Jack Clerkin

Jack was a warm and compassionate man known for his generosity. He loved spending time with the large extended Colleran family he married into. Jack attended Leo High School, DePaul University, and Northern Illinois University, and earned multiple advanced degrees. He had a lifelong love of learning particularly into his later years and also pursued continuing advanced education at MIT, ASU and Univ of Alabama.

After honorably serving in the US Army, he married Sheila Colleran in 1960. In 1961 his first son Kevin was born. Shortly after they moved to Washington State where he was employed as an aerospace engineer for Boeing. In 1962 their second son Brian was born followed by Terry in 1963. After 10 years at Boeing, he began a 40 year career in public service with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the FAA. While employed at the FAA he became a licensed private pilot with numerous certifications. He was an avid competitive marksman and enjoyed many years as a member of the American Cryptogram Association. He attended many ACA conventions and was treasurer of the organization for several years. His ACA code name was Nomad based on his love of travel.

He was preceded in death by his mother Jane, father Joseph and brother Joseph Jr. He is survived by his three sons, Kevin and his wife Laura, Brian and his late wife Julienne, and Terry. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Ethan, Sean, Liam, Quinn, Jane, Madeleine and two great-grandchildren Mason and Lilith.

In lieu of flowers please do a kind gesture for someone in need in Jack’s memory.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 794 Pearson St, Des Plaines, Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:00 am.