Obituary Listings

John D. (Jack) Carney

Jack passed away reluctantly and a little bit exasperated from heart failure on January 27, 2019, at the age of 85. When people would ask how he was he would usually answer, “I could bore you for hours and the less you know the better”.

When he was younger, Jack realized his number one goal in life was to marry a beautiful and cheerful woman, achieve some success and have children and grandchildren. He is survived by his great love of almost 63 years Kathleen (Kay) née Magee, daughter Meg (Steve) Dzik of Houston, daughter Sheila and son Brian of Chicago, grandchildren Jack, Kaylyn, and Alex Dzik. Jack is preceded in death by his son Bill in Dallas, older brother Frank and younger brother Patrick, he was proud of them and missed them greatly.

Jack graduated from De la Salle High School where he had a music scholarship and played the trombone poorly which he equaled with his academic record. After high school, he got serious and graduated from Christian Brothers University in Memphis and then DePaul University. Jack also completed Harvard University’s Advanced Management Program.

Jack’s entire business career was with SC Johnson where he eventually became National Sales Manager and subsequently Director of Trade Development and Policy. After 42 years, and a lot of travel, Jack retired from SC Johnson and became a Marketing Consultant where he learned that Partners are for dancing and not business. Jack spent rewarding time traveling with Kay, skiing, playing squash and golf, and was an avid reader. He liked to enjoy a drink and a good joke with anyone who enjoyed the same.

Jack, a first generation son of Irish Immigrants, had a tough childhood due to the health problems of his Father Frank resulting from an auto accident. Jack’s beloved Mother Nellie had to work outside of the home which was not common during that time and she was a legend known for her cheerfulness at the local A&P and later, Kiltz’s Bakery. As a result, Jack also worked from a young age delivering newspapers and groceries, selling ice cream and working retail or factory jobs, doing whatever it took to help out.

Jack’s career at SC Johnson allowed him terrific experiences which included business travel and customer entertainment. He felt very fortunate that he played golf at most of Golf Digests Top 100 courses and held memberships at private golf clubs including Muirfield Village in Columbus, Ohio. His work travel took him to some of the most beautiful places in the United States and every part of the world, often with his wife Kay, a great asset and customer entertainment partner. Many of his customer relationships turned to lifelong friendships with captains of the Retail Industry, and he was highly regarded for his business acumen.

Jack had many expressions that mostly came from his Father such as “It’s a great life if you don’t weaken” and Jack indeed had a great life. He also liked to quote his brother Patrick’s favorite expression “It is what it is”. His family fondly remembers him saying “If you’re going to do it, do it”.

In lieu of flowers or memorials Jack would like you to buy a lottery ticket and if you win, spend some of the money on someone that needs help. Jack would also quote his Father before a good meal “Thank God for the next, we’re sure of this”. And so it is with life. A special thanks to Dr. Bruce Malm of DuPage Medical Group, for his compassionate care and also to Drs. Clarence Shub and Titus Evans of the Mayo Clinic.

Memorial Visitation Saturday, February 9th, 9:30-11:00 a.m. at Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st St., Orland Park.

Memorial Mass of the Resurrection 12:00 noon at St. Damian Church, 5300 W. 155th St., Oak Forest.

Interment Private


www.sheehyfh.com 708-857-7878

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