With great sadness but with greater gratitude and loving memories, we say farewell to John Francis Lenehan who left us far too soon on April 25, 2024. Known as “Johnny” to his devoted wife, “John” to his friends and colleagues, “Uncle Jack” to his nieces and nephews, “Dad” to his children, and “Grandpa” to his grandchildren, he touched all who knew him with his kindness, intellect, and great capacity for love. Among his favorite things in life were his family, friends, the law, baseball, all things Irish, and a good party. John spent some of his happiest moments at the ballpark watching the Dayton Dragons; taking his children to the St. Patrick’s Day parade – no matter the weather; debating the nuanced intricacies of labor law with anyone who was willing to engage; cooking for family and friends; and taking his grandchildren on whatever adventure the entertainment coupon book had in store for them. He was easy to please. A fire in the fireplace, a good book, a nice cigar, a challenging crossword puzzle, Irish music, interesting conversation, and a sweet treat (especially if it included ice cream) were his idea of perfect way to spend the day. Born on August 3, 1940 in Cleveland, Ohio, John spent his formative years deeply rooted in the Irish community, where he shared a home with his immigrant parents, sisters, and extended family members who were getting their start in America. This experience fueled his work ethic and his generous spirit. John believed in the American Dream because it was his lived experience. John got his first job as a delivery boy for a local pharmacy when he was just eleven years old. He worked his way through high school and college, graduating from John Carroll University and John Marshall School of Law at Cleveland State University. His legal career spanned five decades during which he practiced at all levels of the judicial system. He specialized in labor and school law, and represented the Dayton Board of Education for over twenty years. He was still practicing law…still working at the time of his passing. John was always ready to lend a helping hand…whether to help a family member get out of a scrape…assist a friend or colleague with a legal issue…or provide counsel and guidance to someone struggling to overcome addiction. He gave of himself without passing judgment or asking for anything in return. As his career moved him from Akron to Columbus to Dayton, John was blessed to find love and his life’s partner in Sheryl (nee Izor). They married in 1993. Together, they built a loving home that welcomed countless family and friends and was the epicenter of many adventures for the grandchildren. Sheryl kept John looking fashionably sharp, staying strong, and feeling loved. John is survived by his wife Sheryl, his children: Moira (Fedor), John (Marty), Kathleen (Kris), and Thomas (Julie); grandchildren: Andre (Molly), Laura Jeanne, Shane, Hannah, Kael, Kate, Alexandra, Braeden, and great-granddaughter, Mary Mila; his nieces and nephews: Marybeth, Tim, Michael, Susie, Matthew, Richard, Robert “Bud”, Anne, Dennis, Philip, John, and Mary Jane; and many cousins and grandnieces and grandnephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Catherine (nee Leneghan); sisters, Mary (Tobin) and Margaret (Bruening), and nephew Joseph and niece Cathy Ann. Gathering of Family and Friends, May 24, 2024 from 11 am until time of the Memorial Mass at 12 pm at Church of the Incarnation, 7415 Far Hills Ave. Centerville, Ohio 45459. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dayton Public Schools Foundation, c/o The Dayton Foundation, 1401 S. Main Street, Suite 100, Dayton, Ohio 45409; or The Foodbank, Inc, 56 Armor, Place, Dayton, Ohio 45417-1187. John was a one of a kind. We will miss his laugh, his fabulous breakfasts, and the love and comradery that he shared with everyone he met. Erin go bragh! Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.9.6