Photo courtesy of Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg
Leesburg, Virginia
Dec 9, 1957 – Dec 9, 2024
William J. Hennessy Jr., renowned courtroom artist, passed away on Monday, December 9, 2024. Over his distinguished 40+ years career, Hennessy captured pivotal moments in American legal history including the White House CIA leak, Iran Contra, Clinton impeachment, Guantanamo Bay, Microsoft antitrust, and countless other high-profile cases. His sketches provided the public with a unique window into courtroom dynamics, especially in cases where cameras were prohibited. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the intersection of art and reportage.
While widely celebrated for his courtroom artistry, Hennessy was also a true Renaissance man. He was an extraordinary painter, sculptor, photographer, videographer, writer, thinker, and adventurer. He worked the land, rode motorcycles, was mechanically inclined, and could fix anything. He loved hiking, exploring nature, fishing, and traveling. His creative spirit and inquisitive mind transcended any single discipline, and above all, he deeply loved his family.
Hennessy is survived by his amazing wife, Arezou, and their seven wonderful children and thirteen grandchildren who continue to reflect his brilliance and boundless love. His legacy of artistry, innovation, and humanity will forever inspire those who knew him and countless others who admired him and his work.
A visitation for family and friends will be held On Tuesday, December 17, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, at The National Conference Center, 18665 Conference Center Drive, Leesburg, VA 20176.
A Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 10:00 am, St. Theresa Catholic Church, 21370 St Theresa Ln, Ashburn, VA 20147.
A reception will be held Wednesday, December 18, 11:30 am., at Lansdowne Resort, 44050 Woodridge Pkwy, Leesburg, VA 20176. Room location to follow.
In lieu of flowers, we encourage donations to charities that meant a lot to Bill and his family:
Spina Bifida Association https://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/
Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
St. Jude's Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org/promotion/impact-giving-pm.html
Freedom Alliance https://freedomalliance.org/
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I haven't seen Bill since we moved from Chula Vista but I feel like a little bit of my heart just broke. Such fond memories of the family next door. Prayers for the family and friends. God had truly blessed him. Cindy Braaksma
Cindy Braaksma
December 24, 2024 | Caldwell, ID | Acquaintance
So many fond memories with Bill and my son Joe.
One such memory was when the two of them came
running into the house and wanted me to fix them
a hamburger. I had just started a summer camp for kids
in Harpers Ferry WV called Foxfire. Knowing Bill’s talent,
I ask him to draw me a logo for my Summer Camp.
He reached over and pulled a napkin from the holder,
and by the time I gave them their hamburgers, he had
drawn a campfire with Two Foxes roasting...
Doris Rees
December 20, 2024 | Roanoke, VA | Neighbor
Group of 10 Memorial Trees
Ashburn Supervisor Mike Turner
December 18, 2024 | Leesburg, VA
As the Ashburn District Supervisor, I'd like to extend my most heartfelt condolences to the entire Hennessey family. I'm out of town this week but wanted you to know you are all in my prayers. I met Bill some years ago to discuss the purchase of part of his property to create a unique regional park on Goose Creek. I'm so grateful we were able to come to an agreement that will create a lasting legacy for Bill and his family. May God Bless you and keep you all.
Ashburn Supervisor Mike Turner
December 18, 2024 | Leesburg, VA | Acquaintance
Bill thank you for the thoughtful and kind friend that you are! I will certainly miss the encouragement that you so often gave me! Rest in peace my friend!!
Michael Berry
December 16, 2024 | Washington, DC | Friend
Tranquil Moments Peace Lily
Neil & Robin MacLauchlan
December 16, 2024
“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”
Kahlil Gibran
I am so grateful to have had the honor of calling you Uncle Bill.
Nikki Nabi
December 16, 2024 | Great Falls, VA | Family
One of the finest men we ever knew. We felt privileged to call him a friend.
Love to Arezou and all the family.
Our deepest condolences.
Rick and Lolie
Lolie & Rick Oastler
December 15, 2024 | Charlottetown, PEI | Friend
He sure will be missed we all loved his sketches. He was taken too young and there is no one who can replace his artistic way of capturing moments in time and putting them down on paper. Bill sounds like he was an amazing person who had a love for life and a deep love for his family.
December 15, 2024
