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Joseph F. Hennessey
Joseph F. Hennessey
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Joseph Hennessey Obituary
Born in Buffalo, N.Y., he was the son of J. Edward Hennessey and Helen Golan Hennessey and the stepson of Catherine Gillern Hennessey. He was a 1955 graduate of Scranton Preparatory School and a 1959 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross. He went on to graduate from Temple School of Medicine in 1963 and served in the Air Force in Orlando, Fla. He studied pediatrics at St. Christopher's Hospital in Philadelphia before beginning his 39-year career as a pediatrician. He was on staff at St. Christopher's Hospital, Holy Redeemer Hospital and Nazareth Hospital in the Philadelphia area. He was a member of the Irish American Pediatric Society and enjoyed traveling with the society.
He was known for his care and compassion for children, his patients and their families. He loved boating and enjoyed spending time on the Chesapeake Bay and Lake Ariel. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. His greatest accomplishment was his family and he was the true definition of a family man.
Also surviving are two sons, Joseph and wife, Marianne Hennessey, Upper Moreland; and Patrick and wife, Yvette Hennessey, Huntingdon Valley; five daughters, Bridget and husband, Kevin Weir, Kendall Park, N.J.; Elizabeth Hennessey, Dunmore; Kristen and husband, Conal Clarke, Scranton; Erin and husband, Matthew Butler, Scranton; and Meghan and husband, Christopher Farrell, Lancaster; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Caitlin Hennessey.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Albert the Great Church, 212 Welsh Road, Huntingdon Valley. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem.
Friends may call Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m. at the Albert P. O'Donnell Funeral Home, 2025 Green Ridge St., Dunmore.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
William DeAngelis
September 23, 2024
I remain grateful for Dr Joe caring for my 4mo old daughter and pointing me to the proper treatment course for her.
His acute eye for symptoms and his calm, confident way of diagnosing her issues was missed by his peers.
Thank you Dr Joe!
Rest in peace.
Maureen Walls
May 15, 2018
I was lucky enough to have Dr. Hennessey as my pediatrician when I was a child. I suddenly got sick on my Communion Day AT the Church ! My parents took me out of the church and brought me to Dr Hennessey's office. (Saturday afternoon-office open ! ) After he examined me he spoke to my Mom. I sat there with my head down, weak & sad. Dr Hennessey gave me a dollar ! : ) Thank you doctor. You put a bright moment in to a sick and sad little girl's day. God Bless you.
May 15, 2013
WE loved Dr. Hennessey. He was a great guy as well as a great doctor. Marie also was so sweet and devoted to him especially in these later years. We wish the entire family the best and will keep you all in our prayers. The Podgorski Family.
Annemarie Gulisano Sauder
May 9, 2013
Erin, Meghan, and family- so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. My condolences to your Mom and your entire
Family.
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May 8, 2013
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Hennessey. He was a wonderful doctor, and a sweet man. It was with his help we raised our 4 children. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hennessey family.
The Smith Family
Stephen Nowak
May 2, 2013
There are few men who cared so deeply and selflessly for his family as Dr. Joe Hennessy. To his family, I offer my sincerest condolences. He will live on the the memories of all who knew him...
May 2, 2013
I am so sad to hear the loss of a great pediatrician!!! He was a kind and patient man, my sympathy to the Hennessey family.
Beth Anne Patterson
Dorothy & James Cleary
May 2, 2013
We were saddened today to learn of the passing of Dr. Joe, whom we were privileged to have as our children's pediatrician in the 70's and 80's. One exceptional moment for us occurred during a Christmas Season in 1977/78 when our young daughter was very ill, and we contacted Dr. Hennessey. Even though Mrs. Hennessey was about to give birth to one of their youngest children, Dr. Joe took the time to call us, instead of permitting a substitute to cover for him. That was the type of man he was. We will be forever grateful for his expertise in caring for our children. Thank you, Hennessey Family, for sharing your husband and father with the local community.
May 1, 2013
Marie & family:
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Dr. Hennessey will surely be missed. He was a kind, patient and understanding person. He will never be forgotten.
Joe & Rose Kennedy
May 1, 2013
Dear Marie and family,
We are very saddened by Joe's passing. I was lucky to get to know Joe when we did some work on the office. Norman Rockwell would have enjoyed the picture of Joe telling a story with a cigarette in one hand, a drink in the other and a mischievous grin on his face. He will truly be missed by many people.
With love,
Mark and Pat Adams
Terri A. Visconto
May 1, 2013
Gratefully remembering Dr. Hennessey. Dr. Hennessey was truly one of the great "old school pediatricians" and I will be forever grateful for the wonderful care he provided for over thirty-two years to my four children. God bless your family.
Patrick McGuckin
April 30, 2013
Our Thoughts and prayers go out to Dr Hennessey's Family and Friends. He will forever be in our prayers. God Bless our Dr. Hennessey. Thank you for taking such good care of us and our children. We will miss you.
April 29, 2013
Marie amd family - I learned of Joe's passing on the internet from a Holy Cross classmate. While we never stayed in touch after graduation, I fondly remember a weekend in Scranton. His guest book messages demonstrate he must have been a great doctor and family man. My sympathies to you all.
Dick Beatty, HC '59, Guilford, CT
Theresa Maggetti Schmal
April 29, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Hennessey family. I have fond memories of your dad, he was great pediatrician and always felt welcome in the Hennessey home. May the happy memories of your dad get you through difficult days ahead.
Donna Castellano
April 27, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May the happy memories you have help to comfort you in this saddened time.
Jack & Pat Keenan
April 27, 2013
When our first child was born, we picked Dr. Hennessey as our pediatrician. Without knowing of Dr. Hennessey, my wife and I many times would agree that it was the smartest decision we ever made. He was a wonderful Doctor and a wonderful man and he cared for all five of our children. I doubt we will see another like him. Rest in peace Dr. Hennessey and God bless you.
Eileen Gillard Johnson
April 27, 2013
A wonderful doctor and neighbor who took great care of the Gillard family.My best to his family in this difficult time.
Brogan-Barret-Mohn Grandkids
James Barrett
April 27, 2013
It was with deep sadness I find myself writing this. I remember as if it was yesterday that my Uncle John J Brogan MD, delivered our first born, Megan, along with Dr. Joe and the A Team. He carried out my daughter and introduced her to me at 4:30AM. From then on Dr. Joe, the Hardings of River St. and the Barretts of Prospect Ave of Scranton were bonded. He will truly be missed by all the Barretts. He practiced medicine as an art and was an exceptional Physician and human being. God rest his soul. The kids in this picture are the children of the little girl he help deliver in 1981. Thanks Dr Joe for my grandkids
Vicki Smith
April 27, 2013
So saddened to hear the news of Dr. Hennessey's passing. Not only was he my pediatrician when I was a child, but he also cared for both of my children. He was a wonderful and caring man. Rest in peace, and take care of all of the young ones in Heaven.
Anne Madden
April 26, 2013
I raised five children with the help of your husband and father. He was truly the most wonderful doctor I ever meant. His calmness and always caring nature saw me through some scary times. I am sad that my children and grandchildren will probably never get to have a doctor like him. I owe him so much and thank you for sharing him all those years. RIP
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2025 Green Ridge St, Dunmore, PA 18512
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