Edwin “Ed” Michael Doody of Kenosha, 87, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 11, 2023, at Aurora Medical Center with his wife, Flora and son Patrick by his side.
Born in Chicago, IL, on March 16, 1936, he was the son of the late Edwin J Doody and Marie (nee Nardulli) Doody.
Ed’s journey through life was filled with many blessings, a five-decade career in broadcast advertising, a passion for music and baseball, and most of all, the love of a devoted family. In Chicago, Ed’s jobs took him through some of the most illustrious and groundbreaking media and sports businesses including, CBS TV, NBC TV, BBDO Advertising, ABC TV, WLS and WMAQ Radio and the Chicago Bulls. It also gave him the opportunity of a lifetime – the role of Assistant Vice President in charge of broadcast sales for his beloved Chicago White Sox. It was a dream job come true. Coincidently, the Sox won their division in 1983 while Ed was working there.
Later, he continued his professional success in Kenosha, when he set his sights as GM of transforming radio station 95 WILL into rock and roll, a format that is still wildly successful after almost 20 years. He would have his final roll in broadcasting before his retirement as GM of WRJN.
But something that never retired for Ed was his lifelong passion for music. He learned to play at age 5. By 15 he helped form a jazz band that kept them dancing at Leo, his high school Alma Mater. While serving his country overseas in the US Army, he was the Band Director of the 16th Infantry Marching Band, Baumholder Germany. Over the years you might have heard his tinkling the ivories in Chicago not only at numerous house parties, but places like The Chop House, The Red Head, The Palm and even during the St Patrick’s Day Parade while riding on the Frank Leahy American Legion float with the accompanying musicians, sons Michael and Patrick. Ed entertained crowds in Kenosha at the Brass Ball, The Corner House, Sazzy B, Hob Nob, the Bartley House’s St Patrick Day celebration and Kenosha’s Harbor Park Market.
Trips to see musical theater, opera, and live music were a gift Ed loved to share with his family. He encouraged his grandson, Jack, to play the piano and raised Jack’s musical confidence by having him perform mini concerts in his home hosted by special Kenosha friends, Mary Wagner and Helen Schumacher. Ed even shared the spotlight with his grandson for a one night only performance at Sazzy B, a very special moment between the two. And if you happen to pass by Ed and Flora’s home, you might have just heard his jamming away to the delight of his friends and neighbors in Parcel G-Harbor Park.
Ed had a curiosity for life. He and Flora were avid travelers and loved to explore the cities of Europe. But one of their fondest memories was a trip to Coronado Island, in California surrounded by their family. Ed loved baseball, his passion for it not only extended to the sport itself – for him; it was a way of life. His work in the front office of the Chicago White Sox was truly the perfect dream job giving so many wonderful memories and experiences to his family. He worked hard for the things that he loved and was devoted to giving back. He was on the board of Chicago Baseball Cancer Charity – which helped to raise millions of dollars for Cancer Research for Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. That same spirit of giving back continued in Kenosha by his years of service as the board Chairman of the KAC golf outing, and he also served as President of the Rotary Club of Kenosha.
Ed Doody was a loving, albeit occasionally intense, husband, father and grandfather, who took great pride in his sons, Michael and Patrick and adored his wife, Flora. He is dearly missed by his grandson Jack and his daughter-in-law, Jacqueline. He could light up any room with his wonderful sense of humor, and his family will never forget his mischievous smile and the twinkle in his eye as he relished a good joke.
Ed is survived by his loving wife, Flora; son, Patrick J. Doody and wife, Jacqueline Morris Doody, and grandson Jack J Doody, of Los Angeles, CA.
In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his son, Michael G. Doody and his sister, Elizabeth Doody O’Shea. They are now reunited and no doubt enjoying Ed’s piano playing once again. Assume that he and Michael have already had several arguments.
Service Date November 18, 2023
SERVICE LOCATION St. Elizabeth Catholic Church
A celebration of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at St Elizabeth Catholic Church, 4816 7th Ave, Kenosha, WI.
Inurnment with full military honors will follow in St. James Cemetery.
A gathering of relatives and friends will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at church.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory to Chicago Baseball Cancer Charity, https://chicagobaseballcc.com/donate/ would be appreciated.
