For nearly six decades, Rev. John E. Hennessey stood at the altar during some of life’s most important moments, baptizing newborns, marrying couples, comforting grieving families and guiding generations of Catholics through their faith journeys.
The longtime Archdiocese of Chicago priest, known for his steady leadership and dedication to the communities he served, died June 14 at the age of 84.
Hennessey retired as pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Libertyville, where he spent the final years of his active ministry and later held the title of pastor emeritus.
Born Oct. 17, 1941, on Long Island, New York, Hennessey’s calling to the priesthood eventually brought him to the Chicago area. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary and later the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before earning a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame.
His ordination came on April 27, 1967, when Cardinal John Cody welcomed him into the priesthood. Three days later, Hennessey celebrated his first solemn Mass at St. Giles Parish in Oak Park, beginning a ministry that would span nearly 60 years.
His first assignments took him to parishes across the South Side and southwest suburbs, including St. Bernadette Parish in Evergreen Park and St. Christina Parish in Chicago. He later served at St. Hilary Parish, where he continued building relationships with parishioners and strengthening parish life.
Although much of his career was spent in parish ministry, Hennessey also helped shape the future of the church. As director of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Vocations Office from 1980 to 1986, he worked with young men considering the priesthood and helped guide them through the discernment process.
In 1986, he was named pastor of St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Niles, a role he would hold for 17 years. His ministry later brought him to St. Joseph Parish in Libertyville, where he became pastor in 2003 and remained until his retirement in 2012.
Those who knew Hennessey remember a priest whose life was rooted in service and whose presence became a familiar part of countless family milestones. Over the years, he celebrated weddings, baptized children and offered comfort during times of loss, creating bonds that extended far beyond Sunday Mass.
Following news of his death, St. Joseph Parish reflected on the impact he made during his years there.
“We give thanks to God for his years of faithful priestly ministry, his leadership, and the many lives he touched through his service to St. Joseph’s,” the parish wrote in a statement shared on its Facebook page.
Family members, fellow clergy and parishioners gathered at St. Joseph Parish this week to pay their respects and celebrate a life devoted to faith.
A funeral Mass was held June 23 at the Libertyville church, celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Wayne F. Prist. Hennessey’s brother, Rev. Lawrence R. Hennessey, delivered the homily.
He was laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.
While church buildings and parish communities changed throughout the decades, Hennessey’s mission remained the same: serving others, strengthening faith and walking alongside people through every chapter of their lives. That legacy lives on in the many communities he helped shape and the countless lives he touched along the way.