.
In Flynn's thriller "Gone Girl'," Inner Town Pub and one of its signature winter drinks, "Christmas Morning," got a shout out in the bestselling book's acknowledgements. That tidbit is listed as a "Fun Fact" on the bar's website.
"We were lucky to have [Flynn] as regular for many years," Fogarty said.
Gormley lived in Rogers Park for 45 years while running the bar.
"He loved the access to Lake Michigan beaches up there," Fogarty said.
Fogarty described his uncle as "a complicated guy from a bygone era" who loved surrounding himself in the youthful energy of the bar.
"He cared very much for his staff and the Inner Town Pub patrons. Of course, he was a bit cantankerous and hard of hearing but he always had the best intentions. He was so proud of all the relationships that started at the ITP. He spoke of all the marriages that blossomed from meeting at the pub. The outpouring of sympathy and kindness since we announced his passing has been touching. We look forward to seeing friends, old and new on the 11th, " Fogarty said.
One of nine children, Gormley is survived by three siblings and more than 20 nieces and nephews. He was never married.
Services were held last month in New York, where he was living at the time of his death, Fogarty said.
For those concerned about the future of the bar, Fogarty said that Inner Town Mike's family is committed to continuing Mike's legacy, and that the pub will continue as the home of the arts, managed by Fogarty and longtime employees Brandon Pool and Alja Hessami.