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Penicook Jr., John Andrew John Andrew Penicook, Jr., passed away peacefully on March 6, 2013, with his family at his side. John was a farm boy at heart. Born on a farm in Piper City, Illinois, to John and Ruth Ann Penicook on February 3, 1958, he was an early riser and a hard worker, who grew up wanting to farm and coach basketball. Because he excelled in school, his parents convinced him to try college for a year, and he headed to the University of Illinois to study Ag Economics. There he found a thirst for knowledge, a love of the Illini, many lifelong friends at Delta Sigma Phi, and he met the love of his life, Mary Ellen Sirridge. He earned a BS and a BA from the U of I, and continued his pursuit of education earning an MSIA from Purdue, later passing the CPA, and the CFA while on the job. He spent his career progressing at a firm that evolved around him. He landed his first job in Chicago at First National Bank of Chicago, in farm management, was promoted into the investment area, which spun off as Brinson Partners, which was bought by Swiss Bank, which merged with UBS. He worked with many brilliant investment professionals over the years first as a mentee, and later as a mentor. Today, they are all considered friends. John was a great dad who enjoyed nightly family dinners discussing business, politics, current events and life lessons with his kids. He coached as much as his job would permit, and was known for his booming voice on the sidelines cheering on players from both teams. John created a loving family and will be remembered always by his wife, Mary Ellen (nee Sirridge); his daughter, Katie; and sons, Charlie, Robby and Tommy. He will be missed by his parents, Jack and Ruth Ann Penicook; his sister, Janice (John) Havins; his brother, Brian; his in-laws, Dan (Roberta) Sirridge, Bob (Althea) Sirridge, Joe Sirridge, Kathryn (Mike) Duffey, Larry (Elda) Sirridge, Patty Sirridge, Susan (Jim) Soderberg, Eileen (Ed) McMahon; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren. His neighbors in LaGrange will remember the great times shared with John and will miss the sweet sound of his John Deere tractor plowing the snow from the sidewalks and driveways of 8th Avenue, on cold snowy mornings. A Funeral Mass was held Saturday, March 9th at St. Francis Xavier Church in LaGrange. Interment is private. Memorials in his memory may be made to Fenwick High School for the establishment of a scholarship. Hallowell & James Funeral Home is assisting the family. 708-352-6500
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Mary Ellen,
I just heard of John's passing. Please accept my condolences. John was one of a kind. I still remember our Memorial Day Barbeques.
Jim Casselberry
April 2, 2013
Please accept our condolences in the loss of your loved one, John. It is evident he touched the lives of many and will be missed. In the days ahead, may reflection on the account found at Mark 5:38-43 provide you a measure of comfort.
Lynn
March 16, 2013
Mary Ellen, Katie, Charlie Robby and Tommy, Know that your First Presbyterian Church family is holding you up in our thoughts and prayers. John was a special man who touched the lives of so many. We have been blessed to consider you a part of our church family through the years.
First Presbyterian Church
March 14, 2013
Mary Ellen and kids,
My sincere condolences, Meg Shannon Baker, La Grange
meg baker
March 13, 2013
My deepest sympathy for you and your family, John and I grew up together in Piper City. Graduated "Class of 76". A good friend, good guy! We all lost a good one! Tom Miller
March 11, 2013
You were a mentor, a wonderful colleague, and a friend to me. You will be missed. I have to believe you were watching over the service today with great pride as your children spoke with poise and maturity beyond their years. Your legacy will live on for generations. May you rest in peace.
Wally Fikri
March 9, 2013
Dear Mary Ellen and the kids, Katie, Charlie, Robby and Tommy
Sometimes the hardest part, are those future memories that we hoped to share together. But, in our faith, you will see John again. You are in our prayers.
Tom and Eileen Stein, and Tommy, Matt, Mike, Martin and Danny
Thomas & Eileen Stein
March 9, 2013
What a lovely description and tribute to John. He will be missed. God Bless all the Penicooks and extended relatives.
Maureen Milligan
March 8, 2013
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