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John Johnson Obituary
Jul 5, 1941 - Feb 20, 2025
John Howard Johnson Jr. 83, of Chicago, IL passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on February 20, 2025. John was born on July 5, 1941, in Gary, IN to John and Alma (Swartz) Johnson. He spent his childhood in Hobart, IN and graduated from Hobart High School, class of 1959. As a senior he was awarded football All American honors and a scholarship to Indiana University. He married his high school sweetheart, Laurel Loverich and they were blessed with four children. John was drafted by the NFL Chicago Bears and as a rookie played in the 1963 World Championship Game against the NY Giants. After 7 successful years with the NFL, "he found a job which didn't hurt as much" as an Executive Recruiter. In 1976 he established the recruiting firm John H Johnson & Associates and a few years later, the outplacement company John Joseph Group, Ltd. Serving as CEO for over 30 years, these businesses employed over 300 personnel in 10 offices across the nation. John had a passion for traveling the world with his family, celebrating life with friends, contributing to the community, coaching young athletes, engaging in woodworking, and enjoying a fine cigar. He supported his favorite charities: Misericordia, Lambs Farm, Red Cloud Foundation, Brian Piccolo Cancer Research, Jimmie Heuga Foundation, Johnny Red Kerr Have-a-Heart Foundation, and Mercy Home for Boys and Girls. John was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame, the Indiana Football Hall of Fame, Sports Faith International Hall of Fame, Hobart Football Hall of Fame, and received the Distinguished American Award from the NFL Foundation, Chicago Chapter. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Laurel; daughter Robin; and sons John (Amy), Jeff (Becky), and David (Mary) Johnson; and beloved grandchildren Jeffrey (Maya), Taylor, Emily, Christopher, and Madalynn. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim and Jeff Johnson. Services will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Old St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1500 South Michigan Avenue, 60605. Visitation begins at 9am followed by a Mass at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Northwestern Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology & Alzheimer's Disease or The Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. Funeral Info : 312-842-8681 or www.dalcamofuneralhome.com to sign guestbook.
Dalcamo Funeral Home
470 W. 26th Street, Chicago, IL 60616
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Memories and Condolences
for John Johnson
Sponsored by The Times.
Paula Teeple
June 30, 2025
Laurel, condolences to you and the whole family from Tom and I. What a huge loss.
Wishing John a Happy Birthday in Heaven.
Sam and JoAnn
March 20, 2025
It was an honor to know John. He was a wonderful example of a Catholic husband, father and a good man.
He will be missed.
Joseph Plomin
March 15, 2025
Laurel, Robin, Jeff, John,Dave,.
The Homewood Days Little Leage, Pig roasts, Air Shows, local Nightclubing,
4th 5th Birthdays , Great Family Irving!
& lots of Memories. RIP! Classic!
4th of July, Unclsamjoe Plomin
March 15, 2025
Airforse ,Jeff Wedding , Steamboat!
Week end to remember
Bruce Nathanson
March 13, 2025
John was a friend of my father´s, they frequently played handball together downtown at some joint. My Dad loved John. Always said he was a terrific guy and moved like a cat. John always brightened my Dad´s day. On behalf of my deceased Dad, Edward Nathanson, rest in peace John.
Bruce Nathanson
BILL FENNESSY
March 11, 2025
LAUREL: GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. LAST TIME WE SAW YOU & JOHN WAS 50 YRS.AGO WHEN YOU VISIT US IN PUERTO RICO. BILL & SANDY FENNESSY ,NAPLES FL.
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
March 11, 2025
On behalf of Fr. Scott Donahue and Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family and friends of John Johnson.
May the angels lead him into paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome him and take him to the holy city, the new and eternal Jerusalem.
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