Obituary — Fr. John A. Hennessy, SJ

Fr. John A. Hennessy, SJ, died on May 8, 2024, at St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwautosa, Wisconsin. He was 89 years old.

He was born in Oneida, New York, on November 28, 1934. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in South Korea before he entered the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus on September 3, 1958 at the Jesuit Novitiate in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He was ordained a priest on May 27, 1969 and pronounced final vows on August 15, 1986 at Holy Rosary Mission in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. While in the Society, John earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy (1964) and a master’s degree in sociology (1970) from St. Louis University. 

During Regency, John taught Geography and Religion at Red Cloud Indian School in Pine Ridge, South Dakota (1965-1966). After ordination, he returned to Holy Rosary Mission where he taught Theology (1970-1976) and was an associate pastor (1970-1979). John spent four years living at the Abbey of the Genesee in Genesee, New York, discerning if God was calling him to a more contemplative live style as a Trappist monk (1979-1983).

After confirming his vocation as a Jesuit priest and returning to the Wisconsin Province, John then spent over two decades performing pastoral ministry. He was the pastor of Holy Rosary Church in Graceville, Minnesota (1984-1990), a chaplain at the Benedictine Priory in Norfolk, Nebraska (1990-1994), the pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish in Martin, South Dakota (1994-2004), and a chaplain at the Carmelite Monastery in Traverse City, Michigan (2004-2008). In 2008, John was missioned to the St. Camillus Jesuit Community to pray for the Church and the Society and perform pastoral ministry.

John was a devoted priest who took his prayer and faith very seriously. He was quiet, lived like a monk, and spent many hours praying before the Blessed Sacrament. On the day before John died, Fr. George Winzenburg told him the story of a common man who, when asked why he sat in front of the Blessed Sacrament, said, “I look at Him, and He looks at me.” John smiled at this.

He enjoyed robust health for most of his life. He had aches and pains but was very private about them, and he declined most requests for medical care. During the Covid-19 pandemic, John said it was a matter of faith that he was not vaccinated. He wore a mask when asked to do so. He was compliant with other restrictions, and he never complained.  

He enjoyed traveling to New York (by train or bus) to visit his many siblings and their families. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers — his stocking cap, blanket, and rugs in his bathroom bore the team’s logo. 

John is survived by his siblings: Philip Hennessy, Paul Hennessy, Mary Hennessy, Ann Hurteau, and Esther Fuess. He is preceded in death by his brothers: David Hennessy and James Hennessy.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024, 11:00 a.m. (CST) at the St. Camillus Jesuit Community, in Wauwatosa, Wisc.  

Condolences may be sent to St. Camillus Jesuit Community, c/o George E. Winzenburg, SJ,10201 W Wisconsin Ave., Wauwatosa, WI 53226-3541 or emailed to gwinzenburg@jesuits.org.