Joseph Charles Hennessy

Joseph Charles Hennessy, 55, of Springfield, passed away at 12:19 a.m. on Sunday, June 20, 2010 at his home. Joe was born November 5, 1954 in Chicago, the son of Joseph and Mary Joan Weitzel Hennessy. He graduated from Fenwick High School in Oak Park and attended Loyola University and Goodman School of the Art Institute in Chicago. He went on to grad school in Florence, Italy. Joe was the Chief of Exhibits for the Illinois State Museum and enjoyed camping, the outdoors, kayaking, woodworking and visiting museums. He was an accomplished artist, musician and writer. He is preceded in death by his father; and one brother, Paul Hennessy. Joe is survived by his mother, Mary Joan Hennessy of River Forest; two daughters, Kirsty Hennessy and Faon (husband, Jeff) Skeeters, both of Springfield; three grandchildren, Brandon, Sydney and Layla; one sister, Mary Pat (husband, David) Resch of Barrington Hills; niece and nephew, Kate and Charlie Resch; and many cousins. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. A memorial gathering will be held from 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A memorial mass at St. Luke Church in River Forest will be celebrated on July 10, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will be privately held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois State Museum, 502 South Spring Street, Springfield, IL 62706.