Beverly's 'Official Electrician' Lawrence K. Doody Dies At Age 81

CHICAGO — Lawrence Doody was known as the official electrician of Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood and made sure he monitored the neighborhood before any formal watch program was ever put into place.

Doody, 81, who served as a longtime Chicago firefighter and longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134, died Dec. 26, according to his daughter, former Illinois Tollway Director and Cook County Commissioner Liz Gorman.

Gorman remembers her father as the “hardest working family member” she knew and as someone who always showed up to help anyone who needed assistance, Gorman said in a news release announcing her father’s death. Doody prioritized education for his children and “gave us opportunities he didn’t have.” Doody will also be remembered for his sense of humor as Gorman recalls a collection of one-liners that were both humorous and meaningful.

“He will surely be missed by those who knew him and loved him,” Gorman wrote.

In Beverly, Doody was also known for his round-the-clock electrical service. Gorman wrote that when customers called, her father showed up no matter the time. He was also remembered as someone who knew just about everyone in the neighborhood and who was a staple at his kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events at which he would strategically sit behind home plate and be critical of every ball and strike, Gorman recalls.

She jokingly referred to Doody as a “real nightmare for any umpire,” Gorman wrote.

Doody was the devoted husband of Carolyn (nee Hamer) for 60 years. He was the loving father of Larry (Connie Murphy) Doody, Elizabeth “Liz” (Gerald) Gorman, Daniel Doody, and Debbie (Dennis) Furlong. He was the proud Papa of Riley, Conor, Liam, Shane, Brendan, Matthew, Denny, and Joey, lovingly taken in by Liz and Gerry Gorman.

Doody was the cherished son of the late Edward and Anne (nee King) and dear brother of Anne (late James) Marshall, late Mary (late James) Logan, and Edward (Lil) Doody, according to his obituary. He was a beloved son-in-law of the late Arthur J. and Agnes “Betty,” (nee Schevers) Hamer, Dear brother-in-law of Barb (Frank) Pinn, late Artie Hamer, Don (late Geri) (Bernadette) Hamer, Liz (John) O’Connor, and Frank Hamer; Loving uncle to all in the Marshall, Logan, Doody, Pinn, and O’Connor families.

“It won’t be the same without him but I’m grateful for every moment we shared,” Gorman wrote.

Memorial visitation will be held on starting at 3 p.m. on Friday and will go until time of Mass 5:00 p.m. at Christ the King Church, 9235 S. Hamilton Ave in Chicago. A live stream of the Mass is available by using this link: https://www.asimplestreaming.com/lkdoody. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, www.misericordia.com, using Family Reference #3294B.