Joseph Dwyer Obituary

Our family has just learned of Joe's passing. My father was his baseball coach in Chicago Ridge and my brother played with him. The first memory we recalled of Joe was that awesome hair! He was a nice kid and it sure sounds that he grew up into a wonderful man. We were not surprised to hear that he was still involved with sports and had four beautiful girls and a wife. Our prayers for strength are with you. It was a pleasure to know someone so kind as a child - recalling happy memories of him.

Lynn

I am very sorry for your loss, I am another of the many childhood friends that knew Joey . I can still remember the new years eve part in high school when Joey dressed up as baby new year( brings a smile to my face now).Joey will live on in his children and the unforgettable memories of his many many friends.our prayers will always be with you and the 4 children

Lynn,

I am so sorry for your loss. We didn't personally know your husband but would see all of you at MHR school or at church. I can tell how loved he was by so many just by reading this guest book. You and your beautiful girls will remain in our prayers. God Bless all of you.

Dear Lynn- I was so shocked to hear the news today of Joe's death. I can see by paging through the guest book that I was not the only person who was touched by Joe's curly hair and ever present smile. He was one of the greatest guys to be around back in my day at Orland Junior High. I saw him periodically back in high school when you and I were swimming together. I am so sorry for you that this has happened. He will be truly missed by so many people near and far. I hope you will find peace and solace knowing he had people who loved hime to greet him in heaven, and I hope your memories will give you support and strength as you move ahead. Best wishes to you, your family, Joe's family, and the many many friend who will be missing him. Love, Kathi Andrew Willett

Lynn and girls.

I'm so sorry...

I learned of this late and my heart sunk. I havent seen Joe in a few years, but I will always remember Joe as a great friend, and person I could always count on. I can only tell you that time heals, and it does but Joe will live in our memories forever.



The Hoefs Family

Dear Dwyer Family, Joe truly was one-of-a-kind. I remember him so clearly when he was one of my students at Park School in Orland Park. His 5th grade teacher, Cathy Begley, and I used to always laugh and say, "Can't you just imagine meeting Joey Dwyer ten years from now and him buying us a drink?" It was such a funny image to me - and I've never thought of a single other student that way in my 30 years of teaching. Aside from the drink, I know what we really meant was that even as an eleven year old, Joe was the kind of person that (as Dan Barry said) had a personality. You couldn't help but love him. His curly hair and quick smile, along with his perfect ease even with adults, made him an unforgettable student. When I met him at the Keanes' house a few summers ago, after 25 years, it was amazing. Finally, my drink with Joey Dwyer! How loved he was by so many people. I am so sorry for your loss, but I know he will remain part of every moment for all of you. There is no way he'll be forgotten. God bless!

Regina Knapp

My deepest sympathies during this time. Joe always made an impact on our basketball team in '94 with his smile and presence. God bless - James Creed

Lynn and Girls

I just learned about Joe this morning from my mom and I just want you to know our prayers are with you. We moved to Orland in 8th grade and Joe immediately made me feel welcome. I think Chuck Schofield's email said it the best---he was a connector to so many facets of the community.



Joe and I were in touch a few years ago via email and laughed that we both had 4 daughters (we now have 5). I know that Joe will be with them in their minds and in their hearts the rest of their lives.



Please know that we will be saying a mass for Joe at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point for him shortly.



With our deepest sympathies....

Scott, Joanie, Audrey, Anna, Sophia, Olivia, and Rebecca Zigmond

Dear Dwyer Family,

I wish all of you the strength you need to get through this difficult time. I lost touch with Joe once he went to Marist but was able to cross his path about 2 years ago being a supplier to Drilled Foundations. Joe was just how I remembered him, happy, smiling, and sincere. He always bragged about his girls and what an awesome mother you are. He was proud of all of you! God bless all of you, Joe will be incredibly missed.

Michele (Courchene) Phillips

Dear Dwyer Family,



It has been many years since I last saw Joe. We were classmates at Marist (I am an 83 Grad). I remember Joe well and can only echo the thoughts already put forth. He was a nice guy in high school and a good man thereafter. I am so sorry for your loss and I pray for your family at this time.

Though it has been almost twenty years since I last saw Joey, I have nevertheless thought of him often. He and his family helped me through some difficult times when I was younger and for that I am eternally grateful. The world will be a sadder place now that Joey is no longer with us.

Lynn,



My deepest sympathy to you and your girls. I had the pleasure of knowing you in high school through swimming and the pleasure of knowing Joe as a dear friend to my brother and sister. He was always smiling! I will continue to pray for you and your family and cherish the fond memories of Joe. God Bless.

Lynn and Girls:



Joey was on the most sincerest friends I had growing up in Maycliff and then at Marist High School. After moving from Our Lady of the Ridge and moving into Maycliff, Joey and I met just after the Kahoun family moved in. From that time on he kept me and the rest of the neighborhood boys (and girls - Tammy, Luane ect) laughing.



Although Joey and I did not see each other since about 2 years ago, I frequently think about times growing up and Joey is always in the thoughts.



May God give you his peace and comfort in knowing that he in in heaven, looking down on you and the rest of his family.



God Bless,



Billy Kretzer and

The Kretzer Family

Dear Dwyer Family,

We are very sorry for your loss. May your family be granted the strenght you need. We will continue to pray for your family. You will forever be in our hearts.

Adam and Jennifer Kouba

Dear Lynn,girls, and the Kahoun family,I only met Joe a few times but knew right away what a sincere and gentle man he was, you could just feel it in his "big hugs" my husband Kenny has many fond memories of Joe and his family. You are a strong family and with love and prayers you will all be o.k. time will take care of that. And memories of Joe will forever be in everyone's heart. Our prayers are with you all, and if there is anything any of you need, please don't hesitate to call upon us. Keep each other close..our love to you all..



Suzanne & Ken Hartman

Worth, IL

Lynn,

Joe was one of a kind. We have never met anyone who cared about others and gave so much to so many. We know you and the girls are going to make it through this because of your faith. But one thing no one can ever take away are your memories of a person we were lucky to know. Joe was the type person who comes around maybe once in a lifetime and we are proud to have known him and considered him a friend.

We will always be here for you and your family.

Thank you for sharing Joe with us.

My family's deepest condolences on the loss of Joe. He will be greatly missed by many people. He was the kind of guy that always had time to say hello......Our thoughts and prayers are with his family!

Dear Lynn,



My thoughts and prayers are with you and the girls. Joe was a great friend, had a heart of gold, and will be dearly missed.

Dear Lyn and girls,

My sincere condolences for your loss. Joe was a great father, great husband, great friend,and a good

softball player( okay Joe, great softball player). I will never forget our days playing softball together on the Moonheads at Marist. I honestly feel I'm a better person just for knowing him. He will be missed but never forgotten.God bless you.

Dear Dwyer Family,

We are very sorry what has happened that Thursday morning. Unfortunately we could not be there for the services, as we are in Michigan. Dan is in Brenna's 7th grade class, and he was very, very sad to hear what has happened. We send all of our sympathy and hope that Joe rests in peace, while fond memories prevail. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow...



- The Simutis'

Dear Lynn and Family,

You don't know us well but your husband was a very good friend of my brother's - Dan Barry. The times we had our family gatherings and Joe would be there, he was always very friendly and outgoing. We are very sorry for your loss and just want you to know that Joe, you and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers.



Maureen and Gregg Jandacek and family

Dear Dwyer/Kahoun Family:



I was so sad to learn the news about Joe. He was one of my first friends when we moved to Orland Park. I have such good memories of swimming in Joe's pool during the summer! Joe was so kind that he took it upon himself to introduce me to other girls in the neighborhood.



I am so sorry that I couldn't be there today. I spoke with my parents and brother who said that the line to pay their respects extended out the door! It is truly amazing and wonderful to know how many lives he must have touched.



Your families are in my prayers.

Warm regards,

Tammy (Kroll) Marsan

goodnight big fellow sure will miss you when i come evergreen pk lynn and children my prayers and thoughts are with you d glennon

Lyn

My deepest condolences to you and ypur family. May the Lord watch over and bless you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love

Doc

To the Dwyer/Kalhoun Families:

I want to express my deepest sympathy on your loss. I'll miss not seeing Joe not only around the neighborhood but on the softball field. Not hearing his massive voice I'll have to check the sheet to find where we will be playing Redemeer. I'll miss not being able to have a beer with after the game. But most of all I'll miss Joe. He was and always will be one hell a guy in my memories. God Bless

Dear Lynn, Brenna, Emma, Maeve & Mara,

I am so truly sorry for your loss. May all your beautiful memories sustain you through the days ahead.

God bless you and grant you peace during this difficult time.

Finding the words to say to the Dwyer family today at the wake will be nearly impossible. May God grant Lynn and the girls the peace of knowing that Joey is in heaven with his dad and uncle.

When Joey joined the Sunday Red-I family in 1995, he changed us all for the better. I will see him standing behind the plate for every pitch that God allows me to throw for the rest of my life.

God's speed, Joey... may He hold you in the palm of His Hand.

Dear Lynn,



I’ve known Joe since I was in grammar school. He moved into the Maycliff subdivision in Orland Park from Chicago Ridge and Our Lady of the Ridge Parish. This was almost 30 years ago and yet I can honestly say I remember it vividly. Joe’s curly fro’ and magnanimous demeanor are forever burned into my memory. It was not unusual for Joe to wear shorts in February when we played basketball outside at Howie Spaeth’s house, Jeff Kroll’s house, or Billy Kretzer’s place. He was a fierce competitor and had no aversion to enlisting his “physical” advantages upon unsuspecting skinnier opponents. He always had the common decency to scrape you up off the ground after such an encounter.



I remember Joe being so proud of his brother Phillip and the State Champion St Laurence football team which in some small way helped plant the seeds of our future desire and enthusiasm for Grammar School and High School football together. I remember a time in High School when Joe, Mike Beninato and myself all told our parents we were sleeping at the others house and went to a St Paddy’s day bash. It worked out fine until we had to find someplace to sleep. It turned out to be Beninato’s barn. Joe wasn’t much for his “hay bed” and wasn’t afraid to let it be known.



I remember the summer before my senior year in college when Joe and I spent the summer working at the Chicago Merchantile Exchange. Joe picked me up every morning in his fabulous Toyota MR2 sportscar. All summer long I kept telling Joe we have to go to the top of the Sears Tower (which I had never done). It was a memorable summer and would love to tell you more about it someday (like when the kids aren’t around).



As we got older and saw each other less and less, seeing Joe was a simple as picking up where we left off. He’d give you a hug. I liked that.



To say Joe was a good friend is to fall so short of the mark it would be almost unjust. He was the most important type of friend. Yes he was thoughtful, fiercely loyal to friends and family. But he also kept you humble. Joe wasn’t at all squeamish about pointing out when your head was getting too big or if you began to become a little too proud of yourself. He asked the same of his friends in return. And we were all too happy to oblige (granted, he was an easy target at times). What more could you ask for in a friendship?



My sister provided what is for me the most prolific of Joe’s talents. He brought people together. He was the connection between Orland Junior High and Saint Michael’s, the connection between Carl Sandburg High and Marist High School and the connection between Maycliff and other Orland Park subdivisions. I would be willing to bet that he has done the same at Tommy Moore and Holy Reedemer. He was like our “Mayor”. If the Pope had ever to select a local social chairman, a person who could joyfully bring together people from any walk of life, Joe would have been a fine and rather obvious choice.



I apologize for going on and on but I cannot be there tonight and it breaks my heart. I recall these specific details because when somebody brings some much joy and impact into your life, you cannot help but remember the details. Believe me, there’s much, much more.



It is noon in Portland, Oregon and I can already picture the massive crowd beginning to gather to pay their respects. The people from Maycliff, Orland Junior High, Our Lady of the Ridge, Carl Sandburg High School, Marist High School, St Thomas Moore and Most Holy Redeemer not to mention the union constituency. I understand the Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre. Someone may want to inform the late Mayor Richard Daley. Indeed, there is a new Mayor in town.



With All of our Love and Our Deepest Sympathy,

The Chuck Schofield Family

Finding the words to say to the Dwyer family will be nearly impossible today at the wake. May the Lord grant Lynn and the girls the peace of knowing that Joe is in Heaven with his Dad and Uncle.

When Joey became part of the Sunday Red-I Softball family in 1995, he changed us all for the better. I will cherish the memories of our Sunday's together... I will see him standing behind the plate for every pitch that God allows me to throw for the rest of my life.

God's speed, Joey... may He hold you in the palm of His hand.

Please accept our deepest condolences. I am just speechless, Joe was one of the greatest guys I've ever known. His heart was pure gold. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe's wonderful family.

Dear Lynn, Brenna, Emma, Maeve and Mara-Our family was saddened to hear of the loss of your husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. May God and His angels watch over you and your girls.

So sorry to hear of the loss of Joe. He was a great guy. You're all in our thoughts.



Jim Dwyer & family

Dear Dwyer Family,

My condolences on your loss of Joe.

A fellow Marist Graduate.

Dear Lynn and Girls - Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this sad time. What a great human being - father, coach, and friend. We have nothing but fond, and funny memories of such a well loved guy. We only wished we would have taken more time out of our busy lives to spend time with those that mean alot to us. He will be greatly missed. Love, Joe and Tina

My deepest sympathy to my co-worker Lynn and her four wonderful daughters on the loss of their beloved husband & father, a very lovely man.God grant strength and peace to all your loved ones and my continued prayers are with all of you and Joe.

Dear Lynn and Family, My deepest sympathies for your loss. I first new Joe as my Little League teammate when he first arrived in Orland. Through the years he remained a teammate in football at Marist and more importantly a good friend.You never really make friends like the ones you make during grammer school and high school. The bonds there remain forever. Unfortunately,some ties through work, family and other obligations seem to fade away but in essence they never really do. I know that Joe will live on through your daughters and for me he will always be kept alive in my memories of him and the things we did together as a band of friends. Whenever I hear of a friend's passing, a feel that a small bit of me dies as well, but I know that in some way knowing Joe or any of my friends has touched me and made me who I am today. I know that he touched the lives of the children he coached,people he worked with, neighbors and especially his family. Be comforted in knowing that he will be kept alive in spirit through fond humorous storytelling and reliving of memories. God Bless.

The Lord works in mysterious ways. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sadness. I hope that you find peace that Joe is with God. Now, he can be with you always, watching over you and guiding you.



May the Lord grant you strength and peace.

Dear Ray and Maureen I am so sorry for your loss Will see you in a few weeks

As a fellow coach from St. Elizabeth Seton Parish, I was deeply saddened to hear of Joe's passing. Our family will remember Joe in our prayers.

Dear Dwyer/Kahoun Family,



I was very saddened when I learned of Joe's passing. Losing a loved one is never easy, but especially hard when it happens suddenly or pre-maturely. I can tell you that you can find comfort in knowing that Joe is in God's hands, is in a better place and will be with you always in your memories. We will keep all of you in our prayers.

Dear Dwyer Family, I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Dwyer was a great coach. He will be in my prayers.

Casey Hopkins

Both George Gorss and myself send you our deepest sympathy on your loss.

What a great guy,father and coach.What a nice guy.Please accept our sympathy-LYNN and GIRLS AND DWYER FAMILY. --- GOD BLESS--- TIM,RICK,DINO

Dear Lynn, Brenna, Emma, Maeve and Mara. We remember a loving husband and daddy who enjoyed and took a geat deal of pride in his family. A good neighbor who enjoyed a good time and was always willing to pitch in. A tireless worker and a good friend; We will miss him.

When my mother died, Joe and Lynn were such a big help to the Keaty family. When Mike's brother Henry died, Joe didn't hesitate to help with his fundraiser. We will miss having Joe in our lives, he was such a presence in Most Holy Redeemer. We are thinking and praying for Lynn and their family.

The O'Grady Family

Phil and the entire Dwyer family - I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was such a nice guy, so friendly and outgoing. Your family is in our hearts and prayers. The Mahoneys

Lynn, Praying for you and your daughters. So very sorry for your loss. Sharon