Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
John Powers Obituary
John Jude Powers peacefully passed away on September 26, 2024. A lifelong resident of the Chicagoland area, John was a 1976 graduate of Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois. He starred on the football team, set the 1976 shot put Illinois state record amongst many additional athletic and academic achievements; honored for his accomplishments in 2011, he was inducted into Catholic League Hall of Fame. He went on to play football at the University of Michigan from 1976 to 1981, under legendary coach Bo Schembechler, where he played in four Rose Bowls. Following his football career, he began his profession at the Chicago Board of Trade. A devout Catholic, John dedicated his life to putting the needs of others before his own, especially focusing on those of family, most notably his wife, children and grandchildren. John is survived by his wife of 39 years, Patricia Powers (neé McAuliffe); his loving children, Mary Grace Powers and Connor Powers (Rachel); his adoring grandchildren, Hank and Anastasia; his sisters, Mary Helen Brady (James) and Jamie Kuzniar (Jason); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. John was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret (neé McGuire) and James Powers, his sister Kathleen McMahon and brother-in-law Joseph McMahon. Family and friends will be received at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home, 10501 W. Cermak Road, Westchester on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All to meet Thursday at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs for an 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, participation in the National Marrow Donor Program or donations to The Fred Hutch Cancer Center are welcomed by John's family. For funeral info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.
Sign Guest Book at legacy.suntimes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Powers
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
Mark Madden
October 2, 2024
John you were a positive happy guy, may the saints welcome you into the eternal banquet of our lord. May you be at peace in Christ.
Harry & Donna Freeman
October 2, 2024
Our condolences from the entire Freeman Family. So very sorry for your loss. We will include you in our prayers.
Gary Weber
September 30, 2024
To the Powers family, I am so sorry for your loss. Coach called the other day to let me know of John's passing and I was so taken aback by such terrible news, but I also soon thought of all the wonderful times I had with JP as a teammate for 4 years and a roommate for 2. When I think of John I immediately find myself with a smile and these memories will last forever. You are all in my prayers. Web
Mark Hunter
September 30, 2024
Patty - I am so sorry for your loss. My ex - Jennifer Raisbeck - notified me of John’s passing. I remember John fondly from our days as transplantation partners in crime - ha. He was a confident guy that I knew was going to survive, make it out of Seattle, and get back home to Chicago to be with his beloved family. His energy and confidence was an inspiration to me - which helped me to get through that grueling transplant process. He made it 28 years post BMT - which is a very good run.
I also made a donation to the Hutch in John’s name tonight.
That may be my first donation to the Hutch - but - again - John was my inspiration. He just had that kind of impact on me !!!
My cell phone # is 269-598-4911 if you ever want to call or text.
Gaspare Calandrino
September 30, 2024
Miss you John. Great Teammate and friend. RIP
John Sloat
September 30, 2024
I was part of Fenwick’s football team with John. He was a great athlete. I am sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers are with John and his family.
From the Staff of Conboy's Westchester Funeral Home
October 1, 2024
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
nat rosasco
September 30, 2024
We went to Fenwick and the University of Michigan together--where JP took me under his wing when I was a freshman. A true gentleman and caring friend. He will be missed. He is in God's hands right now. Go Blue my friend.
Mike Jolly
September 29, 2024
Sorry to hear about John’s passing. As a young man on the Michigan team with John I heard stories about his athleticsm in high school, 100 yd dash, as well as shot put and discus. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. God Bless!
Jonathan Ziemer
September 29, 2024
Although I was never able to meet John in person, I was fortunate to have several conversations with him - we told tasteful tales, exchanged jokes of the highest brow, argued the x's and o's and oh yes's and oh no's of football, learned and laughed about our larger than life experiences, and most importantly - at every chance he had - how very much he loved, cared for, and was proud of his remarkably strong, patient, accomplished and loving children.
Here's to the literal Man, Myth, and Legend------ John J. Powers
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in John Powers's name
Memorial Events
for John Powers
Oct
2
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home - Westchester10501 W. Cermak, Westchester, IL 60154
Funeral services provided by:
Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home - Westchester10501 W. Cermak, Westchester, IL 60154
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Powers's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
