Center on Halsted (the Center) Operations Coordinator and former Circuit and Roscoe’s Nightclub manager Patrick Harms died Feb. 6 due to complications from heart failure. He was 66.
Harms was born Sept. 12, 1958, in Joliet, Illinois, where he was raised. He graduated from Joliet Central High School and immediately went to work as a McDonald’s restaurant manager, handling the location’s finances.
In his mid-20s, Harms opened his first bar in Joliet, The Continental Club (later renamed Maneuvers); that was followed by The A-Frame, an LGBTQ+-focused dance bar. But Harms wanted to be in the heart of the queer/trans community in Chicago, so he moved there and got a job at Roscoe’s, where he later became a manager for many years.
Harms moved on to manage and eventually co-own, alongside Mike Macharello, the now-defunct Circuit Nightclub and also opened Rehab within Circuit, for patrons who wanted a more lounge-like ambiance. He also worked as an assistant manager for the GNC store in what was then called the Boystown (now Northalsted) neighborhood.
A desire to give back to the community in a more tangible way led Harms to, at first, join the Center’s Board of Directors in the mid-2000s that included the 2006 capital campaign. He also supported the Center through events hosted at Circuit as well collecting donations at his bars.
In 2019, Harms took on the role of operations manager at the Center, handling logistics on a day-to-day basis and also during special events. He was in this role until he died.
Harms was preceded in death by his parents James and Patricia Harms and sister-in-law Marilyn Harms. He is survived by his brothers Shawn Harms and Kevin (Gloria) Harms, nephew Nathan Harms, niece Jaime Harms and countless chosen family members and friends.
Harm’s brother Shawn Harms said, “Patrick was a kind and caring soul. He loved Chicago and especially his community. He took great joy in the happiness of others. Although we chose different paths in life, I loved him, and I know he loved me. I miss him dearly.”
Longtime friend German Rubio said, “Patrick always found a way to help people whenever he could. He was a kind and generous person. Patrick also loved to cook and entertain for other people and his specialty was his grilled steaks paired with a nice glass of wine. He loved disco music and his cats Amigo (who died a little over five years ago) and Chelsea. I will miss him and his great smile.”
Former CEO of the Center Modesto Tico Valle said, “Patrick Harms was a beacon of kindness and generosity within the LGBTQ+ community. He distinguished himself by serving on the board of directors for the capital campaign and the Northalsted Business Alliance, and his impact was profound. After selling Circuit Bar, he joined the operations team at the Center on Halsted, where he brought his exceptional management skills and creative spirit to support the Center’s myriad cultural and special events.
“Patrick’s infectious smile and captivating stories were a daily delight to all who knew him. His unwavering dedication, warmth, and vibrant personality earned him the respect and admiration of many. Patrick will be deeply missed by me and countless others whose lives he touched.”
In a Facebook post Center on Halsted leadership said, “Since 2019, Patrick has been on staff at Center on Halsted and has impacted every member of the community who came through our doors, from staff to program participants. After requesting a wellness check, our team was made aware of his passing yesterday and continues to work with his family on how to best support them during this transition, including already identifying a home for his cat to be well taken care of.
“We cannot express the significance Patrick had on all our lives and Center on Halsted as a whole. His legacy will live on in every member of our community. From his time as co-owner of Circuit to a Center on Halsted board member, his impact has been tremendous.”
Center on Halsted Director of Operations and Rentals Paul Helfen said of his work colleague, “Patrick was not just a valued member of our operations team he also had an impactful presence on our community. His dedication, kindness and unwavering support made a lasting impact on all of us. Whether behind the scenes or in the heart of the action, his contributions were immeasurable. We will miss his wisdom, and his presence—both professionally and personally. The void left by his passing is deeply felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire us, reminding us of the importance of commitment, compassion, and community.”
In a joint statement on Facebook Julio Rodriquez and David Sinski said, “Patrick was a generous soul. This is such sad news. He was a great supporter of ALMA across decades. He donated his space at Circuit for our events and offered many hours of advice and wisdom. He was a good friend and we admired him for always wanting to help others and support causes that were important to him. We will greatly miss his kindness and generosity of spirit. May he rest in peace. Julio and David.”
A Go Fund Me has been set up to raise funds for a memorial service that will be held at the Center sometime in the first two weeks of April, with details to be announced at a later date.