John G. Kealey

Age of 64, of Crest Hill, passed away suddenly on April 9, 2025, at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital, with his family by his side.

Born August 22, 1960, in Chicago, John was the son of John E. and Carol (Née Prayne) Kealey.

Raised in Worth and Palos Hills, John was a graduate of Stagg High School, Palos Hills (Class of 1978).

He married Debbie S. Jones on September 22, 1990. Together, they lived in Lockport and finally settled in Crest Hill.

John worked as a dispatcher for Sofidal, Elwood, IL (former Clearwater Paper Company) for over 25 years of dedicated service.

John enjoyed fishing and working on cars. He was always there to repair the cars for his family and was referred to as a “jack of all trades.”

He loved to cook, work in his garden and canned all of the vegetables that he grew. He had a love for John Wayne movies; he enjoyed listening to the 80’s rock bands and always made time to visit with his children and grandchildren. John really loved sports, an opportunity to bond with Matt, Jonathan and the rest of his family.

John believed in and loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

His untimely passing has left a huge void in the hearts of his family, and he will be truly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of 34 years, Debbie S. Kealey; devoted children, Matthew Kealey, Emily Kealey and Jonathan Kealey; grandchildren, Evan Kealey, Liliana Ceranski, Everleigh Ceranski, and Paisley Ceranski; loving mother, Carol Kealey; sister, Tamara Brott; numerous aunts, uncles, a niece, nephews, cousins; Jamie Kealey, Eric Ceranski; and his beloved grand dog, Mater.

John was preceded in death by his father, John E. Kealey; grandparents, Frederick and Evelyn (Née Rae) Prayne and John and Myrtle (Née Burdick) Kealey.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Calvary Bible Church, 2587 E. Armour Road Bourbonnais, IL 60914 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A time of sharing and prayer will take place from 6:30 until 7:00 p.m. 

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL 815-735-2125.