Thom McNamee – The Donald Trump of East Dundee

Thom McNamee was known as the Donald Trump of East Dundee, buying and selling property as well as investing in local businesses such as Rosie O’Hare’s pub he opened with his brother. Additionally, he was an active philanthropist and civic leader.

He could move with speedy crowds and drive fast cars, yet was equally at home wearing Hawaiian shirt to his own backyard barbecue.

Early Life and Education

From birth to age eight, children’s brains are rapidly evolving. According to UNESCO, experiences during early childhood play a crucial role in shaping later success; comprehensive early childhood care and education is considered one of the best investments a country can make to support children’s holistic development, gender equality, and social cohesion.

Thom became known as the Donald Trump of Dundee, purchasing and renovating properties while investing in businesses such as Dairy Queen, La Femme Fatale salon and Rosie O’Hare’s pub (which started out as an ugly duckling on Fox River in East Dundee). Additionally he became an important fixture on Dundee’s party circuit.

Professional Career

McNamee moved quickly, switching law firm jobs quickly, and partying hard. Along with his twin brother Tim, McNamee ran Bandito Barney’s Beach Club and Bordello bar in East Dundee which attracted money, women, and friends into his neighborhood.

On June 8, 1987, after playing softball at his local park with friends, McNamee drove directly back to his restaurant and collected its daily receipts. Together with Timothy Mahoney he transported this cash into their charcoal gray Porsche 944 before driving it straight back to their law offices.

Gary Mueller received a phone call from Thom telling him Tim wanted to meet at their log cabin home on Route 31 as soon as possible; apparently Tim had been shot while holding a cigar in his hands.

Achievement and Honors

Thom McNamee was an iconic local figure who owned two bars in East Dundee. A staunch supporter of his community and regularly giving to charity causes, he served on the Village Board of Trustees as well.

Thom was half way around the world in Fiji when his twin brother Tim was murdered, so he organized for Tim’s body to be returned before organizing an elaborate wake for his friend.

Claiborne described his cookbook as being the cornerstone for lifestyle of young urban couples searching for new gastronomic pleasures. The New York Times Cookbook sold more than three million copies, forever altering how Americans eat while also inspiring generations of chefs and restauranteurs.

Personal Life

Thom and Tim had long been best friends throughout their lives. Both participated in local Boy Scout troops, with Thom earning Eagle Scout status while Tim attained it too. Additionally, they co-founded a law firm together and supported each other throughout every endeavor they attempted; being avid sports fans themselves, both sponsored softball and football teams in their communities.

Tim called Thom on his last day and informed him to get ready for an important football game that night. Thom took off work early to meet up with Tim; together they spent most of the evening watching sports on TV.

Whiteside offered his testimony regarding the gun used by Delaney to shoot McNamee. This description matched up perfectly with that found by police, and also corresponded with Officer Creegan’s account of how the shot had been fired.

Net Worth

McNamee had modest financial means but nevertheless seemed larger-than-life. He traveled around the world for photo shoots in exotic locales like Australia and New Zealand; owned and managed various restaurants – including Rosie O’Hare’s pub in East Dundee; wore Hawaiian shirts with long shorts when working.

Tim, his twin brother, was an accomplished attorney. Together they attracted fast crowds at Bandito Barney’s beach club and Bordello bar, hosting parties featuring nude models and professional athletes alike.

McNamee was gunned down at his Carpentersville home while authorities sought his killer. He was laid out atop his Corvette in the driveway of his brothers’ log cabin off Route 31 as friends held an Irish wake for him, as he was 34 at the time.