Obituary of Patrick Condon

Patrick R. Condon Age 90 of Joliet, died peacefully Friday, February 19, 2016 at Lakewood Nursing Home in Plainfield surrounded by his loving family. Born in Joliet on May 30, 1925 and a lifelong resident, graduate of St. Raymond's Grade School, Joliet Catholic High School Class of 1943, attended Joliet Junior College (Junior College National Leading Scorer for Basketball 1944-1945), proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Naval Sciences, Class of 1947, and Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, Class of 1950. As a United States WWII Ensign Veteran, he served aboard the aircraft carrier LSM-176 assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Self-employed for 23 years as a manufacturing representative and retired in 1993. Giving back was a way of life for Pat. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #387 for 65 years. Pat along with his wife Norma supported and volunteered their time at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, School and Retirement Home, St. Jude's Catholic Church and School, St. Francis Academy and Joliet Catholic High School (Jubilation Co-Chairs 1978 - 1979; Jubilation's Irish Pub 1976 -1977, 1980 -1985; Jubilate 1985-1995). From 1985-2010, he served the Will County Habitat for Humanity by finding land which was donated to build new homes. To honor his outstanding commitment and dedication, Pat was awarded Joliet Catholic Academy's Alumni of the Year 1990 and Will County Habitat for Humanity Honors for Extraordinary Service 2013. Pat's greatest accomplishment was not achieved on the basketball court, in his academic achievements, because of his extraordinary memory or his tireless efforts to create a thriving business to support his family. His most precious gift to the world was how he made others feel. His gracious and generous light shined brightly on everyone he met. Pat had the infinite ability to make you feel special, appreciated and loved. He knew that out of adversity comes good, and up to the very end, his mantra was, "keep on keepin' on" and surely "it's a great day to be alive!". It is through this spirit that Pat and Norma's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren hope to continue their legacy of light, love and joy of living to all those they encounter. Preceded in death in 2013 by his beloved wife of 61 years, Norma J. (nee Steinke) Condon, who he married January 26, 1952. His parents, John R. and Cecile (nee Bannon) Condon and Norma's parents, Joseph and Louise (nee Sommer) Steinke also preceded him. Survived by his children, Brian R. (Jody) Condon, Peggy A. Condon, Michael J. (Deb) Condon, Jane M. (Dick Hunckler) Condon, Caryn L. Condon, all of Joliet, Mary Kay Green of Batavia, IL, John W. (Laurie) Condon of Palm Desert, CA and Cathy C. (Rob) Houston of Lake Zurich, IL; 19 grandchildren; Christopher (Michelle) Condon, Shannon (Mark) Yundt, Jonathan (Natalie) Cruz, Kyle, Kaitlin and Lindsay Condon, Sean (Shenna) Boyer, Hayley Boyer, Andrew, Sarah, Casey and Kevin Green, Grant and Kent Williams, Alex and Dana Condon, and Colleen, Joe and Grace Loverde; great-grandchildren, Colton and Cade Condon, Aiden and Paige Yundt, and Anna and Gabriella Cruz; his siblings, Fr. William F. Condon and Marilyn (late Bill) Flavin of Lake Charles, LA and Virginia (late Bill) Hartmann of Joliet; one sister-in-law, Mary Alice Steinke of Plant City, FL and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Joliet Catholic Academy or Will County Habitat for Humanity would be appreciated. Funeral Services for Patrick R. Condon will be held Friday, February 26, 2016 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to the Church of St. Jude for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Fr. William Condon officiating. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Visitation Thursday, 2-8 p.m.