Obituary of John R. Feeney
John R. Feeney, age 85, of Channahon, passed away peacefully, Saturday, April 8, 2023 at home, with his loving family by his side.
Born July 12, 1937 in Joliet, he was the son of John B. and Genevieve (McDonald) Feeney. A graduate of St. John the Baptist Grade School and Joliet Catholic High School, John enjoyed a 37 year career as a machinist for Caterpillar Tractor, Inc.
He married the love of his life, the former Virginia Irene Breen, and they enjoyed 59 years of marriage until her passing June 7, 2017. He is preceded in death by his parents; three children, John R. Feeney, Jr., Richard Allen Feeney and Mary Loretta Feeney; a brother, James Feeney; a sister, Darlene (James) Downey; a brother-in-law, Richard Breen; and two sisters-in-law, Mary L. Breen and Janet (Glenn) Hansen.
He was the beloved father of Kimberly (Michael) Mitchell of Channahon, Kevin (Kristie) Feeney of Colorado, and Timothy (Julie) Feeney of Minooka; adored grandfather of Trevor (Kaitlyn) Feeney, Trent (Anna) Feeney, Claire (Matt) McEvilly, Monica (Danny) Feeney, Madeline (Dane) Feeney and Audrey (Nathan) Vie; and the dear great-grandfather to Wave and Willow Vie, Ginna, Barbara and Zora Feeney, Margot Feeney, Mia and Lily Ruffatto and a Baby McEvilly and a Baby Jack Feeney on the way. Also surviving are two brothers, Michael (Phyllis) Feeney and Patrick (Michelle) Feeney; a sister Mary (Gerald) Breen and a sister-in-law, Sharon (the late James) Feeney; his wife’s siblings, Robert (Debbie) Breen, Patricia (the late Roy) Todd and Sharon (Charles) Wilhelmi; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins including his cousin and lifelong friend, Gordon (Martha) Feeney and dear friend, Ed (the late Maureen) Loughran.
John will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, proud of his Irish heritage, his Catholic faith and his family. A man of many talents, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, golfing and traveling but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a founding member of St. Ann Catholic Parish in Channahon and was a longtime supporter of the Elks Lodge, the Loyal Order of Moose, and Mooseheart.
He was a baseball and football fan and enjoyed cheering on the Cubs, the Bears, Notre Dame and JCA as well as any team his children or grandchildren might be participating in. To be honest, he may have missed a few dance recitals.
Ever the storyteller, his family is left with many memories. But mostly he will fondly be remembered as the smartest, strongest and most handsome dad and grandpa ever.
The family would like to thank his special caregiver, Missy Vitale, who he dearly loved, and also Katie Cunningham for her loving care.
Visitation for John Feeney will be held Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of his Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 Noon, at St. Ann Catholic Church, 24500 S. Navajo Drive, Channahon. Interment will be in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Minooka.
Memorials in his name to St. Ann Catholic Church would be appreciated.
Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames
