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Anthony Geraghty Obituary

Geraghty, Anthony

Anthony Geraghty (Tony) passed into eternal life on January 30th, 2022. He was born in May 1934 in the village of Stonefield in County Mayo, Ireland, on the coast of the North Atlantic. He was the first child of Patrick and Kate Geraghty (nee Monaghan). Tony spoke Irish as a child and would recall that he heard English for the first time when he went to school at the age of five. As a teenager, his father passed away, so he left school to find work in England and help support his mother and younger sisters.

Upon returning to Ireland, he and his family decided to accept an offer by the Irish government to relocate to the south of Ireland as part of a movement to restore the Gaelic language. They took on a small farm in a place called Carrigeen in County Kildare which later became known as "Mayo Lane" in the area. It was there that Tony met his future wife of nearly 60 years, Elizabeth Philomena (Phil) Geraghty (née Byrne). He loved to tell the story of when he first saw this "fetching young redhead" while he was helping her father bale hay and she was running behind the tractor to help.

Their courtship began as she was preparing a move to England to study nursing. Once there, they were known for the love letters they exchanged, some of which were read by Tony's younger sisters. They married in 1962. After his sisters moved to Chicago, and with the encouragement of his mother, he and Phil decided to leave Ireland for America. They arrived in Chicago in 1966, with daughters Angela and Cathriona in tow, and another daughter, Elizabeth, on the way. He quickly found work in construction, working on tall high rises and in deep tunnels while Elizabeth (Phil) began a long nursing career. They were blessed with 2 more daughters, Patricia and Antoinette, in later years.

Besides family, his greatest passion in life was Irish music. Tony had no formal instruction in written music, but could play almost any song he heard, as he had learned to play in the oral tradition as a young man. After retirement, he was known for the music sessions he attended on Sunday afternoons in pubs around Chicago. While he was able to play many instruments, his favorite was his prized button accordion which he carried to almost every party or celebration he attended. He also loved to sing, especially in Irish.

Tony loved the city of Chicago but always retained his Mayo accent and his Irish ways. He would cheer on the Bears and Cubs but refused to eat pizza for dinner as he thought it was meant as a snack and where were the potatoes? He became an American citizen in 1982, and followed politics closely. He was a long-time member of Queen of Angels and St. Juliana Parishes and as a former altar boy, he could recite the Latin Mass and might occasionally say "et tu Padre" during a service.

Tony is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years Elizabeth (Phil), his sisters Sally and Peggy, and his 5 daughters. He is also grandfather to 14 (Sarah, Liam, Ciaran, Jules, Declan, Brennan, Grace, Ned, Laine, Clara, Elizabeth, Colman, Ian and Quinn) and great grandfather to Cormac. He happily dropped off/ picked up many grandchildren from schools near and far and was always at the ready for anyone with a home repair question. He was also greatly loved by all his sons-in-law: Tom, Paul, Webster, Barry & Matt.

He will be deeply missed by friends and family including all the Cunningham and Pratt nieces and nephews, who loved Uncle Tony dearly, as well as the Ennis, King, Harkin, Schooley, and Wawrzyn families. Together with many life-long friends, his family was a source of great joy and support through the years.

His love for life, his stories, and music will be forever in our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Tony.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 3:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Cooney Funeral Home located at 625 Busse Hwy. in Park Ridge. Funeral Saturday, prayers at 11:00 a.m. going to St. Juliana Church for Mass at 11:30 a.m. A livestream of Mass can be viewed at https://youtu.be/EHA2uH0SzN0 Interment All Saints Cemetery. For information please call 847-685-1002 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 3, 2022.

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Karen Byrne

June 12, 2022

I am the daughter of Elizabeth's friend, Carolyn Watson and I am just learning of this after the fact, but I want to extend our families most heartfelt condolences to the entire family. My Mom passed in July, 2020, but I recall the many stories that she shared about her friendship with "Gerr"(Elizabeth) and her fondness for Tony. I am so happy that my Mom knew such wonderful people. PS:We just returned from Ireland after scattering Mom's ashes and I would love to relay the story to Mrs. Geraghty. If possible, please email me, so I can connect.

Julia & Kevin O'Neill Baltinglas, Wicklow

February 11, 2022

Phil & family, deepest sympathy on the sad passing of Tony. May he rest in peace.

John Byrne & family Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow

February 7, 2022

Aunty Phil and family,
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Tony. May he rest in peace.

Elizabeth (nee Byrne) & Seamus McCarthy and family (formally Main Street B

February 7, 2022

Aunty Phil and family,
Our deepest condolences on the sad passing of Tony.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May Tony rest in peace.

John McDonagh (JTJ)

February 3, 2022

My deepest condolences to the Geraghty family. Tony was a great addition to our sessions at The Corribwhen I was there. We shall remember him in our prayers. A gentleman. Go ndeanfaigh Dia ghrásta ar a ainm.

Heartfelt Condolences Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Stasia Kehoe and family

Sent Flowers

Herb and Matalynne Wandel

February 2, 2022

We were saddened to hear our Odell neighbor, Tony passed away. He was always full of energy and will be missed. Prayers for his family.

Evelyn McGrath kilgalligan

February 2, 2022

So sorry to hear about the passing of Anthony a true gentleman, my condolences to Phil and his daughters and extended families may his gentle soul rest in peace xx.

Niall Dempsey

February 2, 2022

Dear Aunty Phil & Family

Sincere condolences on the passing of Tony. We all have fond memories of his visits to Ireland - his good humour, love of Guinness and American politics.

May god bless his gentle soul.

In our thoughts.

God bless,

Niall Dempsey & Family (Rossmore, Carlow, Ireland)

Elaine Mchale

February 2, 2022

I'm so sorry to hear about Anthony's passing my deepest sympathy to Phil and his daughters and extended families,He was a gentleman and enjoyed seeing both Anthony and Phil when they were in kilgalligan on holidays, may his gentle soul rest in peace xxx.

John Geraghty

February 1, 2022

Anthony - may you rest in peace

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