Patrick "PJ" Henning

Patrick "PJ" Henning, age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 20, 2026. Beloved husband of Susan (née Farrell) for 54 years. Loving father of Meredith (Marty) Wisniewski, Patrick (Mem) Henning, and Tim (Sarah) Henning. Proud "Papa" of Maggie, PJ, Caitlin, Brenna, Drew, Delilah, and Rex. Dear brother of the late Jack (Sheila) Henning, Cathy (the late Dave) Egan, Leo (Sue) Henning, Mark Henning, and Rosemary (Joel) Chansky. Cherished brother-in-law of Lois Henning and the Farrell family. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Son of the late Leo and Rosemary Henning.

PJ lived an extraordinary life devoted to faith, family, music, and teaching. Raised in St. Sabina Parish, he attended Leo High School and Quincy University. Following in the footsteps of his father, Leo Henning, PJ became a teacher and band director, inspiring excellence in performance while instilling lifelong lessons in discipline, teamwork, and joy. As one alumnus so perfectly put it, PJ taught that with hard work, even the impossible is attainable.

Beyond the podium, PJ was the largest personality in any room-a man whose laughter, wit, stories, and energy could fill a stadium. He simply loved his life.

PJ loved Quincy University and the lifelong friendships he built there, proudly co-founding the QU and You Golf Outing. He loved his work and dedicated his career to mentoring students and building exceptional music programs across Chicago's Catholic schools, including Brother Rice, St. Laurence, Queen of Peace, and Mother McAuley. For more than 30 years, he taught side by side with his father-the "dream team" whose names became synonymous with musical excellence. In later life, PJ found great happiness in Sarasota and his Heritage Oaks community, where he served as President.

With his humor, warmth, and effortless ability to make every person feel seen and special, PJ could charm anyone. He made every gathering more fun, filled every room with laughter, and somehow always managed to be the life of the party.

The music of PJ's life, however, was always underscored by love-most especially for his children, grandchildren, and Susan, his wife of 54 years. She was his greatest cheerleader. Her quiet strength and unwavering support allowed him to dedicate so much of himself to his students and his art. Together, they built not only a beautiful family but a life filled with joy, laughter, and purpose. He loved her endlessly.

PJ's legacy lives on in the generations of musicians he inspired, in the echoes of concerts and competitions that still ring through school halls, and most profoundly, in the love of his family and the countless friends who became like family along the way. His warmth and humor created lasting connections that spanned decades and communities-a true testament to a life well lived and a man deeply loved.

PJ-Dad, Papa, teacher, and friend-your echo will never fade. It lives on in the music you created, the lives you shaped, the laughter you shared, and the family proud to call you ours.

A Celebration of Life for PJ Henning -planned by PJ himself (who joked that the only flaw was that he would not be there in person!)-will be held on Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at the Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge, 1200 Burr Ridge Parkway, Burr Ridge, Illinois. The ceremony will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception. Please join us!

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of PJ Henning may be made to:

Leo High School

For mailed donations, please send to:

7901 S Sangamon St, Chicago, IL 60620

Online Giving – Leo High School

Please note "In Memory of PJ Henning" on checks or in the "Comments" section online

Or

Quincy University

For mailed donations, please send to:

Quincy University – Advancement Office

1800 College Ave. Quincy, IL 62301

Online Giving - Quincy University

Please note "In Memory of PJ Henning" on checks or in the online gift designation.