John J. Pembroke

John Joseph Pembroke, of Park Ridge IL, peacefully passed away at home on September 19, 2025, surrounded by family.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Mary (nee McGuire), loving proud father of Bridget Pembroke (Anthony McClain) and John "Jack" Joseph Pembroke III.

John was the eldest of seven children of the late John J Pembroke and the late Rosemary Shortall Pembroke. He will be deeply missed by siblings:Eileen Pembroke (Neil McFadden), the late Florence Nunez, James Pembroke (Jean Bitterlin), Julia Pembroke Berger (the late Michael), Martin Pembroke (Cinda Swanson) and Mary Anne Pembroke. Fond brother-in-law to James McGuire, Therese McGuire, Kevin McGuire and Bridget McGuire Nagai (John).

Doting uncle to nieces and nephews: Nicholas (Rory) McFadden, Clare (Steve) Gorski, Donato Nunez, Jackie Gonzalez (David), Jamie (Lesley) Pembroke, Mary Therese (Jim) Hosty, the late Timothy Pembroke, Jake Berger, Cate Berger (Chris), Molly (Ira) Kuenzli, the late Matthew Pembroke, Amanda (Dan) Sfiligoj and Megan Pembroke. James Nagai and Mary Clare Nagai. Beloved great uncle to eleven nieces and nephews.

John was born May 27, 1950 and grew up in Blue Island, IL. John was very proud of his children Bridget and Jack and they brought him so much joy. John loved traveling with Mary and their kids, especially on road trips, or quick weekends to Vegas with his brothers. John always told his kids that travel was the best form of education. He was a voracious reader of science fiction and history, especially WWII, and he never stopped learning. He will be remembered as a man of deep intelligence, loyalty, humor, and love of his family and friends.

John was a proud graduate of St. Ignatius High School, class of 1968. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting, with honors and distinction at the University of Illinois Chicago in 1975, and became a CPA in 1976. John went on to earn his law degree from Northwestern University and was admitted into the Illinois Bar in 1979. He began his career working in the tax department at Arthur Young and Company. Within a year he was hired by the law firm of Schuyler, Roche and Zwirner in Chicago where he worked for 10 years. John then opened his own law firm and provided estate planning and tax services as the managing partner of John J. Pembroke and Associates, in Park Ridge, IL. John provided counsel in asset protection, business transactions, real estate, taxation, trusts and estate planning. John closed his law firm at the end of 2024, and became of counsel at Robbins DiMonte, Ltd. in Park Ridge, IL.As an active member of his community, John was a longtime member of the Park Ridge Rotary. He maintained memberships in the taxation sections of both the American Bar Association and Illinois Bar Association.

John enjoyed an intellectual challenge. He took pleasure in applying the rule of law in a practical manner, helping clients find the right answer for their issue. Following brief bouts in business management and accounting, law was his third career. He passed his CPA exam on his first attempt while still a student, and ran his own tax practice during law school. During his third year of law school, John was nominated for a Wigmore Scholarship, awarded annually to the graduating student most exemplifying the ideals of Northwestern University's School of Law.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday September 24th from 3:00pm-8:00pm at Cooney Funeral Home (625 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL). John's funeral Mass is at 10:00am on Thursday September 25th at Saint Paul of the Cross Catholic Church. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John's life. Interment private at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, IL.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Misericordia Heart of Mercy 6300 N Ridge, Chicago, IL 60660 would be appreciated.