Dennis Joseph Conaghan
Dennis Joseph Conaghan
Obituary
Guest Book
Dennis Conaghan Obituary
Dennis was born in Kansas City, Missouri, to John and Helen Conaghan on January 11, 1948. He grew up in Fairway, Kansas, where he attended St. Agnes and Bishop Miege. He was the oldest of five children.
A dedicated educator, Dennis was a beloved member of the Notre Dame de Sion community for 43 years before retiring in 2020. During his time at Sion, he served as athletic director and also taught world geography and Holocaust studies. He inspired generations of students and athletes with his integrity, compassion, deep curiosity about the world, and quick wit.
A passionate world traveler, Dennis explored more than 40 countries throughout his life. In 1998, he resurrected a program to bring students from Northern Ireland to the Kansas City area in support of the emerging peace process. This initiative led to the founding of the AOH Children for Peace in Ireland Committee, which allowed many Irish students to live and study with American families, building lasting bridges of understanding.
Dennis is preceded in death by his loving parents and his nephew, Patrick. He is survived by his three children: Angie Harmon of Leawood, Kansas; Lori Oxborough of Overland Park, Kansas. and Kevin Conaghan of Prairie Village, Kansas. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Madelyn (21), Abigail (19), Olivia (17), Katelyn (15), and Finley (9), and he treasured the time he spent with them, always offering his love, encouragement, and presence. His sons-in-law include Jay Harmon and Dave Oxborough.
Dennis is also survived by his four siblings: Jack Conaghan, Mary Gonzalez, Bill Conaghan, and Mike Conaghan. He leaves behind a large extended family, including many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.
Visitation and Memorial Mass
Cure of Ars Catholic Church
9401 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS 66206
Friday, May 9, 2025
Visitation: 10:00 AM
Funeral Mass: 11:00 AM
Lunch to follow at the church
Private burial at Resurrection
Donations in his name may be made to Notre Dame de Sion, https://www.ndsion.edu/giving
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Penny Selle
November 2, 2025
I remember when I joined the Isak Federman Teaching Cadre @ the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education several years ago, their director told me no one had ever won more White Rose Essay Contests than Dennis´ students! A metric that I am confident will stand the test of time. It was a joy, honor & pleasure to teach next door to his (and John David´s) classroom for so many years!!! Echoing what other Sion educators have noted, your Spirit lives on, Mr. C!!
Alan Phillips
May 9, 2025
Condolences from Alan and Stacy Phillips and the staff of Leawood Family Eye Care. We are sad to hear of Dennis´s passing and sorry to miss the service as we are traveling this week. I will dearly miss our conversations about baseball and especially the way his eyes lit up when talking about his children and grandchildren!
Rose Watson
May 8, 2025
While my time at Sion was not the best, I will say he is one of the teachers I really admired. He never made anyone feel like they didn´t belong in his classes. One thing that I will never forget is when he came up to me and asked me to play basketball. I told him I don´t know how. He said I was tall and so I would be good and he would teach me. I told him no but will never forget. Rest in peace.
David Millett
May 7, 2025
God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Kristi Hilgenfeld
May 7, 2025
Sorry to hear about the loss of Dennis. It was a pleasure having a classroom across the hall from him for several years. Dennis has made a lasting impact on many students' and colleagues' lives.
Kathleen Teel
May 7, 2025
Dennis was so fun to work with at Notre Dame de Sion High School. It made it fun and interesting to go to work as you never knew if it was his birthday that day or what other mischief he might be cooking up. We have missed him since he retired.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
14553 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66223
Make a Donation
in Dennis Conaghan's name
People and places connected with Dennis
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Dennis's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Dennis Conaghan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
