William John Greer Throne

William John Greer Throne, 75, of Des Plaines, Illinois and Lifford, Donegal, Ireland, passed away at home on September 18, 2019. Known to many as John, and to others as Sean, he was born April 18, 1944 in Lifford to Robert Throne and Margaret Oliver who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of nearly 20 years, Bonnie Throne (nee Nowak.) He was brother of Mary Hamilton, (former Deputy Mayor of Derry, Ireland,) brother in law of the late Ernie Hamilton; loving uncle to nieces Miriam Black (William,) Eleanor Robinson (Wesley,) and Heather Black (Robert,) and all their beloved children; best friend and sidekick to Richard Mellor; stepfather to Jennifer Krause, Joseph Krause, Jacquelyn Krause, Jonathan Krause, Jeffrey Krause and wife Megan; as well as beloved Papa and special friend to his grandchild Otto Lang. He had two very special canine companions, Huey the Pup who preceded him in death, and his beloved Wee Short, who faithfully bit John on the nose when he had enough of hearing “Oh Danny Boy.”

He leaves behind many family members and friends across Ireland, the United States, and across the world.

John spent decades of his life dedicated to his political activism in Ireland and the US for civil rights, and as a relentless union organizer. He published his first novel, The Donegal Woman in 2006. Despite a major health setback he published We'll Take a Cup of Kindness Yet: Memoir and Manifesto in 2018, a major triumph he feared he may never achieve. He published endless writings through his newsletter and blog Facts for Working People, the hub for much of his activist work.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his name to the Cook County Health Foundation, (cchealthfoundation.org) or to Epilepsy Foundation. (epilepsy.com)

In accordance with John’s final wishes, a private gathering of immediate family will be held prior to cremation. A memorial tribute to John and his life will be arranged at a later date.