John “Jack” McDonnell
March 29, 2025 – 10:00am cst
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle John “Jack” McDonnell, age 86, passed away peacefully on the first day of spring March 20, 2025. Jack was welcomed into Heaven by his son Brian, nephew Joey, mother and father (Nora and Patrick) and many other loved ones.
Jack leaves behind his loving wife Mary Ann (nee Fassett), his devoted daughters Sue Howard and Kat (John) Corwine, his adoring grandchildren Meghan, Olivia and Henry, his cherished siblings Kevin (Teresa) McDonnell, Sheila Leyden, Maureen (Denis) Gallen, Gerard McDonnell, David McDonnell, Dermot McDonnell, Peggy (Joseph) Martorano, Bridie (John) O’Grady and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Jack was born on October 29, 1938 to Nora (nee Wallace) and Patrick McDonnell in the small village of Tullymore, Renvyle in County Galway, Ireland where he spent his childhood surrounded by his large, loving family and the wild, rural beauty of Connemara. As a bright and brave sixteen year old, he left his home for Chicago to pursue his education and career while living with his aunt and uncle Ann and Ray Bodkin. He graduated from Leo High School and received his MBA from DePaul University. He spent over 40 years as a loyal employee at People’s Gas Company in downtown Chicago. In 1968, he married his beautiful, creative wife Mary Ann. They happily raised their three children in Darien, IL where they lived for over 50 years. Jack’s life was enriched by his family (especially his grandchildren), his avid love of golf, his appreciation of poetry (which he often recited by heart), his love of nature (traveling and camping with his family), his volunteer work teaching English and preparing taxes at the library, his lunch buddies, and his St. Vincent de Paul Christian Community from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church.
At his core, Jack was a strong and gentle caregiver; always making sure those around him had what they needed. He quietly and tirelessly devoted the last fifteen years of his life to the care of his wife Mary Ann. As the head of his large extended family, Jack was their “rock” and they will always be grateful for his love and dedication.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 28, 2025, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Modell Funeral Home,
7710 S. Cass Avenue, Darien, IL 60561.
Funeral on Saturday, March 29, 2025, with prayers beginning at the funeral home at 9:30 am. Procession to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 8404 S. Cass Avenue, Darien, IL 60561, for a 10:00 am mass.
Interment immediately following to Resurrection Cemetery, 7201 Archer Road, Justice, IL 60458.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John “Jack”, please visit our floral store.
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