George T. Hennessey, 75, of Naperville, a former merchant marine, died Tuesday, April 9, in Meadowbrook Manor nursing home in Bolingbrook, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mr. Hennessey lived most of his life in Portland, Ore. He started working at an early age for the Great Northern Railroad Co. At age 18 toward the end of World War II, he served aboard Liberty Ships, which delivered supplies to the troops overseas. He was discharged from the service in 1945 and began a long career traveling the world as a merchant marine seaman. A Naperville resident since 1999, Mr. Hennessey was also a member of the Sailors Union of the Pacific for more than 50 years. Survivors include three sons, Arthur, Patrick and Michael; a daughter, Elena Byard; a brother, Richard; two sisters, Patricia Bibeau and Karen Smith; a stepsister, Carol-Jean Brasher; and 12 grandchildren. A memorial visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. Saturday until the time of mass at 10:30 a.m. in St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff Rd., Naperville.
