John B. Grogan

John B. Grogan, 92, of Lincolnwood passed away on Sunday, August 20th peacefully surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Joan, nee Bentivenga and the late Marguerite, nee Reuland. Adored father of Andrea, (ret ASA), Margo, John, Jennifer (Eric Sternberg),the late Nicholas (ret CFD Engineer) (Betty Grogan Siwieck), the late Joseph, the late Judith. Proud Grandfather of Meghan (Nicholas Meyer), Dr. Nicole (Matthew Fleege), Natalie, John Grogan, Caitlin and Aidan Sternberg. G-Pa of Harrison, Graham and Barrett Meyer, Oliver and Baby Girl Fleege. Stepsons Mark Bentivenga, Scott (Barbara) Bentivenga, step grandchildren Rachel, Ricky, Jake and Isabel Bentivenga. Numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his loving parents John B. and Mary Grogan, (nee Campbell), and his dear brothers Bernard (the late Joan, the late Marcella) and Thomas (the late Sylvia) Grogan.

John was born in Chicago. The family spent the summer months at the Grogan family farm in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin before moving permanently to Fort Atkinson when John was in high school. He enjoyed playing football at Fort Atkinson High School where he was a star right end. These were among the happiest times of his life.

After high school John joined the United States Marine Corp. Upon leaving the Marines he enrolled at the University of Wisconsin. In 1953 he met his future wife, Marguerite and later transferred to DePaul University. John and Marguerite married in 1955. John attended DePaul University Law School and graduated with a Juris Doctor Degree, class of 1960.

For the next five years John practiced as a trial lawyer with the Corporation Counsel Office of the city of Chicago defending the city in various civil injury cases. Upon leaving the city, he went into private practice for over 30 years where he continued to practice mostly civil injury defense cases. He became so accomplished in his field of practice that the Chicago Corporation Counsel's office retained him as a Special Corporation Counsel in major personal injury cases defending the city for over 20 years. John became the city's expert in defending Lake Shore Drive cases and injuries against Chicago Police Officers among others. As a result of his representation of the city of Chicago, he was involved in writing legislation that was passed into law by the Illinois legislature and signed into law. John was invited to join the Society of Trial Lawyers early in his career and was still a member at the time of his death.

In 1991 John was appointed as an Associate Judge of Cook County where he served for over 20 years eventually being assigned to hear cases in the Law Division. John lead the Law Division in jury verdicts for 8 years prior to his retirement in 2012.

Upon his retirement John volunteered as an assistant football coach at Loyola Academy, coaching wide receivers for the freshman and sophomore football teams. He truly enjoyed his association with Loyola Academy, his fellow coaches and his football players.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 3-8pm at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago. Prayers will begin Friday 9:30am at the funeral home and process to St. Mary of the Woods Church, 6955 N. Hiawatha for Mass at 10:00am. Interment All Saints. To view the Mass, please visit John's memorial at www.smithcorcoran.com.

John would appreciate donations be made to the Marine Corp Scholarship Fund. www.mcsf.org <http://www.mcsf.org>

For more funeral information 773-736-3833