John E. Hennessey

He is survived by his loved daughter Jennifer (Andrew) Shute and their son Matthew, his beloved former wife, Janet Hennessey, sisters, Ellen Biederman and Sarah Mohler, and brother, Michael (Patsy) Hennessey, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, his cat Melody, and his dear friend, through thick and thin, since they were teens, Roy Hobson.

He was predeceased by his father and mother.

John, after college, went on to form a partnership with a group led by fellow PGA professional, J.R. Ables, to build and operate the Golden Bear Golf Center on Sancus Road near Polaris. During this time John focused on sharing his love of golf by teaching others to play. John's infectious and kind personality, along with his ability to think and speak succinctly, made him a highly sought- after instructor.

After the range closed due to the commercial development boom in the Polaris area, John and Janet moved to Phoenix to pursue his next golf adventure. During that time he became aware of a business opportunity with Bevinco, an innovative Liquor Control company, and decided to invest in a franchise. John devoted the remainder of his career to this franchise and was extremely successful.

In the caddy yard during his youth, John developed a love and an uncanny natural ability to play cards. As a young adult John learned to play duplicate bridge, a skill shared by his mother. His love and ability to play cards synergistically crossed paths with Jeff Meckstroth (the greatest bridge player of all time), who, at the time, lived in Columbus. John and Jeff became close friends and John became an expert player, achieving the rank of ACBL Life Master. More importantly, John made many of his closest friends in the bridge world.

John came in first place in an ACBL bridge tournament with 387 entries as recently as this month. He also won a Central Ohio Team Championship last year.

John was a dreamer and a doer. He had an abundance of friends. "Henny" will be remembered by PGA members, the Columbus Bridge Community and all of his former golf students and Pro-Am partners.

We would ask that, in memory of John, you would teach someone something you are skilled at, every chance you get.