Rev. John E. Hennessey OBITUARY

Rev. John E. Hennessey OBITUARY

Rev. John E. Hennessey, 84, a longtime and deeply cherished pastor in Libertyville, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2026. Born in New York City to John F. and Florence (née Kelly) Hennessey, John was raised in Oak Park, Illinois. Sensing a calling to a life of service, he graduated from Quigley Preparatory Seminary and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake / Mundelein Seminary. He later completed his master’s degree at Notre Dame University. Throughout his decades of ministry, Father Hennessey faithfully served several communities. He was an associate first at St. Bernadette in Evergreen Park, and then at St. Hilary in Chicago, and later was appointed pastor at St. Isaac Jogues in Niles. He concluded his active ministry as the beloved pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Libertyville, where he served until his retirement.

John was a gifted listener, a wise advisor, and a source of strength to countless people seeking guidance. Beyond his pastoral duties, he possessed a vibrant zest for life. He loved a good conversation, a fine glass of red wine, a delicious shared meal, and the adventure of cruising around the world. A passionate devotee of classical music, he was a loyal supporter of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and a regular donor to WFMT radio.

Above all, Father Hennessey was a man of unshakeable faith. Even on his hardest days, his commitment to God never wavered, and he used that inner strength to comfort others and make the world a better place. Generous with his time, his humor, and his heart, he will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the many parishioners whose lives he touched.

John is survived by his siblings Anne (Barry) Bodach, Rev. Lawrence R. Hennessey, Michael F. (Felicia) Hennessey, Jean (Tony Macula) Hennessey, Robert J. (Ruth Veleta) Hennessey, Mary J. Hennessey, and Elizabeth (Neil Mahoney) Hennessey; and 19 nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his parents; his sister Carol (the late Tom) Porter and brother Thomas S. (the late Gene Chace) Hennessey.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:45 AM on Tuesday June 23rd at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 121 E Maple Ave., Libertyville. Visitation will be held at church on Monday from 3:00 – 8:00 PM and on Tuesday before Mass from 9:15 – 10: 30 AM. Interment to follow Mass at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to St. Joseph Parish https://stjoseph-libertyville.org/give would be greatly appreciated. Funeral arrangements by McMurrough Funeral Chapel (847) 362-2626.