John William Muldoon

John William “Jack” Muldoon of Arlington Heights, Illinois died on May 15, 2020, with the same pride, unrelenting will, and love of family and friends that guided him throughout his life. He was 86 years old. Jack grew up in Glenview, IL, and the neighboring area as the oldest brother to Daniel (Shirley), Suellen (Riley), Mary Kay (Canupp), and Terry (Susan). Tragedy struck the five siblings early in life following the death of their parents Mary Margaret and John L. Muldoon, in 1949. Despite being forced to live with relatives apart from one another, the brothers and sisters remained close during the ensuing decades and deeply supported each other.

Jack is survived by his son John Patrick (Melissa) of Austin, TX, and his daughter, Kathleen Erin Muldoon-Pauly (Chris) of Rolling Meadows, IL. Kathy and her husband Chris were constant companions and provided invaluable support to Jack during the medical challenges he faced during the past few years. Patrick and his wife Melissa were fortunate to have such an engaged and thoughtful man as grandfather to their children, Ryan, Michael, and Kyle. The entire Muldoon clan, young and old, benefited greatly from the example Jack Muldoon set to make a positive difference in the world.

Jack started his college studies at DePaul University, but was interrupted in 1952 when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. His exceptional entrance scores led him to be assigned to an Army Corps of Engineers Regiment in Verdun, France. The time he spent abroad serving his country was memorable and prepared him for success in his life.

Upon completion of his military duty, Jack returned to DePaul University and graduated in 1958. In addition to his studies in accounting and business, he was selected to be the editor of the school newspaper and also was an officer of his fraternity. Later on, in 1972, he furthered his education as a post graduate student at Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program and participated in the U.S. Army’s War College strategic policy conference in 1977.

After college graduation, Jack married the love of his life, Joan S. Muldoon of Chicago, Illinois. Interestingly enough, while Jack was two years older than Joan, both were born on the same day in June. The couple began their life together in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and in 1959 their first child, John Patrick, was born. Six years later, they welcomed their daughter Kathleen Erin into their family.

Jack created a long and successful business career, beginning as a financial analyst with Allstate in the casualty and property sector. Promotions to executive roles took Jack and family to Houston, TX, Stamford CT, and back to Arlington Heights, IL. During his career, he held positions as President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chief Underwriting Officer. He had been associated with companies Aetna, American Reserve, Continental, St. Paul, and Allstate.

Beyond his business experience, Jack deeply enjoyed volunteering, as he served in over a dozen industry and community organizations including: Young President’s Organization (YPO); Director-Lloyds of London Broker Association; Director, Treasurer and Vice Chairman-Surplus Line Association of Illinois (a state agency); Director and Committee Chair-DePaul University College of Commerce Alumni Council; Harvard Business School Club of Chicago; He was a long-time Director and Chairman of the Investment Committee of the American Hearing Research Foundation, with his lifelong friend Richard Muench.

For personal enjoyment, Jack was a boater and a long-term member of the Abbey Springs Yacht Club in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. For over 35 years, it was the place he kept a second home and delighted in boating the scenic lake with friends and family.

In 1996, after the death of his wife, and during retirement, Jack devoted himself entirely to community service, contributing well over 10,000 hours to the Arlington Heights Senior Center, the Arlington Heights Library, and Wheeling Township Board. As an Arlington Heights Senior Center volunteer, he was an Advisory Council member and an active member of the Men’s Club as Treasurer. He was a noted lecturer on the topics of investment strategy and during the financial crisis of 2008, he notably guided many seniors to financial security.

From Jack’s significant volunteer work, he was awarded the 2005 Cook County Sheriff’s “Senior Medal of Honor.” In 2006, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library presented Jack with the “VIVA” (Very Important Volunteer Award). In 2010 he was selected to the prestigious Governor’s “State of Illinois Senior Hall of Fame.” Jack was designated the Arlington Heights Memorial Library’s “2010 Volunteer of the Year.” In 2011, he was the recipient of the President’s Volunteer Call to Service Award. In 2014, he was uniquely honored as the sixth recipient of the “Dr. Kenneth Hood Award” by the Mayor, Trustees, and Village of Arlington Heights Senior Citizens Commission.

Memorial Mass 11:00 am, Saturday, July 17, 2021, at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, 432 W. Park Street, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Jack's family will receive guests starting at 10:00 am. Committal following Mass at All Saints Cemetery, 700 N. River Road, Des Plaines, Illinois. A videotape of the funeral can be viewed by clicking "Watch Event" below.

Should friends wish to make a donation in Jack’s name, there are two organizations that he deeply valued: The American Hearing Research Foundation (Donate - American Hearing Research Foundation) and the Arlington Heights Senior Center Inc. (https://arlingtonseniorsinc.com/make-a-donation).