John Fornengo Obituary

I had a great pleasure to get to know John during our children preschool years and from the first moment I knew he is made out of pure MAGIC. His sense of style, grace, warmth and of course his endless humor was notable each time he entered a room. My most sincere condolences to his family.

We only now heard the news of John's passing. Our hearts are sad and heavy. Robert and I were John and Dee's neighbors at 1445 St Parkway and we enjoyed many dog walks together. He was a treasure of a man and is adored by our family. Our sincerest condolences to the family.
Robert Feldman
Donna Tremblay

Dear Daisy, Augie and Ally:

We are so sorry so hear about the passing of your wonderful father.
He was a delightful man who personified charm and grace.
Our thoughts are with you.

Nancy Alexander Anna and Alfi von Auersperg

With my deepest sympathy.

I am so sad to hear about John's passing away. I will always remember him as a charming man who truly embraced life.

My deepest sympathy to John's family and friends.

Madeline Gelis
Evanston, Illinois

I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing from this world of this kind and gentlemanly soul. I shall cherish the memories of a lovely, lovely neighbor and devoted parent. My deepest condolences to John's children and family. May his memory be eternal.

Maria Gebhard
Evanston, IL

I'll never forget the day my mother, sister Julie and I met John as he was leaving his beautiful home for work one morning. My mother told him how much she loved his house and Julie and I complimented him on his stylish Barbour jacket. He was exceedingly charming and witty and warm. Though he was leaving for work, he invited us in to see his home. My mother was tickled and delighted as he took her by the arm up the front steps and into the house. My mother was in her early 80s so he took her on the small elevator up to the third floor. There, with a beautiful view of trees and neighboring rooftops, he served us tea and cookies. John and I kept in touch over the years. My last text from John was a video sent on Valentines Day. He sang My Funny Valentine accompanying himself on the piano. It was just gorgeous. What a wonderful man. Love and comfort to his terrific kids. And all who were loved by John. We were very lucky to know him.

John was creative and mercurial. He had just begun painting in my studio and I was so curious to see his creations.

We both were long time members of St. Chrysostom's Church where we watched our children grow from babies to young adults.

He will be greatly missed. The world doesn't seem as colorful anymore.

I have known John since the early days of Leslie's and found him to be a good friend, with many talents and I always enjoyed his company. My sincere sympathy to his family.

Im so sorry. I will miss him greatly. A lovely man, a terrific musician, and a friend.

John was amongst the kindest and warmest people I ever encountered in the futures/funds business. In addition to being a world class trader, he was scrupulously honest and reliable, whilst always retaining that wonderful and cheeky sense of humor. Susie and I will miss you my friend.

I am so very sorry to hear this. Even though we are cousins I still remember running into you at Ohare many a moon ago. You were flying home from Greece and me from L.A. What a nice visit we had at the gate that day!

Love and prayers to the wonderful Fornengo children and all of John's extended family. What an exceptional person he was to everyone around him. He brightened every room and will be missed by so many.

Dear Daisy, Augie and Ally,
Our hearts are very heavy with the passing of your Dad and our neighbor.
When we moved to the neighborhood 10 years ago, your father made a special point of welcoming us.
We will miss seeing him greatly on our daily dog walks.
The Gold Coast has lost its most elegant occupant.
As we didn't have the chance to get to know you three very well since you were mostly off to school when we moved in, we thought you might enjoy what we loved best about your Dad.
Things we loved about John:
The way he dressed, even just to get milk at Potash or play tennis at The Racquet Club.
The way he always ,without fail, called out a cheery "hello neighbor" through his car window when we passed on the street.
Seeing him playing the piano in the window
His Christmas parties
His Belgian Loafers ( we thought only New Yorkers knew about those:)
Seeing him ride his beautiful bicycle in Lincoln Park
His car collection
His stopping by our house randomly to say hello
His hair and beard, especially when he grew them long
His gentle manner
His extraordinary love and pride for this children
the list goes on, but we thought these were what we will miss and remember the most about your Dad.
Godspeed to you three. Know that the neighborhood mourns with you, and that we will all be here to support you in any way we can,
peace and courage
Rich and Sonia McArdle
McTavish, Madeleine and Charlton

Rest well my dear sweet friend. I know that Deedee and Harry were there to meet you.
You will forever be in my thoughts

Daisy, Augie, and Ally were John's quite literal pride and joyand his love for them was his reason for surviving the loss of their mother, he once told me. I hope that they can find some comfort in knowing how much they meant to him and in recalling all of their wonderful travels together. John and I "met" before we were born (as our mothers had all their prenatal medical appointments together), and he patiently put up with my Aspie behavior (and unannounced drop-in visits from the other side of the planet) for decades. He was the most profoundly and broadly talented person I've ever known. I'll join many, many others in wondering how we'll ever do without him.

My heart and prayers are with John and Dudley's children at this time of grief. John was an extraordinary man in an ordinary world. Rest In Peace, dear friend.

My deepest sympathy to Johns children and family. I was a college friend who experienced LFCs Greek Odyssey with John. He will forever be remembered for his charisma and sincerity. I saw his budding love with DeeDee and I pray they are reunited to continue their eternal love affair. May God bestow everlasting grace on you and your family. RIP John

I just heard of Johns passing and was sad to hear it. John was always a blast when we were on the Lincoln Park Zoo Auxiliary Board together. I will miss him.

I love how this guest book says, "Not sure what to say?" I've never known what to say, but that's never stopped me. Johnny is synonymous with Chicago. Since 1976, I've been a small part of John's Chicago. You are back together with Henry and DeDe and we'll take care of Daisy, Augie and Ally for you. Much love, dear friend. Sleep tight.

I send my heartfelt sympathy to the Fornengo children and extended family. John
was very special and I always enjoyed my times with him. He has been a
wonderful and loyal friend to my son and daughter-in-law, Marc and Alicia Ziegler.
Also, my granddaughters, Lexie and Liza Ziegler.
I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you all. Susan Ziegler

The entire Favia family is very sad. We knew how special he was. We were all fans. I can still see his bright eyes and his wide smile. The earth has lost a great gentleman, a beautiful, unique soul.
Love and prayers to Daisy, Augie and Ally and to Johns sisters. God speed to JDF.

I was so saddened to hear of John's untimely death. He was always so kind and so cheerful! He will be sorely missed!

So sorry Julie.

Dear Family ,
I was saddened to learn that John died. Anything that I can say or do at a time like this will be of little comfort. You and your entire family, have my deepest sympathy.
Most Sincerely,
Liz Stiffel

I was so saddened to learn that the world has lost John, a bright light with the most contagious smile. What a warm and generous man and a wonderful dad. My sincerest condolences to all who knew him and loved him.

So sorry to hear of John's passing...what a great guy he was even in high school....condolences to all who loved him.
Barry and Diane (Howard) Adkins

I was so very fortunate to have met John through my sister Kathy and his wife DeeDee when they were in college. He was a dear, sweet, funny and definently unique human being. I will forver cherish the wonderful ( and hysterically funny !! ) times we spent together over the years. My thoughts are with his family.

Our hearts and prayers to Johns children and other family members. Will always cherish the times we interacted as parents of sons who were lifers and buddies at the Latin School of Chicago. Always the consummate gentleman always asking for and concerned for all who came in contact with him, John leaves behind a wonderful heritage and will be sorely missed from this earth.

I only knew john from high school.
I would occasionally talk to him, & was in a play with him. He had a lot of friends probably, because he was fun loving and friendly to others. He always seemed to be having a great time. I know he was talented, smart & witty.
Judging by his life accomplishments & friends of his I know.
John made the most of all his talents, Witt & brains.
I know he will be deeply missed & long remembered.
May your soul rest in piece John !
My prayers & deepest condolences for his family & dear friends.


With deepest respect
Frank Dolin

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear Lyons, Wisconsin friend and neighbor. South Road will never be the same without waving to John as he would drive down the road on his golf cart.
His obituary says everything! John was indeed one of the most unique friends we could ever have. May his soul rest In peace with his beloved DeeDee.
May their children have comfort in knowing how very precious they were to their parents.