SERVICE INFORMATION:
John T. Shaunessy
Service: Private (Iron Mountain, Michigan)
Burial Location: Iron Mountain Cemetery Park
Memorials: Association for Frontotemporal Dementias or AFTD
OBITUARY:
John T. Shaunessy age 81 of Geneva passed away Monday February 8, 2010 at Provena Geneva Care Center after a long illness with Frontotemporal Dementia.
He was born February 28, 1928 in Oak Park, IL, the son of Frank and Cecelia (Thomas) Shaunessy.
Mr. Shaunessy was a fun loving blue-eyed Irishman who loved nature; he took great pleasure in going out on Wisconsin lakes in his rowboat. He loved animals especially his little dog, Muffin. His ability to take great pictures will forever bless us with family history. His fondness for his grandchildren was evidenced when even in ill health (brain atrophy had robbed him of his words) he would keep their names on a small piece of paper in his pocket and recite them so as to not forget. Mr. Shaunessy grew up in Forest Park where he attended St. Bernadine Catholic grade school; he graduated from St. Pat/'/s in 1946 and served in the Korean War. He met his wife, Kathryn, in 1949 at Oak Park Hospital where he was being treated for appendicitis, she being a student nurse. She was devoted to his care until the end. He spent his career of over thirty years working at the front desk of the Elmhurst Post Office; he thrived on the daily interaction with all the customers. He was also a member of the Elmhurst American Legion for forty years. He spent his last year at Provena Geneva Care Center where he experienced caretakers that are lovingly committed to their patients for which we are so grateful. Dad, you are free at last.
He is survived by his wife Kathryn of fifty eight years; his daughter Mary (Stephen) Murray of Geneva; Grandchildren Jessica (Mathew) Patterson-Nunziata, Krista and Patrick Murray; sister Dolores Fleming; brother in law George (Evelyn) McGowan; sister in law Ella McGowan plus many wonderful nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Cecelia (Thomas) Shaunessy; brother Rev. Frank Shaunessy, brother in law Dr. Eugene Fleming; nephew Michael McGowan; brother in law Melvin McGowan and son in law Thomas M. Patterson.
A private funeral service will held in Iron Mountain, Michigan followed by interment at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Dementias or AFTD.
Arrangements handled by the Malone Funeral Home Geneva.
Information 630-232-8233 or visit www.malonefh.com