John Joseph" (Jack) Hennessy

Amity Lake, NY - John Joseph" (Jack) Hennessy, 84, of 743 Anna Hope Lane, Osprey, FL passed away peacefully at his summer residence of Amity Lake, Belmont, NY on Thursday, December 27, 2012 with his family at his side.  The late James Harrigan and Catherine Mary (Connor) Hennessy gave birth to John on December 28, 1927 in Buffalo, NY.  He married Mary Lou Brundage on August 20, 1949 at St. Mary's Church in Bolivar, NY, who survives.
Jack was raised in Scio, NY and was a parishioner of St. Joseph's Church where he was an alter server for many years.  He was a graduate of Scio High School and St. Bonaventure University.  He was a Seaman 2nd Class serving aboard the USS Briareus (AR12) during WWII.  He received the American Theater Medal and the WWII Victory Medal.  His career with CE Air Preheater Company began in 1946 and he retired as President in 1986 after 40 years of service.  Lifetime community memberships included Elks Lodge 1495, Emerald Hook & Ladder Company # 3, Morrison Hayes Post 702 American Legion, Knights of Columbus Council 919 and the Ancient Order of Hibernians in America, Inc.  He was particularly proud to have obtained his single engine private pilot's license.  He was a former member of the Key Bank, Board of Directors and the Jones Memorial Hospital, Board of Managers.  He was a past President of the Wellsville Country Club, served on the Wellsville Planning Board, and was named Citizen of the Year by the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 63 years are two sons, John (Christine) Hennessy and Thomas (Kendra) Hennessy, three daughters, Margaret (Lyle) Nye, Mary (Joseph) Smullin and Patricia (James) Sanford, 14 grandchildren, John Joseph Hennessy II, Gregory Hennessy, Peter Hennessy, Sarah Hennessy, Samantha Hennessy, Shea Hennessy, Nicole Nye, Jessica Nye, Marissa Nye, Kathryn Nye, Joshua Smullin, Kelsey Smullin, Andrew Sanford, Shannon Sanford and four sisters, Elizabeth Searle, Mary Ellen (Richard) Brunell, Cathleen (Frank) Linnecke, Agnes (Thomas) Brush and one brother, Thomas (Mary) Hennessy.  He was predeceased by two brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Hennessy and William and Corinne Hennessy and brother-in-law, James Searle.
Jack had numerous nieces & nephews of which he loved deeply.  He also had many friends and associates around the world with whom he left a lasting impression on each and every one of them.
Friends are invited to call on Sunday, December 30, 2012 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc. in Wellsville, NY.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 31, 2012 at 11:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wellsville with concelebrants Rev. Thomas Roman and Rev. Sean DiMaria followed by burial at the Sacred Heart Cemetery.  The family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or your favorite charity. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.