John Deane Donahue

John Deane Donahue, 97, of Flossmoor, IL, passed away peacefully February 11, 2025. He was born on January 13, 1928,in a farmhouse near Cullom, IL. John was a beloved husband of the late Rosemary W. Donahue, a cherished father to Joan Donahue, John (Mary Edna) Donahue, Michael (Leslie) Donahue, Kathleen (Liam) McNally, and Kevin (Peggy) Donahue. A special uncle to Laurel Perry. He is survived by his sisters Pat McDonald and Teresa Doherty and predeceased by siblings Alice Schmidt, E. James Donahue, and Donald Donahue. He was devoted to his 10 grandchildren and his four great grandchildren as well as his numerous nephews and nieces.

John was a Marine Corps veteran and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1952 with a degree in finance. He started as a CPA and later became Chairman of the Board of the family business, Pet Life Foods, Inc. John was family-centered, hitting countless baseballs to his children and faithfully attending their athletic games. He coached Little League baseball for many years. He belonged to a south suburban fair housing group. He and his late wife of almost 60 years, Rosemary, traveled extensively, particularly in Ireland where he traced his family's roots. John also maintained a connection to his birthplace, Cullom, IL, growing corn and soybeans on farmland that had been in the family for over 100 years.

John spent a lifetime living and upholding his love for the Catholic faith. He was deeply involved in his local parish, St. Veronica, attending Mass weekly, following the teachings of Christ, and uplifting his fellow parishioners.  One of John's favorite charities was the Saint Joseph Indian School, a school designed to give Native Americans an education in a self-affirming environment.

Visitation at Tews-Ryan Funeral in Homewood, 18230 S. Dixie Hwy., on Tuesday February 18th from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. On February 19th, prayers will be offered at Tews-Ryan Funeral home at 9:45 am followed by Mass at St. Veronica, 1131 Douglas Ave., Flossmoor, IL. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 2260 Steger Rd, Steger IL. For more information visitwww.tews-ryanfh.com.