Michael V. Doorhy, Founding Member, Age 88, Rest in Peace.

The officers of the IAA have been notified of the passing of a great friend and member, Michael V. Doorhy. Mike was a founding member, actually, The Founding Member of the IAA. Mike’s strong positive personality was the impetus for the initial members to come together and form the current organization, which has continued to thrive for more than 30 years.

Michael was a native of Loughrea, County Galway, Ireland, having emigrated to the United States. Mike served as President of this organization for many years and subsequently in a number of other capacities, primarily charged with bringing in new membership, which was consistent with his exceptionally charming personality. The rumor amongst the club members was that Mike was the “7th son of a 7th son”, and those who knew him were inclined to be believers, as they could readily see that he was gifted when it came to interacting with people and in many other areas of his life.

To the IAA membership it seemed that Mike was always inclined to “reach for the stars”, he saw no limits on the opportunity which life presented to him. Consistent with this view, he frequently took on ambitious projects and events for the IAA. Through the years, under Mike’s direction or at least with Mike’s encouragement, the IAA frequently hosted events that included prominent personalities from the world of politics or other arenas (see for example the IAA hosting the Mayor of Galway in 1997 at the South Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1997 pictured below).

While Mike was very active in the IAA, Mike was also active in other social organizations, very politically active, and he operated several businesses in the south side of Chicago and subsequently in southwest suburban Cook County.

Mike will be missed by the entire membership of the IAA. Mike is survived directly by his wife Ann, and his nine children. For additional information on Mike’s funeral arrangement please see his obituary which you can read by clicking here. The entire membership of the IAA offers its prayers and condolences to Mike’s family and close associates at this time.