My Father, John Heneghan, recently passed away at age 86 after an extended period of palliative / hospice care. While sad that his body was failing, it was also a real blessing for the family as we all got to spend quality time with the man who meant so much to us, as he was as sharp as a tack up to the very end. We had deep conversations, lots of "I love you's," talks of finances for my Mom, visits & discussions with the grandkids, and countless viewings of Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and yet another fun but ultimately disappointing Cubs season.
His obituary is below, but the words fail to document the various levels of service, friendship, spirituality, and his deep dedication to serving those in need. Service to others while offering kindness, and hard work for the greater good was a legacy he passed down to all four of his children, serving their communities in public service positions. His unyielding dedication to his bride, with various ups and downs, has also taught us well. My Father didn't have to tell me how to live; he lived and let me watch him do it.
Dad, it has only been a few weeks, but we miss you; we love you and know we will be seeing you once again.
Johnny
........
John P. Heneghan, age 86, passed away peacefully at home on
October 26, 2023. He was the devoted husband of Therese for 57 years,
beloved father of John (Kristin), Kathleen (Robert Narowski), William
(CPD), and Michelle (Ted) Rymarcsuk, and grandfather of Riley, Gavin and
Declan Heneghan, Jack (Magda) and Ella Narowski, Kaitlyn, Molly and
Abbey Heneghan, and Billy Rymarcsuk. Dear brother of Jim (Ruth)
Heneghan, the late Bill (Carol) Heneghan and the late Mary (Gerry)
Carlton. Son of the late William and Nora (nee Duffy) Heneghan from
County Mayo, Ireland. Fond Uncle to many nieces and nephews and dear
friend to many.
A lifelong Chicagoan, John attended
Our Lady of Sorrows parish school and was an alumnus of St. Philip High
School, Class of 1954. He worked as a painter in the physical plant at
Roosevelt University for 34 years, where all four of his children
attended college. John held various leadership positions (President,
Vice President and Trustee) in Painters Local 180, which merged with
Painters Local 273, where he was a life member, with 67 years of union
membership. He also served as President of the St. Vincent DePaul
Society and Men’s Club at St. Monica Parish in Chicago and in leadership
positions at Edgewater Pines Resident Owned Community in Seminole,
Florida, where he and his wife Therese spent their winters for 27 years.
Since 2019, John and Therese enjoyed living at the Resurrection
Retirement Community where they enjoyed dinners and activities with
family and friends.
A social and gregarious person, John enjoyed connecting with people and
once you were his friend, you had a friend for life. For over 25 years
he organized an annual picnic with his childhood friends and their
families, and over the years he organized outings from beach days with
grandchildren to family reunions. He enjoyed telling stories, playing
cards, traveling, bragging about his children, following the news,
watching Jeopardy, Chicago history, and social events. A deeply
spiritual person, his faith and surrender to God was a central focus of
his daily life. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s name may be made
to St. Monica Church and School, 5136 N. Nottingham, Chicago, 60656.
Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 3:00
pm to 9:00 pm at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Ave Norridge, IL
60706. Lying in State Saturday at St. Monica Catholic Church from 9:00
am until the time of Mass at 10:00 am. Interment is private.
