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U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014 Name: John F. Conarchy SSN: 348-26-1262 Last Residence: 60030 Grayslake, Lake, Illinois, USA BORN: 28 Jul 1933 Died: 15 Apr 1994 State (Year) SSN issued: Illinois (Before 1951)
Baptismal sponsors William Meade & Gertrude Callahan. According to Bill and Ann was kicked out of St. Sebastian in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for eating cookies in school. According to Lois all of the children were moved from St. Sebastian to St. Thomas Aquinas because their parents wanted them to be taught by Dominicans. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- The News-Sun, Lake County, Illinois, Saturday/Sunday, March 12-13 1983 Editors Note: With St. Patrick's Day just a wisp away, it was only fitting The News-Sun question one of Lake County's most famous Irishmen, Jack Conarchy of Waukegan, a Highland Park native. He was interviewed March 1 at his Waukegan insurance office. Q. Is it tough being a leprechaun 365 days a year? A. Not when you're blessed with that honor. Q. And how are you blessed with that honor? A. Well, I think God has given me the joy of knowing his beauty through people and things he has created. And I get that from my father, God have mercy on his soul. Q. How does one become a leprechaun? A. I don't think one becomes a leprechaun, I think he is graced with the blessing through his parents and through the ancestry he has been endowed with. Q. I assume you're taking about Irish ancestry? A. Naturally, is there another? My father was born in Dublin, the capital city of the emerald isle. My mother's folks originated from Ireland. They came over through Canada. Q. Before or after the potato famine? A. After. Q. Then you don't agree with the late Mayor Daley that on St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish? A. Oh no. God have mercy on his soul, he's so true. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day because they want to be and they always did want to have class. Q. Why would they want to be? A. Because the Irish have the beauty of loving people for what they are and they see the good in all people. It's true. Even in your case there are things that are good with a lot of people may be hard-pressed to find, but down deep I think you're a solid individual. At times I'm sure a lot of people would question that. You have a nice smile when you brush your teeth. One of the great gifts, I think, God has given to this world is the humor the Irish carry with them and share with others. Q. Give me an example. A. Their jovial manner. They can take and receive a joke and usually give the best joke in the house. Q. There doesn't seem too much joviality in Northern Ireland. A. Naturally, naturally. There are still, I think you would find, a deep rooted degree of joviality in those people, but unfortunately the crises that faces them is a trying thing. I don't believe in violence, no. I do not believe in violence. I believe in the principle that the isle should be reunited. It should have, it should never have been divided, because it's one isle, unto itself. Actually, you refer to Northern Ireland, I refer to it as Ulster because I see only one Ireland. There always has been and there always will be one Ireland. Q. Why is St. Patrick's Day an important day for the Irish? A. I think first of all because it's the feast day of the patron saint who brought Christianity to Ireland, first and foremost. I think also it's a day we show forth the Irish love and the Irish joy and humor. It's a day of celebrating, which the Irish are always great at. Q. Is that like partying? A. I think they enjoy a party more than maybe anybody else does, any nationality. They enjoy good times. Q. Do you always wear green? Your house is green, you have green pens. A. I tend to use green quite a bit because I think it's a beautiful color. Q. It doesn't have anything to do with you being Irish? A. Well, I don't deny it could have but I tend to use green in whatever I do because I like the color and it reminds me - if you talk to anyone who has seen the Emerald Isle, the first thing they will be impressed with when they fly over is the green of the Emerald Isle itself. Q. Have you been to Ireland? A. Yes I have. I've only been there once. Q. Is it true a leprechaun's favorite meal is corned beef, soda bread and Guinness stout? A. Well, I don't know if they're my favorites, but I would never pass it up if I had the opportunity. It could be very easily one of my favorites. But like anyone, I think a good Irishman likes some rare beef, too. Why not? They do tend to have some rare personalities, don't they? Q. How long were you in Ireland? A. I spent two weeks in Dublin. Q. Walking around James Joyce's haunting grounds? A. All over. Basically, I went to Dublin just to find and trace my father's footsteps. I stayed in his hotel, his father's hotel, The Conarchy Hotel. It was just delightful. In fact, my father, when he heard I was going to Dublin was very joyful but he suggested I stay at one of the modern hotels. I said no, 'I have to stay at the Conarchy Hotel', and he said, It's more like a rooming house, I said, 'That's fine.' So I was given the best room, right across from the public john - that's true - and a feather mattress, which I really enjoyed. He had a cousin who shared my trip with me and went all over Dublin with me introducing me to some of my father's cousins, bringing me back to where he was born, where he was raised, the church he went to, the schools he went to, things of this nature, plus naturally I took advantage of seeing the beauty of the capital city. Q. Why did your parents come from Ireland to this country? What drew them here? A. I think the oppression they were undergoing and the opportunity in the United States. Q. You answer the telephone? A. Top of the morning. Q. In the evening it's a little strange. A. Well, I usually say, 'Top of the evening,' and not, 'Top of the night.' And I'm amazed how few people know the proper response to, 'Top of the morning.' Q. What is the proper response? A. And the rest of the day to yourself. It's common among the Irish to say, 'The rest of the day to yourself.' Q. Why is that common? A. Maybe it's up bringing. The greeting top of the morning which is beautiful and the response, 'And the rest of the day to yourself' to show that they appreciate it and would hope that those bidding them the greeting would also have a good day. Q. Do you have a leprechaun outfit? A. No. No, I don't believe in them. Q. Are there any kind of organized Irish clubs or groups in Waukegan or Lake County? A. Not that I know of, they're mainly in Chicago. There's the Irish-American newspaper and there's a number of Irish radio shows, plus the Irish Culture Center, plus many Irish groups of all nature, culturewise, sportswise, socialwise in the Chicago area. They're predominantly in the city or in the nearer outskirts. Unfortunately, we have tried once or twice to get a few going here but unfortunately due to limited time and effort, they have fallen through. but yet, I think the parade itself is a form that continues. Q. The Chicago parade or the Waukegan parade? A. I'm thinking about the Waukegan parade. Q. You were one of the organizers of that weren't you? A. I started it, yeah. Actually, now that I think about it, that is funny. When Bill Morris was elected I said the first thing he had to do was give me a parade permit for St. Patrick's Day. Halfheartedly, I was joking about it and he took me serious and I saw him New Year's Day after he was elected, he says, 'Your parade permit is waiting for you when are you going to get going? And we did and through the help of a number of dedicated people we got it rolling. Thank God it still is, thanks to Mr. Schwab. In fact, what I would really love to see in Waukegan, is that every nationality would have a parade. you know, the Germans, the Italians, they all have a lot to be proud of. And they should be proud of their background. Q. Have you ever marched in the Chicago parade? A. When you have the Waukegan parade, who needs the Chicago parade? Q. you're pretty biased in favor of the Irish, aren't you. A. I think there's a lot to be biased in favor of but I would not rule out in any way that every nationality has its greatness, too. being born Irish, I appreciate the greatness the Irish have and the greatness, thanks to my father, that I inherited. Q. What does Erin Go Bragh mean? A. Ireland forever, God will it be. It's Gaelic. Q. Do you know Gaelic? A. No, I don't. My father used to pray in Gaelic, he said a few prayers in Gaelic. We used to have the sign of the cross and grace and things of this nature, being the younger of seven, I never picked it up as rapidly as my other brothers and sisters. Q. What are you going to do St. Patrick's day? A. I certainly hope if the good Lord keeps me that long that our family will attend Mass at Immaculate Conception, enjoy breakfast afterwards, partake in the parade, go over to IC for the big party. Q. What kind of St. Patrick's day breakfast do you have? A lot of soda bread? A. Oh, we have soda bread. We tend to turn everything green. The kids like to turn everything green on St. Patrick's Day, including the orange juice and the milk and everything else. A lot of green food dye out. Q. Perhaps the Irish have St. Patrick's Day to carry on the traditions. Are those traditions dying out? A. I don't think they are. I'm sure they're possibly more limited than they have been. The Waukegan St. Patrick's Day parade, I think, is a good example. We started with nothing. It was an idea that came to pass and started from nothing and yet it has been, to a certain degree, very successful and it's not all Irish who partake in it by any means. I don't know who it was who said, someone said to me 'St. Patrick's Day is the first sign of spring and the first chance to get out and enjoy the outdoors.' I guess there's some truth to that. There's no other function between Christmas parade and St. Patrick's Day parade. What else is there? There isn't another parade. I think that's one of the reasons other than people want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and join in the fun and cheer in spirit, the Irish are taking on St. Patrick's Day, it's the first opportunity to get out of the house, since the doldrums of winter so to speak. Q. Do you prefer Irish whiskey over say, Canadian whiskey? A. I like Irish whiskey. I'm not a big drinker, to that extent. I enjoy a little Irish whiskey occasionally, I'm not a gentleman who can drink straight whiskey, I cannot. I do enjoy Irish coffee, though don't misunderstand me and I do enjoy a little Irish stout. Q. So you're just going to party like everybody else does on St. Patrick's Day? A. In our house, we start with mass generally and a little family get together and then we do partake in the parade and we also enjoy the party at IC with the Moran family. Q. Do you march in the parade? A. No, I marched once. In the first parade I marched with the committee that started it and I think it's proper that those who are working on it now that the honor of their hard work. There's a lot of Irish who did a lot in this town. The Durkin name comes right to mind. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------ Chicago Tribune Tuesday April 5, 1994 John Francis 'Jack' Conarchy, 60, of Grayslake, formerly of Waukegan, passed away on April 2, 1994 at Victory Lakes Continuing Care Center, Lindenhurst. He was born July 28, 1933 in Evanston, graduated from Christian Brothers College, Memphis, TN in 1956 and was a special agent with the Prudential Insurance Company of America. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Waukegan, served as Usher and was past president of Immaculate Conception Men's Club. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Waukegan Council and a member and past president of the Lake County Life Underwriters. He lived in Waukegan for 33 years. Founded the Waukegan St. Patrick's Day Parade in 1978 and started the Carmel High School Street Scenes Waukegan Room in 1979. He is survived by his wife, Jane, nee Grant his children, Jane (David) Longo of Peteresburg, IL, John (Diane) Conarchy Jr. of Waukegan, Edmund Conarchy, of Hainesville, Sheila Conarchy, Erin Conarchy, Meghan Conarchy, Kevin Conarchy, all of Grayslake; and grandchild, Daniel Logo; he is also survived by his sisters, Jane (William Robert) O'Brien of Oconomowoc, WI, Marion Weithofer, of Cincinnati, OH, Angela Hunter, of Cincinnati, OH and his twin Sr. Lois Conarchy, S.L. of St. Meinrad, IN, by his brothers, Kyran Patrick Conarchy Jr., of Highland Park and William (Mary) Conarchy of Wauwatosa, WI; 44 nieces and nephews; he was preceded in death by his father Kyran Conarchy in 1966 and his mother Jane, nee Lavery Conarchy, in 1968. A Mass of the Resurrection will be said at 10 AM Thursday April 7, 1994 at Immaculate Conception Church, 508 Grand Ave., Waukegan. Burial will be in Transfiguration Cemetery, Wauconda. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 PM Wednesday, April 6, 1994 and 8:30 to 9:30 AM Thursday at Marsh Funeral Home of Gurnee, Washington St. & Cemetery Rd. Gurnee, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Sister Lois Conarchy, S.L. Ministry to the Elderly and Sick, PO Box 116, St. Meinrad, IN 47577 and to Carmel High School, Munelein, IL 60060 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- The News Sun Wednesday April 6, 1994 WAKEGAN'S NO. 1 IRISHMAN DEAD AT 60 John 'Jack' Conarchy, Lake County's best known Irish-American, died Saturday in St. Therese Medical Center in Waukegan. He was 60. Conarchy's Waukegan home was green and always displayed the Irish flag. He wore green year around and routinely sent St. Patrick's Day cards to friends. Waukegan's annual St. Patrick's Day parades, which ran from 1978 through the mid 1980s, were started by Conarchy. He also was a founder of Carmel High School's midwinter Street Scenes fund-raiser in Mundelein. While Waukegan no longer has a St. Patrick's Day parade, Street Scenes has grown to become a major Lake County event drawing up to 6,000 people to Carmel High School. He was known for his good humor, wit, stalwart promotion of all things Irish and loyalty to Waukegan, where he lived for 33 years. An insurance agent, he was an unpaid public relations man for a variety of causes and was known to many area journalists. He took a keen interest in local politics and involved himself in the campaigns of several candidates. Conarchy attributed his good humor and joy of life to his Irish heritage. Despite or because of their history of oppression, 'The Irish have the beauty of loving people for what they are and they see the good in all people', he said in a 1983 News-Sun interview. 'They enjoy a party more than maybe anybody else does.' Despite of his love of things Gaelic, Conarchy often said he liked Waukegan because of the city's ethnic diversity. He visited Ireland, the home of his father, just once, for two weeks. Conarchy is survived by his wife, Jane Grant Conarchy, and eight children. Visitation is scheduled tonight at the Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee. Mass will be said at 10 AM Thursday at Immaculate Conception Church, West Street. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------ Funeral Booklet This booklet is in memory of Jack Conarchy, to honor his life and in remembrance of the inspiring Mass of Resurrection and Burial Rite on Easter Thursday - April 7, 1994. Those who were present can recall this special liturgy planned by his family. May those who were not able to be there now share in this lasting memory. For five hours the evening before, many hundreds of people came to the Funeral Home to pay their respects, waiting in a long line to greet Jack's family and pray at his coffin. What a testimony this was to Jack and to his goodness which touched the lives of so many! His children had gathered pictures and other mementos to honor him. Jack was very present in the love and fond memories of relatives and friends. A true Irish wake - a mixture of sadness and joy - we all thanked God for the gift of Jack's life. The next morning the Church was filled with relatives and friends who were present for his Funeral Mass, united in the Eucharist and in prayer for Jack. Since February 14, 1989 - when Jack had his initial brain tumor surgery (and even before) - he was very courageous. With his deep faith he quietly endured so very much becoming more and more physically limited - eventually unable to swallow, walk or talk! In a most special way Jack shared in the sufferings of Christ. How fitting that Jack should die at Noon on Holy Saturday with Erin, his daughter, at his side. The next day, Easter Sunday, Jack was sharing in the glory of the Risen Christ! Jack was given loving care by his wife, Jane, and their eight children. Kyran, his brother, visited and helped Jack many times every week; his brother Bill (with Mary) came often; as did his sisters; Jane (with Bob), Marian, Ann and his twin Lois; and also many other relatives and friends. May Jack now intercede for all of us so that one day we will be reunited with him to live forever in God's perfect love. Pallbearers (nephews): Paul Hunter, Daniel O'Brien, Kyran O'Brien, Robert O'Brien, Frank Joseph Weithofer, Gary Van Alstine, Edmund Grant III, William Naphin Servers (nephews and niece): Patrick & Ted Gibbs, Susan Grant Petitions: Anne Uttich (Godchild & niece) The funeral procession made its way through the city of Waukegan and out into the open countryside of Wauconda to the Transfiguration Cemetery. Here, all gathered around Jack's final place of rest, a plot just beneath that of his parents, Jane and Kyran Conarchy. The delicate floral arrangement of the first grandchild rested on the coffin. Family members distributed green carnations which were held as Fr. John O'Brien prayerfully commended the 'seed' of Jack's precious body into the hands of the risen Christ. Then, beneath the clear blue sky of a soft spring day, Jack's brother-in-law, Bob O'Brien sang 'Danny Boy'. The green carnations were placed on the coffin. And there our 'transfigured' Jack sleeps in peace until we are all come to the great, final Family Reunion in Heaven! Eulogy by Jack Conarchy, Jr. Top of the morning, I will read from a proclamation. WHEREAS, John Francis Conarchy, being Waukegan's Premier Irishman, has served the community in a most admirable manner, and WHEREAS, John Francis Conarchy courageously served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959 in Giessen Germany and married Jane Grant in June 1960 and became a resident of Waukegan and a member of Immaculate Conception Church and joined Prudential Insurance as an agent in March 1961, and WHEREAS, John Francis Conarchy has raised a fine family of five daughters and three sons and has served in the capacity as former President of: the Christian brothers College Chicago Area Alumni Association, Immaculate Conception Holy Name Society, Lake County Life Underwriters, and has initiated several Life Underwriters programs, including their Medic Alert program charity basketball game and installation banquet and WHEREAS John Francis Conarchy has been a community leader serving as the chairman of the Waukegan area showroom the Carmel High School's Street Scenes since 1978, originated the Waukegan St. Patrick's Day Parade in 1978, the Immaculate Conception St. Patrick's Day party in 1978 and an Irish radio show on WKRS radio, Waukegan in 1978, and WHEREAS John Francis Conarchy has been honored by Prudential Insurance with the 1979 Donald S. MacNaughton award for community leadership and has been honored by the Lake County Life Underwriters with the August Hele Award, and WHEREAS, this amiable Irishman has touched the lives of many individuals with his Irish spirit and has never met a stranger. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor of the City of Waukegan that John Francis Conarchy be commended for his outstanding contribution to Waukegan residents. Dated this 20th day of March 1981. Bill Morris mayor of Waukegan. In going through Dad's things the past few days, we found this proclamation. It used to hang on the wall of Dad's front porch along with about a hundred other awards, mementos and pictures. The proclamation reminds us of how dedicated Dad was to serving others. We, his family, have learned so much from Dad. We have learned that our family and our faith are the most important things in life. When we were very little, after he had tucked us in to bed at night, he would always say Good Night Mommie loves you, Daddie loves you and Jesus loves you. Dad loved being from a big family all of his relatives were very important to him. Friends were also very important to Dad; he often told us that he was lucky to have so many friends. We have learned not to judge others by their appearances. Dad loved everybody, rich or poor, will educated or not. The material things in life were not important to him. We have learned that laughter is essential, and to look for the humor in every situation. Dad would always quote his father and say 'If you can't live life with humor, it's not worth living at all.' We have learned to be outgoing and friendly, Dad loved meeting new people. One of his favorite lines to a new acquaintance was: 'where did you go to high school?' Dad always gave the best of himself to people and expected the same from others. He would be the first to compliment others on doing a fine job, but would always encourage others to do a better job when they were not at their best. We have learned to love Notre Dame football, the Chicago Cubs (sorry Mom), and the Chicago Bears. And, we have also learned that the best way to win at Rummy 500 is to hold all your points until you are ready to go out. Dad was a very proud man: he was proud to be a twin, proud to be Catholic, proud to be an insurance salesman, proud to be a Lake County life underwriter, proud to be a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, and even proud to be a Democrat. But most of all he was proud to be Irish. Dad was a man who truly gave back more to life than he took out. Dad's difficult last months and his death on Holy Saturday give us consolation that without a doubt Dad's worst days were on this earth and that today he is at home enjoying eternal life. No doubt, he is greeting the other saints with 'Top of the Morning'. As Mrs. Roser said, he is most likely near a telephone. We miss you Dad. Our tears today are not for you but for us. Dad, we know that you went straight to heaven and the devil doesn't even know of your death. Eulogy by Sr. Lois Conarchy, S.L. As Jack's twin sister, and on behalf of all my brothers and sisters, we thank Jane and all their children for the loving care they gave Jack during his illness. Jack is the first of us seven brothers and sisters to die and Jack is the youngest, half an hour younger than I. Jack said he was a gentleman from the very beginning as he let the lady go first! Jack has shown us how to live and how to die! We will now bring Jack to be buried at Transfiguration Cemetery in Wauconda, where our parents and many other relatives are buried (dating back to the 1800's). Before we do so, I would like to pray a part of Psalm 138 in Jack's name and to offer a Celtic prayer for him. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
Baptismal sponsors William Meade & Gertrude Callahan.
According to Bill and Ann was kicked out of St. Sebastian in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for eating cookies in school. According to Lois all of the children were moved from St. Sebastian to St. Thomas Aquinas because their parents wanted them to be taught by Dominicans.
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The News-Sun, Lake County, Illinois, Saturday/Sunday, March 12-13 1983
Editors Note: With St. Patrick's Day just a wisp away, it was only fitting The News-Sun question one of Lake County's most famous Irishmen, Jack Conarchy of Waukegan, a Highland Park native. He was interviewed March 1 at his Waukegan insurance office. Q. Is it tough being a leprechaun 365 days a year? A. Not when you're blessed with that honor. Q. And how are you blessed with that honor? A. Well, I think God has given me the joy of knowing his beauty through people and things he has created. And I get that from my father, God have mercy on his soul. Q. How does one become a leprechaun? A. I don't think one becomes a leprechaun, I think he is graced with the blessing through his parents and through the ancestry he has been endowed with. Q. I assume you're taking about Irish ancestry? A. Naturally, is there another? My father was born in Dublin, the capital city of the emerald isle. My mother's folks originated from Ireland. They came over through Canada. Q. Before or after the potato famine? A. After. Q. Then you don't agree with the late Mayor Daley that on St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish? A. Oh no. God have mercy on his soul, he's so true. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day because they want to be and they always did want to have class. Q. Why would they want to be? A. Because the Irish have the beauty of loving people for what they are and they see the good in all people. It's true. Even in your case there are things that are good with a lot of people may be hard-pressed to find, but down deep I think you're a solid individual. At times I'm sure a lot of people would question that. You have a nice smile when you brush your teeth. One of the great gifts, I think, God has given to this world is the humor the Irish carry with them and share with others. Q. Give me an example. A. Their jovial manner. They can take and receive a joke and usually give the best joke in the house. Q. There doesn't seem too much joviality in Northern Ireland. A. Naturally, naturally. There are still, I think you would find, a deep rooted degree of joviality in those people, but unfortunately the crises that faces them is a trying thing. I don't believe in violence, no. I do not believe in violence. I believe in the principle that the isle should be reunited. It should have, it should never have been divided, because it's one isle, unto itself. Actually, you refer to Northern Ireland, I refer to it as Ulster because I see only one Ireland. There always has been and there always will be one Ireland. Q. Why is St. Patrick's Day an important day for the Irish? A. I think first of all because it's the feast day of the patron saint who brought Christianity to Ireland, first and foremost. I think also it's a day we show forth the Irish love and the Irish joy and humor. It's a day of celebrating, which the Irish are always great at. Q. Is that like partying? A. I think they enjoy a party more than maybe anybody else does, any nationality. They enjoy good times. Q. Do you always wear green? Your house is green, you have green pens. A. I tend to use green quite a bit because I think it's a beautiful color. Q. It doesn't have anything to do with you being Irish? A. Well, I don't deny it could have but I tend to use green in whatever I do because I like the color and it reminds me - if you talk to anyone who has seen the Emerald Isle, the first thing they will be impressed with when they fly over is the green of the Emerald Isle itself. Q. Have you been to Ireland? A. Yes I have. I've only been there once. Q. Is it true a leprechaun's favorite meal is corned beef, soda bread and Guinness stout? A. Well, I don't know if they're my favorites, but I would never pass it up if I had the opportunity. It could be very easily one of my favorites. But like anyone, I think a good Irishman likes some rare beef, too. Why not? They do tend to have some rare personalities, don't they? Q. How long were you in Ireland? A. I spent two weeks in Dublin. Q. Walking around James Joyce's haunting grounds? A. All over. Basically, I went to Dublin just to find and trace my father's footsteps. I stayed in his hotel, his father's hotel, The Conarchy Hotel. It was just delightful. In fact, my father, when he heard I was going to Dublin was very joyful but he suggested I stay at one of the modern hotels. I said no, 'I have to stay at the Conarchy Hotel', and he said, It's more like a rooming house, I said, 'That's fine.' So I was given the best room, right across from the public john - that's true - and a feather mattress, which I really enjoyed. He had a cousin who shared my trip with me and went all over Dublin with me introducing me to some of my father's cousins, bringing me back to where he was born, where he was raised, the church he went to, the schools he went to, things of this nature, plus naturally I took advantage of seeing the beauty of the capital city. Q. Why did your parents come from Ireland to this country? What drew them here? A. I think the oppression they were undergoing and the opportunity in the United States. Q. You answer the telephone? A. Top of the morning. Q. In the evening it's a little strange. A. Well, I usually say, 'Top of the evening,' and not, 'Top of the night.' And I'm amazed how few people know the proper response to, 'Top of the morning.' Q. What is the proper response? A. And the rest of the day to yourself. It's common among the Irish to say, 'The rest of the day to yourself.' Q. Why is that common? A. Maybe it's up bringing. The greeting top of the morning which is beautiful and the response, 'And the rest of the day to yourself' to show that they appreciate it and would hope that those bidding them the greeting would also have a good day. Q. Do you have a leprechaun outfit? A. No. No, I don't believe in them. Q. Are there any kind of organized Irish clubs or groups in Waukegan or Lake County? A. Not that I know of, they're mainly in Chicago. There's the Irish-American newspaper and there's a number of Irish radio shows, plus the Irish Culture Center, plus many Irish groups of all nature, culturewise, sportswise, socialwise in the Chicago area. They're predominantly in the city or in the nearer outskirts. Unfortunately, we have tried once or twice to get a few going here but unfortunately due to limited time and effort, they have fallen through. but yet, I think the parade itself is a form that continues. Q. The Chicago parade or the Waukegan parade? A. I'm thinking about the Waukegan parade. Q. You were one of the organizers of that weren't you? A. I started it, yeah. Actually, now that I think about it, that is funny. When Bill Morris was elected I said the first thing he had to do was give me a parade permit for St. Patrick's Day. Halfheartedly, I was joking about it and he took me serious and I saw him New Year's Day after he was elected, he says, 'Your parade permit is waiting for you when are you going to get going? And we did and through the help of a number of dedicated people we got it rolling. Thank God it still is, thanks to Mr. Schwab. In fact, what I would really love to see in Waukegan, is that every nationality would have a parade. you know, the Germans, the Italians, they all have a lot to be proud of. And they should be proud of their background. Q. Have you ever marched in the Chicago parade? A. When you have the Waukegan parade, who needs the Chicago parade? Q. you're pretty biased in favor of the Irish, aren't you. A. I think there's a lot to be biased in favor of but I would not rule out in any way that every nationality has its greatness, too. being born Irish, I appreciate the greatness the Irish have and the greatness, thanks to my father, that I inherited. Q. What does Erin Go Bragh mean? A. Ireland forever, God will it be. It's Gaelic. Q. Do you know Gaelic? A. No, I don't. My father used to pray in Gaelic, he said a few prayers in Gaelic. We used to have the sign of the cross and grace and things of this nature, being the younger of seven, I never picked it up as rapidly as my other brothers and sisters. Q. What are you going to do St. Patrick's day? A. I certainly hope if the good Lord keeps me that long that our family will attend Mass at Immaculate Conception, enjoy breakfast afterwards, partake in the parade, go over to IC for the big party. Q. What kind of St. Patrick's day breakfast do you have? A lot of soda bread? A. Oh, we have soda bread. We tend to turn everything green. The kids like to turn everything green on St. Patrick's Day, including the orange juice and the milk and everything else. A lot of green food dye out. Q. Perhaps the Irish have St. Patrick's Day to carry on the traditions. Are those traditions dying out? A. I don't think they are. I'm sure they're possibly more limited than they have been. The Waukegan St. Patrick's Day parade, I think, is a good example. We started with nothing. It was an idea that came to pass and started from nothing and yet it has been, to a certain degree, very successful and it's not all Irish who partake in it by any means. I don't know who it was who said, someone said to me 'St. Patrick's Day is the first sign of spring and the first chance to get out and enjoy the outdoors.' I guess there's some truth to that. There's no other function between Christmas parade and St. Patrick's Day parade. What else is there? There isn't another parade. I think that's one of the reasons other than people want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and join in the fun and cheer in spirit, the Irish are taking on St. Patrick's Day, it's the first opportunity to get out of the house, since the doldrums of winter so to speak. Q. Do you prefer Irish whiskey over say, Canadian whiskey? A. I like Irish whiskey. I'm not a big drinker, to that extent. I enjoy a little Irish whiskey occasionally, I'm not a gentleman who can drink straight whiskey, I cannot. I do enjoy Irish coffee, though don't misunderstand me and I do enjoy a little Irish stout. Q. So you're just going to party like everybody else does on St. Patrick's Day? A. In our house, we start with mass generally and a little family get together and then we do partake in the parade and we also enjoy the party at IC with the Moran family. Q. Do you march in the parade? A. No, I marched once. In the first parade I marched with the committee that started it and I think it's proper that those who are working on it now that the honor of their hard work. There's a lot of Irish who did a lot in this town. The Durkin name comes right to mind.
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Chicago Tribune Tuesday April 5, 1994
John Francis 'Jack' Conarchy, 60, of Grayslake, formerly of Waukegan, passed away on April 2, 1994 at Victory Lakes Continuing Care Center, Lindenhurst. He was born July 28, 1933 in Evanston, graduated from Christian Brothers College, Memphis, TN in 1956 and was a special agent with the Prudential Insurance Company of America. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Waukegan, served as Usher and was past president of Immaculate Conception Men's Club. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Waukegan Council and a member and past president of the Lake County Life Underwriters. He lived in Waukegan for 33 years. Founded the Waukegan St. Patrick's Day Parade in 1978 and started the Carmel High School Street Scenes Waukegan Room in 1979. He is survived by his wife, Jane, nee Grant his children, Jane (David) Longo of Peteresburg, IL, John (Diane) Conarchy Jr. of Waukegan, Edmund Conarchy, of Hainesville, Sheila Conarchy, Erin Conarchy, Meghan Conarchy, Kevin Conarchy, all of Grayslake; and grandchild, Daniel Logo; he is also survived by his sisters, Jane (William Robert) O'Brien of Oconomowoc, WI, Marion Weithofer, of Cincinnati, OH, Angela Hunter, of Cincinnati, OH and his twin Sr. Lois Conarchy, S.L. of St. Meinrad, IN, by his brothers, Kyran Patrick Conarchy Jr., of Highland Park and William (Mary) Conarchy of Wauwatosa, WI; 44 nieces and nephews; he was preceded in death by his father Kyran Conarchy in 1966 and his mother Jane, nee Lavery Conarchy, in 1968. A Mass of the Resurrection will be said at 10 AM Thursday April 7, 1994 at Immaculate Conception Church, 508 Grand Ave., Waukegan. Burial will be in Transfiguration Cemetery, Wauconda. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 PM Wednesday, April 6, 1994 and 8:30 to 9:30 AM Thursday at Marsh Funeral Home of Gurnee, Washington St. & Cemetery Rd. Gurnee, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Sister Lois Conarchy, S.L. Ministry to the Elderly and Sick, PO Box 116, St. Meinrad, IN 47577 and to Carmel High School, Munelein, IL 60060
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The News Sun Wednesday April 6, 1994
WAKEGAN'S NO. 1 IRISHMAN DEAD AT 60
John 'Jack' Conarchy, Lake County's best known Irish-American, died Saturday in St. Therese Medical Center in Waukegan.
He was 60. Conarchy's Waukegan home was green and always displayed the Irish flag. He wore green year around and routinely sent St. Patrick's Day cards to friends.
Waukegan's annual St. Patrick's Day parades, which ran from 1978 through the mid 1980s, were started by Conarchy. He also was a founder of Carmel High School's midwinter Street Scenes fund-raiser in Mundelein.
While Waukegan no longer has a St. Patrick's Day parade, Street Scenes has grown to become a major Lake County event drawing up to 6,000 people to Carmel High School.
He was known for his good humor, wit, stalwart promotion of all things Irish and loyalty to Waukegan, where he lived for 33 years.
An insurance agent, he was an unpaid public relations man for a variety of causes and was known to many area journalists. He took a keen interest in local politics and involved himself in the campaigns of several candidates.
Conarchy attributed his good humor and joy of life to his Irish heritage. Despite or because of their history of oppression, 'The Irish have the beauty of loving people for what they are and they see the good in all people', he said in a 1983 News-Sun interview. 'They enjoy a party more than maybe anybody else does.'
Despite of his love of things Gaelic, Conarchy often said he liked Waukegan because of the city's ethnic diversity. He visited Ireland, the home of his father, just once, for two weeks. Conarchy is survived by his wife, Jane Grant Conarchy, and eight children.
Visitation is scheduled tonight at the Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee. Mass will be said at 10 AM Thursday at Immaculate Conception Church, West Street.
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Funeral Booklet
This booklet is in memory of Jack Conarchy, to honor his life and in remembrance of the inspiring Mass of Resurrection and Burial Rite on Easter Thursday - April 7, 1994. Those who were present can recall this special liturgy planned by his family. May those who were not able to be there now share in this lasting memory. For five hours the evening before, many hundreds of people came to the Funeral Home to pay their respects, waiting in a long line to greet Jack's family and pray at his coffin. What a testimony this was to Jack and to his goodness which touched the lives of so many! His children had gathered pictures and other mementos to honor him. Jack was very present in the love and fond memories of relatives and friends. A true Irish wake - a mixture of sadness and joy - we all thanked God for the gift of Jack's life. The next morning the Church was filled with relatives and friends who were present for his Funeral Mass, united in the Eucharist and in prayer for Jack. Since February 14, 1989 - when Jack had his initial brain tumor surgery (and even before) - he was very courageous. With his deep faith he quietly endured so very much becoming more and more physically limited - eventually unable to swallow, walk or talk! In a most special way Jack shared in the sufferings of Christ. How fitting that Jack should die at Noon on Holy Saturday with Erin, his daughter, at his side. The next day, Easter Sunday, Jack was sharing in the glory of the Risen Christ! Jack was given loving care by his wife, Jane, and their eight children. Kyran, his brother, visited and helped Jack many times every week; his brother Bill (with Mary) came often; as did his sisters; Jane (with Bob), Marian, Ann and his twin Lois; and also many other relatives and friends. May Jack now intercede for all of us so that one day we will be reunited with him to live forever in God's perfect love. Pallbearers (nephews): Paul Hunter, Daniel O'Brien, Kyran O'Brien, Robert O'Brien, Frank Joseph Weithofer, Gary Van Alstine, Edmund Grant III, William Naphin Servers (nephews and niece): Patrick & Ted Gibbs, Susan Grant Petitions: Anne Uttich (Godchild & niece) The funeral procession made its way through the city of Waukegan and out into the open countryside of Wauconda to the Transfiguration Cemetery. Here, all gathered around Jack's final place of rest, a plot just beneath that of his parents, Jane and Kyran Conarchy. The delicate floral arrangement of the first grandchild rested on the coffin. Family members distributed green carnations which were held as Fr. John O'Brien prayerfully commended the 'seed' of Jack's precious body into the hands of the risen Christ. Then, beneath the clear blue sky of a soft spring day, Jack's brother-in-law, Bob O'Brien sang 'Danny Boy'. The green carnations were placed on the coffin. And there our 'transfigured' Jack sleeps in peace until we are all come to the great, final Family Reunion in Heaven!
Eulogy by Jack Conarchy, Jr.
Top of the morning, I will read from a proclamation. WHEREAS, John Francis Conarchy, being Waukegan's Premier Irishman, has served the community in a most admirable manner, and WHEREAS, John Francis Conarchy courageously served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959 in Giessen Germany and married Jane Grant in June 1960 and became a resident of Waukegan and a member of Immaculate Conception Church and joined Prudential Insurance as an agent in March 1961, and WHEREAS, John Francis Conarchy has raised a fine family of five daughters and three sons and has served in the capacity as former President of: the Christian brothers College Chicago Area Alumni Association, Immaculate Conception Holy Name Society, Lake County Life Underwriters, and has initiated several Life Underwriters programs, including their Medic Alert program charity basketball game and installation banquet and WHEREAS John Francis Conarchy has been a community leader serving as the chairman of the Waukegan area showroom the Carmel High School's Street Scenes since 1978, originated the Waukegan St. Patrick's Day Parade in 1978, the Immaculate Conception St. Patrick's Day party in 1978 and an Irish radio show on WKRS radio, Waukegan in 1978, and WHEREAS John Francis Conarchy has been honored by Prudential Insurance with the 1979 Donald S. MacNaughton award for community leadership and has been honored by the Lake County Life Underwriters with the August Hele Award, and WHEREAS, this amiable Irishman has touched the lives of many individuals with his Irish spirit and has never met a stranger. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor of the City of Waukegan that John Francis Conarchy be commended for his outstanding contribution to Waukegan residents. Dated this 20th day of March 1981. Bill Morris mayor of Waukegan. In going through Dad's things the past few days, we found this proclamation. It used to hang on the wall of Dad's front porch along with about a hundred other awards, mementos and pictures. The proclamation reminds us of how dedicated Dad was to serving others. We, his family, have learned so much from Dad. We have learned that our family and our faith are the most important things in life. When we were very little, after he had tucked us in to bed at night, he would always say Good Night Mommie loves you, Daddie loves you and Jesus loves you. Dad loved being from a big family all of his relatives were very important to him. Friends were also very important to Dad; he often told us that he was lucky to have so many friends. We have learned not to judge others by their appearances. Dad loved everybody, rich or poor, will educated or not. The material things in life were not important to him. We have learned that laughter is essential, and to look for the humor in every situation. Dad would always quote his father and say 'If you can't live life with humor, it's not worth living at all.' We have learned to be outgoing and friendly, Dad loved meeting new people. One of his favorite lines to a new acquaintance was: 'where did you go to high school?' Dad always gave the best of himself to people and expected the same from others. He would be the first to compliment others on doing a fine job, but would always encourage others to do a better job when they were not at their best. We have learned to love Notre Dame football, the Chicago Cubs (sorry Mom), and the Chicago Bears. And, we have also learned that the best way to win at Rummy 500 is to hold all your points until you are ready to go out. Dad was a very proud man: he was proud to be a twin, proud to be Catholic, proud to be an insurance salesman, proud to be a Lake County life underwriter, proud to be a husband, a father, a brother, an uncle, and even proud to be a Democrat. But most of all he was proud to be Irish. Dad was a man who truly gave back more to life than he took out. Dad's difficult last months and his death on Holy Saturday give us consolation that without a doubt Dad's worst days were on this earth and that today he is at home enjoying eternal life. No doubt, he is greeting the other saints with 'Top of the Morning'. As Mrs. Roser said, he is most likely near a telephone. We miss you Dad. Our tears today are not for you but for us. Dad, we know that you went straight to heaven and the devil doesn't even know of your death.
Eulogy by Sr. Lois Conarchy, S.L.
As Jack's twin sister, and on behalf of all my brothers and sisters, we thank Jane and all their children for the loving care they gave Jack during his illness. Jack is the first of us seven brothers and sisters to die and Jack is the youngest, half an hour younger than I. Jack said he was a gentleman from the very beginning as he let the lady go first! Jack has shown us how to live and how to die! We will now bring Jack to be buried at Transfiguration Cemetery in Wauconda, where our parents and many other relatives are buried (dating back to the 1800's). Before we do so, I would like to pray a part of Psalm 138 in Jack's name and to offer a Celtic prayer for him.
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Baptismal sponsors William Meade & Gertrude Callahan. According to Bill and Ann was kicked out of St. Sebastian in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for eating cookies in school. According to Lois all of the children were moved from St. Sebastian to St. Thomas Aquinas because their parents wanted them to be taught by Dominicans. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- The News-Sun, Lake County, Illinois, Saturday/Sunday, March 12-13 1983 Editors Note: With St. Patrick's Day just a wisp away, it was only fitting The News-Sun question one of Lake County's most famous Irishmen, Jack Conarchy of Waukegan, a Highland Park native. He was interviewed March 1 at his Waukegan insurance office. Q. Is it tough being a leprechaun 365 days a year? A. Not when you're blessed with that honor. Q. And how are you blessed with that honor? A. Well, I think God has given me the joy of knowing his beauty through people and things he has created. And I get that from my father, God have mercy on his soul. Q. How does one become a leprechaun? A. I don't think one becomes a leprechaun, I think he is graced with the blessing through his parents and through the ancestry he has been endowed with. Q. I assume you're taking about Irish ancestry? A. Naturally, is there another? My father was born in Dublin, the capital city of the emerald isle. My mother's folks originated from Ireland. They came over through Canada. Q. Before or after the potato famine? A. After. Q. Then you don't agree with the late Mayor Daley that on St. Patrick's Day everyone is Irish? A. Oh no. God have mercy on his soul, he's so true. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day because they want to be and they always did want to have class. Q. Why would they want to be? A. Because the Irish have the beauty of loving people for what they are and they see the good in all people. It's true. Even in your case there are things that are good with a lot of people may be hard-pressed to find, but down deep I think you're a solid individual. At times I'm sure a lot of people would question that. You have a nice smile when you brush your teeth. One of the great gifts, I think, God has given to this world is the humor the Irish carry with them and share with others. Q. Give me an example. A. Their jovial manner. They can take and receive a joke and usually give the best joke in the house. Q. There doesn't seem too much joviality in Northern Ireland. A. Naturally, naturally. There are still, I think you would find, a deep rooted degree of joviality in those people, but unfortunately the crises that faces them is a trying thing. I don't believe in violence, no. I do not believe in violence. I believe in the principle that the isle should be reunited. It should have, it should never have been divided, because it's one isle, unto itself. Actually, you refer to Northern Ireland, I refer to it as Ulster because I see only one Ireland. There always has been and there always will be one Ireland. Q. Why is St. Patrick's Day an important day for the Irish? A. I think first of all because it's the feast day of the patron saint who brought Christianity to Ireland, first and foremost. I think also it's a day we show forth the Irish love and the Irish joy and humor. It's a day of celebrating, which the Irish are always great at. Q. Is that like partying? A. I think they enjoy a party more than maybe anybody else does, any nationality. They enjoy good times. Q. Do you always wear green? Your house is green, you have green pens. A. I tend to use green quite a bit because I think it's a beautiful color. Q. It doesn't have anything to do with you being Irish? A. Well, I don't deny it could have but I tend to use green in whatever I do because I like the color and it reminds me - if you talk to anyone who has seen the Emerald Isle, the first thing they will be impressed with when they fly over is the green of the Emerald Isle itself. Q. Have you been to Ireland? A. Yes I have. I've only been there once. Q. Is it true a leprechaun's favorite meal is corned beef, soda bread and Guinness stout? A. Well, I don't know if they're my favorites, but I would never pass it up if I had the opportunity. It could be very easily one of my favorites. But like anyone, I think a good Irishman likes some rare beef, too. Why not? They do tend to have some rare personalities, don't they? Q. How long were you in Ireland? A. I spent two weeks in Dublin. Q. Walking around James Joyce's haunting grounds? A. All over. Basically, I went to Dublin just to find and trace my father's footsteps. I stayed in his hotel, his father's hotel, The Conarchy Hotel. It was just delightful. In fact, my father, when he heard I was going to Dublin was very joyful but he suggested I stay at one of the modern hotels. I said no, 'I have to stay at the Conarchy Hotel', and he said, It's more like a rooming house, I said, 'That's fine.' So I was given the best room, right across from the public john - that's true - and a feather mattress, which I really enjoyed. He had a cousin who shared my trip with me and went all over Dublin with me introducing me to some of my father's cousins, bringing me back to where he was born, where he was raised, the church he went to, the schools he went to, things of this nature, plus naturally I took advantage of seeing the beauty of the capital city. Q. Why did your parents come from Ireland to this country? What drew them here? A. I think the oppression they were undergoing and the opportunity in the United States. Q. You answer the telephone? A. Top of the morning. Q. In the evening it's a little strange. A. Well, I usually say, 'Top of the evening,' and not, 'Top of the night.' And I'm amazed how few people know the proper response to, 'Top of the morning.' Q. What is the proper response? A. And the rest of the day to yourself. It's common among the Irish to say, 'The rest of the day to yourself.' Q. Why is that common? A. Maybe it's up bringing. The greeting top of the morning which is beautiful and the response, 'And the rest of the day to yourself' to show that they appreciate it and would hope that those bidding them the greeting would also have a good day. Q. Do you have a leprechaun outfit? A. No. No, I don't believe in them. Q. Are there any kind of organized Irish clubs or groups in Waukegan or Lake County? A. Not that I know of, they're mainly in Chicago. There's the Irish-American newspaper and there's a number of Irish radio shows, plus the Irish Culture Center, plus many Irish groups of all nature, culturewise, sportswise, socialwise in the Chicago area. They're predominantly in the city or in the nearer outskirts. Unfortunately, we have tried once or twice to get a few going here but unfortunately due to limited time and effort, they have fallen through. but yet, I think the parade itself is a form that continues. Q. The Chicago parade or the Waukegan parade? A. I'm thinking about the Waukegan parade. Q. You were one of the organizers of that weren't you? A. I started it, yeah. Actually, now that I think about it, that is funny. When Bill Morris was elected I said the first thing he had to do was give me a parade permit for St. Patrick's Day. Halfheartedly, I was joking about it and he took me serious and I saw him New Year's Day after he was elected, he says, 'Your parade permit is waiting for you when are you going to get going? And we did and through the help of a number of dedicated people we got it rolling. Thank God it still is, thanks to Mr. Schwab. In fact, what I would really love to see in Waukegan, is that every nationality would have a parade. you know, the Germans, the Italians, they all have a lot to be proud of. And they should be proud of their background. Q. Have you ever marched in the Chicago parade? A. When you have the Waukegan parade, who needs the Chicago parade? Q. you're pretty biased in favor of the Irish, aren't you. A. I think there's a lot to be biased in favor of but I would not rule out in any way that every nationality has its greatness, too. being born Irish, I appreciate the greatness the Irish have and the greatness, thanks to my father, that I inherited. Q. What does Erin Go Bragh mean? A. Ireland forever, God will it be. It's Gaelic. Q. Do you know Gaelic? A. No, I don't. My father used to pray in Gaelic, he said a few prayers in Gaelic. We used to have the sign of the cross and grace and things of this nature, being the younger of seven, I never picked it up as rapidly as my other brothers and sisters. Q. What are you going to do St. Patrick's day? A. I certainly hope if the good Lord keeps me that long that our family will attend Mass at Immaculate Conception, enjoy breakfast afterwards, partake in the parade, go over to IC for the big party. Q. What kind of St. Patrick's day breakfast do you have? A lot of soda bread? A. Oh, we have soda bread. We tend to turn everything green. The kids like to turn everything green on St. Patrick's Day, including the orange juice and the milk and everything else. A lot of green food dye out. Q. Perhaps the Irish have St. Patrick's Day to carry on the traditions. Are those traditions dying out? A. I don't think they are. I'm sure they're possibly more limited than they have been. The Waukegan St. Patrick's Day parade, I think, is a good example. We started with nothing. It was an idea that came to pass and started from nothing and yet it has been, to a certain degree, very successful and it's not all Irish who partake in it by any means. I don't know who it was who said, someone said to me 'St. Patrick's Day is the first sign of spring and the first chance to get out and enjoy the outdoors.' I guess there's some truth to that. There's no other function between Christmas parade and St. Patrick's Day parade. What else is there? There isn't another parade. I think that's one of the reasons other than people want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and join in the fun and cheer in spirit, the Irish are taking on St. Patrick's Day, it's the first opportunity to get out of the house, since the doldrums of winter so to speak. Q. Do you prefer Irish whiskey over say, Canadian whiskey? A. I like Irish whiskey. I'm not a big drinker, to that extent. I enjoy a little Irish whiskey occasionally, I'm not a gentleman who can drink straight whiskey, I cannot. I do enjoy Irish coffee, though don't misunderstand me and I do enjoy a little Irish stout. Q. So you're just going to party like everybody else does on St. Patrick's Day? A. In our house, we start with mass generally and a little family get together and then we do partake in the parade and we also enjoy the party at IC with the Moran family. Q. Do you march in the parade? A. No, I marched once. In the first parade I marched with the committee that started it and I think it's proper that those who are working on it now that the honor of their hard work. There's a lot of Irish who did a lot in this town. The Durkin name comes right to mind. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------ Chicago Tribune Tuesday April 5, 1994 John Francis 'Jack' Conarchy, 60, of Grayslake, formerly of Waukegan, passed away on April 2, 1994 at Victory Lakes Continuing Care Center, Lindenhurst. He was born July 28, 1933 in Evanston, graduated from Christian Brothers College, Memphis, TN in 1956 and was a special agent with the Prudential Insurance Company of America. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Waukegan, served as Usher and was past president of Immaculate Conception Men's Club. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Waukegan Council and a member and past president of the Lake County Life Underwriters. He lived in Waukegan for 33 years. Founded the Waukegan St. Patrick's Day Parade in 1978 and started the Carmel High School Street Scenes Waukegan Room in 1979. He is survived by his wife, Jane, nee Grant his children, Jane (David) Longo of Peteresburg, IL, John (Diane) Conarchy Jr. of Waukegan, Edmund Conarchy, of Hainesville, Sheila Conarchy, Erin Conarchy, Meghan Conarchy, Kevin Conarchy, all of Grayslake; and grandchild, Daniel Logo; he is also survived by his sisters, Jane (William Robert) O'Brien of Oconomowoc, WI, Marion Weithofer, of Cincinnati, OH, Angela Hunter, of Cincinnati, OH and his twin Sr. Lois Conarchy, S.L. of St. Meinrad, IN, by his brothers, Kyran Patrick Conarchy Jr., of Highland Park and William (Mary) Conarchy of Wauwatosa, WI; 44 nieces and nephews; he was preceded in death by his father Kyran Conarchy in 1966 and his mother Jane, nee Lavery Conarchy, in 1968. A Mass of the Resurrection will be said at 10 AM Thursday April 7, 1994 at Immaculate Conception Church, 508 Grand Ave., Waukegan. Burial will be in Transfiguration Cemetery, Wauconda. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 PM Wednesday, April 6, 1994 and 8:30 to 9:30 AM Thursday at Marsh Funeral Home of Gurnee, Washington St. & Cemetery Rd. Gurnee, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Sister Lois Conarchy, S.L. Ministry to the Elderly and Sick, PO Box 116, St. Meinrad, IN 47577 and to Carmel High School, Munelein, IL 60060 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- The News Sun Wednesday April 6, 1994 WAKEGAN'S NO. 1 IRISHMAN DEAD AT 60 John 'Jack' Conarchy, Lake County's best known Irish-American, died Saturday in St. Therese Medical Center in Waukegan. He was 60. Conarchy's Waukegan home was green and always displayed the Irish flag. He wore green year around and routinely sent St. Patrick's Day cards to friends. Waukegan's annual St. Patrick's Day parades, which ran from 1978 through the mid 1980s, were started by Conarchy. He also was a founder of Carmel High School's midwinter Street Scenes fund-raiser in Mundelein. While Waukegan no longer has a St. Patrick's Day parade, Street Scenes has grown to become a major Lake County event drawing up to 6,000 people to Carmel High School. He was known for his good humor, wit, stalwart promotion of all things Irish and loyalty to Waukegan, where he lived for 33 years. An insurance agent, he was an unpaid public relations man for a variety of causes and was known to many area journalists. He took a keen interest in local politics and involved himself in the campaigns of several candidates. Conarchy attributed his good humor and joy of life to his Irish heritage. Despite or because of their history of oppression, 'The Irish have the beauty of loving people for what they are and they see the good in all people', he said in a 1983 News-Sun interview. 'They enjoy a party more than maybe anybody else does.' Despite of his love of things Gaelic, Conarchy often said he liked Waukegan because of the city's ethnic diversity. He visited Ireland, the home of his father, just once, for two weeks. Conarchy is survived by his wife, Jane Grant Conarchy, and eight children. Visitation is scheduled tonight at the Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N. Cemetery Road, Gurnee. Mass will be said at 10 AM Thursday at Immaculate Conception Church, West Street. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------ Funeral Booklet This booklet is in memory of Jack Conarchy, to honor his life and in remembrance of the inspiring Mass of Resurrection and Burial Rite on Easter Thursday - April 7, 1994. Those who were present can recall this special liturgy planned by his family. May those who were not able to be there now share in this lasting memory. For five hours the evening before, many hundreds of people came to the Funeral Home to pay their respects, waiting in a long line to greet Jack's family and pray at his coffin. What a testimony this was to Jack and to his goodness which touched the lives of so many! His children had gathered pictures and other mementos to honor him. Jack was very present in the love and fond memories of relatives and friends. A true Irish wake - a mixture of sadness and joy - we all thanked God for the gift of Jack's life. The next morning the Church was filled with relatives and friends who were present for his Funeral Mass, united in the Eucharist and in prayer for Jack. Since February 14, 1989 - when Jack had his initial brain tumor surgery (and even before) - he was very courageous. With his deep faith he quietly endured so very much becoming more and more physically limited - eventually unable to swallow, walk or talk! In a most special way Jack shared in the sufferings of Christ. How fitting that Jack should die at Noon on Holy Saturday with Erin, his daughter, at his side. The next day, Easter Sunday, Jack was sharing in the glory of the Risen Christ! Jack was given loving care by his wife, Jane, and their eight children. Kyran, his brother, visited and helped Jack many times every week; his brother Bill (with Mary) came often; as did his sisters; Jane (with Bob), Marian, Ann and his twin Lois; and also many other relatives and friends. May Jack now intercede for all of us so that one day we will be reunited with him to live forever in God's perfect love. Pallbearers (nephews): Paul Hunter, Daniel O'Brien, Kyran O'Brien, Robert O'Brien, Frank Joseph Weithofer, Gary Van Alstine, Edmund Grant III, William Naphin Servers (nephews and niece): Patrick & Ted Gibbs, Susan Grant Petitions: Anne Uttich (Godchild & niece) The funeral procession made its way through the city of Waukegan and out into the open countryside of Wauconda to the Transfiguration Cemetery. Here, all gathered around Jack's final place of rest, a plot just beneath that of his parents, Jane and Kyran Conarchy. The delicate floral arrangement of the first grandchild rested on the coffin. Family members distributed green carnations which were held as Fr. John O'Brien prayerfully commended the 'seed' of Jack's precious body into the hands of the risen Christ. Then, beneath the clear blue sky of a soft spring day, Jack's brother-in-law, Bob O'Brien sang 'Danny Boy'. The green carnations were placed on the coffin. And there our 'transfigured' Jack sleeps in peace until we are all come to the great, final Family Reunion in Heaven! Eulogy by Jack C
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1933 - 1994 (60 years)