Chicago Loses a Comedy GreatPat Brice, You'll Be Missed

Blagica Stefanovski, NBC5 Street Team (Video)

I had a business meeting at my local coffee shop, Hi Tea, this afternoon. I was happy to see Raymond behind the counter, but shocked by the news he shared.

Pat Brice, known in many circles as one of the next comedy greats (he was already selling out clubs in the Midwest and zipping to the west and east coast) passed away on Sunday morning. Pat grew up on Chicago’s Southside and had a natural talent that so few will ever see in this lifetime.

Raymond spoke about Pat with such love and respect, tearing up when he was thinking about the countless times his Southside crew hung out together. Raymond also reminded me that we never know when our time comes. Pat Brice was with us a short time but fulfilled the dreams he always set out to do – and made his fellow Chicagoans laugh at the same time.

We’ll miss you, Pat.

It was an ironic day for me…I hear about a comedic talent passing away on the same day I formally introduced myself to Jim Belushi’s talented son, Rob. Rob visits neighbors in my building and we chatted in the elevator today. I see him quite a bit, but never introduced myself.

Good thing is, Pat Brice won’t be by his lonesome. I’m sure Rob’s uncle, John, will be there waiting to exchange some stellar one liners.

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