Kevin McCann, best man and go-to guy, the life of Kevin McCann, 23, a young man of remarkable ability, impressive accomplishment and exceptional potential came to an abrupt and tragic conclusion on Saturday in Raleigh, NC. A stand out wrestler throughout high school and college, as well as in international competition, Kevin continued to apply the focus, dedication and enthusiasm forged on the mat to his family, friendships and emerging professional life. “Kevin was a stand-out in every respect, and he’d be the last person to say it,” explained his older brother Terry. “He was humble and soft spoken, but in a minute he could get you laughing so hard you couldn’t breath. He wasn’t one in a million, he was unprecedented. There was absolutely nobody like him.” A 1999 graduate of Notre Dame High School in Niles, IL, Kevin distinguished himself as a captain of the varsity wrestling team, earning All-Conference Honors as well as a host of tournament victories. He was a conference, regional and sectional champion and a state and national qualifier. He was also a two year starter on the varsity football team. After high school, Kevin went on to become a three year varsity letterman wrestling for the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, where he also majored in Business. In both the classroom and in competition, he continued to earn the respect and admiration of friends and teammates, who shared the opinion that Kevin was an outstanding individual. Prior to his passing, Kevin was enjoying the start of a new career as an Insurance Broker, working as an Account Executive at Chicago’s Mesirow Financial, in the brief time he was there, his co-workers recognized that Kevin was an individual of rare confidence and competence. “Kevin was our go-to guy,” explained one of his colleagues. “He was as solid as they came, and mature beyond his years.” At the beginning of summer, the usually understated Kevin offered an eloquent toast as best man at Terry’s wedding. He told his brother how much he loved him, and how he would always offer unlimited support, because that is what Terry has always given him. “In just 23 years, Kevin had a lifetime of achievement and accomplishment,” added Terry, “but his full potential was not even being close to being realized.” In addition to Terry and his wife Eileen, Kevin is survived by his mother and father, Jane and Dennis as well as an uncountable amount of relatives, friends, coaches and teammates who share the shock of this untimely loss. Funeral Thursday, September 9, 8:30 a.m., from Cumberland Chapels (Lawrence Friel Funeral Director), 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, to St. Monica Church, 5136 N. Nottingham St., Chicago. Mass 9:30 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday from 3 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kevin’s name, to the Notre Dame High School Wrestling Program, in care of head coach Augie Genovese. Info: 708-456-3410 or www.cumberlandchapels.com
