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Anthony Degnan Obituary
He leaves his wife of 42 years, Joyce (McSherry) Degnan; three sons: Andy, Sean and Brady Degnan; a daughter, Jamie Riffle; two brothers: Thomas J. Degnan and Gerard A. Degnan; two sister: Margaret Anne Feeney and Mary Ellen Lenehan; and five grandchildren. His brother, Stephen, died in 1972.
Tony was born in Worcester, son of the late Thomas J. and Anne E. (Athy) Degnan. He graduated from St. John's High School, then in Worcester, and Loyola University in Chicago.
He was Vice-President of Sales for the Archer-Daniels-Midland Milling Co., retiring in 2005 after 40 years in the milling industry.
Like his father, Tony was a consummate salesman. He knew his product, his customers, and his territory, which was most of the United States. Tony was blessed with an enthusiasm for life that he shared with everyone along his path. Despite living the last 45 years in the Midwest, he retained a deep affection for his native Massachusetts. He visited here frequently on business and pleasure including countless trips to Stiles Reservoir in Spencer and Cape Cod. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, mentor and friend to many. Tony was loved as a true man for others.
The funeral Mass will be Saturday, Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. in Ascension Church, 9510 West 127th St., Overland Park, Kansas, with burial following in Resurrection Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday, Oct. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the McGilley Funeral Home, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Misericordia Heart of Mercy, 6300 North Ridge Road, Chicago, IL 60660.
(www.misericordia.org)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Degnan
Maury Possley
November 18, 2008
To the family:
I am so sorry to hear about Tony--a great, charismatic, big as the outdoors man. I will always remember his smile and genuine affection for all his friends and family.
Susan Foley( formerly Cole)
October 21, 2008
I would like to offer my condolences to the whole family. I am a 3rd cousin and I have many fond memories of playing with Tony, Megan, Mary Ellen, Tommy & Gerri in Tatnuck Square area. I also knew Joyce for years at NDA. I never knew you married into our extended family. Small world. You are all in my prayers during this difficult time
Don Sprague
October 21, 2008
Tony was a great guy and a great Dad. Meeting Tony was a treat for he immediately made you feel like a million bucks and you were inspired by his love of life. God bless him. My prayers, especially to you Sean and Andy.
Karen Hale and Stephen Young
October 18, 2008
Dear Degnan family. Steve and I were so saddened to hear the news of Tony's passing. However, I couldn't help but smile knowing he and my father are now together again. Tony was always so full of laughter...it was contagious. I am so sorry for your loss. There are no words that can take away the sorrow-only words to let you know how much he was loved. With deepest sympathy.
John Reilly
October 18, 2008
Dear Joyce and Family, Topper and Gerry,
Tom Hitcho told me of Tony's passing this evening. My sympathy and prayers go out to all of you. Tony was a great guy who would always made you feel better after talking to him. He efforts in helping Loyola basketball were unmatched. I'm sure he and Coach Lyne are sharing many good memories. I'm know he'll be watching over all of us.
John Reilly
Bob and Joyce Jones
October 17, 2008
Tony was a friend of many... a man of consistency and integrity.... that in itself is reason enough to celebrate. We can ask no more of any man.
We are all better for having known Tony.
JAMES MCSHERRY 3RD
October 17, 2008
HI,Aunt Joyce& Family
Sorry to hear about uncle tony.Aunt joyce you know that uncle tony was my favorite! I'll always have a special place in my heart for him. You are all in my prayers. Memories of the lake are still totally awesome. HOW ABOUT THOSE SITDOWN SKIS. LOVE YOU ALL.
JAMES C MCSHERRY 3RD
APOPKA FL.
John and Carol Rafferty
October 17, 2008
Dear Degnan Family,
It is with great sympathy to your entire family that we send this message.
I have had the exceptional honor and pleasure of having known Tony since his college days at Loyola. He was always warm, genuine, caring and a true "gentle man". His loving partnership with Joyce was one every married couple should strive to equal.
Heaven will be an even more wonderful reward because of the addition of Tony to it's membership and what he brings with him to share.
He was a friend, a pleasure to be around, a special and giving man who will long be remembered and respected by Carol and me.
What a great blessing God has given us all by sharing the likes if Tony Degnan with so many of us.
John and Carol Rafferty
October 17, 2008
Dear Degnan Family,
It is with great sympathy to your entire family that we send this message.
I have had the exceptional honor and pleasure of having known Tony since his college days at Loyola. He was always warm, genuine, caring and a true "gentle man". His loving partnership with Joyce was one every married couple should strive to equal.
Heaven will be an even more wonderful because of the addition of Tony to it's membership and what he brings with him to share.
He was a friend, a pleasure to be around, a special and giving man who will long be remembered and respected by Carol and me.
What a great blessing God has given us all by sharing the likes if Tony Degnan with so many of us.
JoAnn Schold
October 17, 2008
Aunt Joyce, Andy, Sean, Brady & Jamie
I was so sorry to hear of Uncle Tony's passing. I know my family will always treasure our memories of Stiles, his silly faces, his smile and his laughter. He was one of our favorite uncles. Sorry we couldn't be there with you, but our hearts, prayers and thoughts are there.
Love
JoAnn (McSherry) Schold
Andy and Laurie Flambouras
October 17, 2008
Our most deepest and sincere condolences go out to the entire Degnan family. Although we were seldom together, our memories of Tony will always remind us of his warm and generous soul. May his memory be eternal.
Chris Barreca
October 16, 2008
Tony(Coach),Mr. Degnan was a man that always put a smile on my face and a laugh in my heart....,except when he made me run ladders! . He had charisma that all successful men exude. Coach,I am celebrating your wonderdul and giving life. ..cheers!Joyce and kids I am thinking of you in this sad time. LOVE Chris B
Dennis McDonald
October 16, 2008
Ah Joyce, I was really saddened to hear this. It has been far too long since I've seen you and Tony but you are an unforgetable pair. God bless you.
Jack and Donna Vanier
October 16, 2008
Dear Joyce,
Jack and I were so sorry to hear of Tony's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Dianne and Dan Hogerty
October 16, 2008
Dear Joyce, Dianne and I are so sorry..he was a real life hero and his place in Heaven is waiting..Tony will be missed.
Love Dianne and Dan Hogerty
Randy Hocking
October 16, 2008
To the Degnan family, Tony was a joy to be around and good friend. We will miss him Greatly! May God Bess All Of You.
Randy & Kathy
Marty Lane
October 16, 2008
Dear Joyce and children,
Tony and I went to Loyola University together and we had a lot of fun in Army ROTC and going to Loyola basketball games. He was a great guy and will be missed by many. We're having a Mass said for Tony at Loyola U. My deepest sympathy and our prayers are with him and you.
Gary Greeney
October 16, 2008
My sincerest sympathies to the entire Degnan family. Simply put, Tony was a Great Guy. He always took an interest in everyone around him and always treated me and all of Topper's friends like one of the family.
Jackie O'Brien
October 16, 2008
My sincere sympathy goes out to all of Tony's family particularly to his wife Joyce. My memories of Tony go back to when we were alterboys at Christ the King Church,working at the drug store and of time spent with Brother Simeon at Saint John's Academy. I wish him Gods speed.
Larry Glerum
October 16, 2008
To the Degnan family, I worked with Tony at ADM for many years.Tony was a good friend and I don't know anyone who had more friends in the Milling and Baking industries. I will cherish the memories forever
Larry Glerum
Jerry Crowe
October 16, 2008
Joyce, I am very sorry to here of Tony's passing. I enjoyed many times with you and Tony in Chicago and Lake Geneva. I hope you are doing well. Jerry Crowe
Tom & Gayle Peterson
October 16, 2008
To the Degnan family with deepest sympathy in your loss. Tony was a favorite cousin, a wonderful person who was loved by all. May he rest in peace with Dad Tom, Mother Anne and brother Stephen.
bobby o'brien
October 16, 2008
My sincerest condolences to all the Degnan family on the loss of Tony. I remember him fondly and shared memories of him with Tommy Peterson and my brothers Jack and George not long ago. I even had the pleasure of serving Mass at Christ the King with him. RIP
Mary Peterson
October 16, 2008
Tony was not only my Godfather and my cousin, he was my friend. He and Joyce had my wedding in 1988 as a gift to me in their beautiful Northbrook home. His laughter was contagious, I will miss him dearly.
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