John E. Hennessy

1935 - 2024

John E Hennessy

September 6, 1935 - January 29, 2024

San Luis Obispo, California - John Emmett Hennessy II ("Jack") was a Californian, born and bred. We were fortunate to share our world with him from September 6, 1935 through January 29, 2024. For 88 years he entertained us all, was generous with him time and intelligence, and made us all better for having known him.

Jack lost his father at a young age, but he and his mother were a strong team. He found himself at California Polytechnic Institute in 1954 and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree. While at Cal Poly he was instrumental in the founding of the Delta Tau fraternity with a small circle of friends that never stopped growing; he remained active with Delta Tau through his entire life. He earned a Master's Degree at Cal State Northridge, while juggling work and parenting roles.

While Jack had a number of interesting and curious jobs in his youth, his professional career had only two stops: The Marquardt Company and Santa Barbara Research/Raytheon. While Jack enjoyed his work, he enjoyed his retirement more. Volunteering in education and community service were as joyful as his time spent traveling and golfing. He lived in San Luis Obispo County during his retirement, and it was home to him. He embraced the Central Coast and cherished his beloved city of San Luis Obispo through his final days.

Jack was married to Sheila Hennessy. They met on a holiday in Acapulco and were both smitten. They were a formidable team for 44 years before she preceded him in death. Some years after Sheila's passing, he found a second chance at love with his companion Birgitta Tegelberg, with whom he had cherished relationship until his passing.

He is survived by his children, Cara and John, who he loved unconditionally. He adored John's wife Tracy, and the joy she brought to the family. He is further survived by his granddaughters Mara and Morgan, and his "bonus" grandchildren Ritney, Michael, Matthew, Briauna and Elle, as well as 7 bonus great grandchildren…so far.

Jack had no wishes for a grand ceremony upon his death but had explicit wishes for his remains, which we will honor. One of his last projects was establishing the Hennessy Family Scholarship at Cal Poly. Should you wish to honor Jack, and celebrate his life as we do, we suggest that a donation be made to that fund.