Morgan Francis McDonnell

Morgan Francis McDonnell of Wayne A memorial Mass for Mr. Morgan Francis McDonnell, 76, will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 2900 East Main St., St. Charles. Born in Southampton, Long Island, he died Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. As director and manager of numerous Chicago investment banking firms over the past 50 years, Morgan was known as a caring man of integrity, endowed with a sharp wit, a ready smile, a kind word, and a renowned sense of humor. He was one of the most respected men on LaSalle Street, a one-of-a-kind businessman who placed the highest value on the lives and needs of those who worked with him. Mr. McDonnell was the ninth of 14 children, the son of financier James McDonnell - dubbed the "Wolf of Wall Street" after predicting the stock market crash of 1929, and Anna Murray McDonnell, daughter of Thomas E. Murray, inventor and partner of Thomas Edison. Graduating at age 14 from Cranwell Preparatory School, he attended Fordham University for one semester before attending Georgetown University. He joined and served in the United States Navy in the south pacific. He returned to Georgetown to graduate at the age of 21. Mr. McDonnell worked as a stockbroker for Merrill Lynch in New York before moving to Chicago in 1951 to open a branch of the family firm, McDonnell & Co. He acted as managing director until the firm closed in 1970. He then joined F.S. Moseley & Co., later acquired by Gruntal Inc., and remained there as managing director until his retirement in 1999. During his career he was a member of the New York Stock Exchange, The Midwest Stock Exchange, The Chicago Board of Trade, The Chicago Club, The Mid Day Club, and The Dunham Woods Riding Club. Mr. McDonnell served as the president of the U.S.O. of Illinois, director of the U.S.O. World Board, and as a trustee of Xavier College. He was a very spiritual, honest man of great character who always treated people with dignity. In 1951 he married Anne Ford of Wilmette, and moved to Wayne, where they raised six children. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, tennis player, horseman, private pilot and active in his church. Most of all, he was an adoring father and grandfather; his greatest joy came from his wife and family. Mr. McDonnell is survived by his wife, Anne; his children, Morgan Jr. (Kappo), Muffy (Timothy) Haley, Dr. James (Kimberley) McDonnell, Peter (Mary) McDonnell, Mary (Edwin) Hull, David (Ashlie) McDonnell; 16 grandchildren; and by his siblings, James McDonnell Jr., Barbara Hennessey, Sheila Collins, Margaret Mary Murphy, and Mary Murnane. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass Thursday, at the church. Arrangements were made by Yurs Funeral Home, St. Charles. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Misercordia Home, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660. Friends may visit www.dailyherald.com/obits to express condolences and sign the guest book. For funeral information, (630) 584-0060.