John Patrick Conway

In Loving Memory John Patrick Conway John Conway, 84, of Rochelle, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2010 at the Rochelle Rehabilitation Center. He was born on March 1, 1925 in Cork, Ireland to Catherine (Harold) and Michael Conway. John is survived by his devoted wife Dorothy of 51 years, three children, Michael of Freeport, Christopher (Madeline) of Rockford, and Cheryl (Dorian Ribush) of Melbourne Australia, along with their grandchildren Nicholas Conway, Melissa Pichon, Kenneth Shearer, Liam and Gabriel Ribush, and great grandchildren, Zackery, Felisha, Joseph, Alexis Pichon and Kenneth Shearerjr., Marcos Ochoa. John emigrated to the US at age 10 and grew up in western New York. He attended New York state schools and studied journalism at Syracuse University. He was a WWII veteran serving in the European theater from 1943-5 in both the infantry and the airborne division. He was an active member in the Catholic Church and an honorary life member in the Third and Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. John was a drafting supervisor working for the Wurlitzer company for 45 years and later with Ideal Industries in Sycamore, until he retired in 1991. Known for his keen sense of humor, strong work ethic and diplomacy, he was well regarded by his peers. John also was a lecturer at Kishwaukee Community College for several years teaching drafting. An artistic soul, John was a gifted writer, and avid reader who loved to fish and travel. He was a loving and devoted husband and father who will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He will be remembered fondly by all who have been touched by his kind and gentle nature. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 8th, lOam, St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Rochelle. Visitation will be in the church an hour before mass. A lunch gathering after internment will be held in the Parish Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Patrick's Church. Arrangements made by Coulon Lyons Funeral Home with internment at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery