Eugene McCormack

Eugene "Gene" McCormack, 85, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, coach, and friend, passed away on August 13, 2025. Known to many as Skip, Dad, Grandpa, or Coach Mac, Gene was a kind and empathetic man with a smile that lit up any room he entered and who left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

Born on April 26, 1940, to the late Mary and Gene McCormack, big brother to Linda (Ron Samolinski) and Teresa (Mike Brunick), Gene was a lifelong learner with a deep passion for knowledge. He was a voracious reader and as a small child in Ottawa, IL, the public library was a beloved place for him. His love of learning was always with him. He would often marvel at a word being spoken that caught his attention: Obstreperous or maybe obsequious. He would stop and say, “Oh good word!” For decades, he was a gifted and beloved high school math teacher, sharing his wisdom with countless students at East and West Leyden, IHM, and OPRFHS. He happily tutored many of his grandchildren from Algebra 1 to Calculus. Beyond the classroom, he loved to coach, mentoring young athletes in basketball, football, and baseball. He continued to keep up with many of his beloved team members well after the whistles stopped. His dedication to teaching never waned; he was a constant supporter at all of his grandchildren's sports and activities, often found keeping score at baseball games or giving a warm hug after a tough race.

For 62 years, Gene was the loving husband of Nancy (Hertzner). He loved telling the story of how he met her in English class at Marquette High School. After asking her best friend Norma Jean if she thought Nancy would go out on a date with him, this family was set in motion. His family was his greatest source of pride. He and Nancy raised their three children on Wesley Avenue in Oak Park surrounded by many Ascension parish families who became lifelong friends. Gene cherished nature, (dogs specifically) and his summer vacations–packing in sunset boat rides on Berry Lake, freshly brewed pots of coffee, trips into town to pick up his daily Chicago Tribune and dozens of donuts for all the kids. He was a devoted father to Jeffrey (Amy), Kelli (Chris),and Kristin (Greg). A cherished grandfather to Sydney (Corey), Maeve, Sean (Faith), Sammy (Natalie), Vivian, Henry, Ruby, and Violet, and a proud great-grandfather to Jamie, Lainey, Nolan, Elsie, Addison, Payton, and Sophie. His love for his family was palpable to all and he often became emotional when speaking about his loved ones.

Gene was a dedicated volunteer at both the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio and PFCU, a testament to his commitment to giving back to his community. A man who accumulated more friends than could be counted, Gene was described by those who knew him as “a great guy,” “a rare gem,” “an amazing human being,” “an extremely smart man,” and “a gentle giant.” His legacy of kindness, empathy, and lifelong learning will live on through all who were fortunate enough to know him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ascension-St Edmund Parish

Services will be held at Ascension Church, 808 S East Ave, Oak Park IL

Visitation will be held Saturday August 30, 2025 9:30-10:30AM

Funeral mass immediately following 10:30 AM

Luncheon to follow at The Carleton Hotel,1110 Pleasant Oak Park