John "Jack" Joseph McNally

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John “Jack” Joseph McNally who went to paradise on October 14, 2024, at the age of 85, while at home together with his McNally 5. Jack was born on October 7, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois the devoted Son to the late Thomas and Margaret McNally. He was the beloved Husband of Ann Marie McNally nee Ferrara of 58 years, and a resident of Itasca, Illinois for over 56 years. The most loving Father of Thomas Frank (Sharon) McNally, James Joseph (Kristen) McNally, John Joseph McNally II and the late Baby Joey McNally. A devoted Grandfather to Nicole (CJ) Rion, Paige McNally, James McNally, Brigid McNally, Aidan McNally and Brooke McNally; proud Great-Grandfather of Vanessa Rion, with an addition to the family clan arriving this December, Christopher Rion III. A dear Brother to the late Patrica (James) Gertz-Simmons, Son-in-Law to the late Frank (Mary “Mae”) Napolitano, Brother-in-Law to Salvatore (Mary Helen) Napolitano and the late John (Kathy) Napolitano. Jack was a dear Uncle, Cousin, Godfather and friend to many loved ones. 

A 1959 graduate of East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, Jack worked spatula to spatula with his parents, running the family business Tom & Jack’s aka The Slop Shop. After his marriage to Ann, the dynamic duo opened Jack’s Talk of The Town in Maywood, IL. His talents were limitless from cooking, carpet/tile installation, freight delivery, family care giving and home remodeling. He worked several side jobs on the weekends with his eldest son installing carpeting and tile to provide for his family. Jack retired from The Village of Itasca Public Works Department after almost 20 years in 2004. The family will continue to wrap themselves in the memories he created through his passions for boating and fishing at Williams Bay in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; collecting and setting-up his LGB train set during the Christmas season; cruising around town and out of state to visit his middle son’s family in Scranton, PA. He also found great joy in washing & polishing his prized 1959 Chevy Biscayne, 1989 Pontiac Firebird and 2003 Lincoln Town Car. 

Throughout his entire life, Jack generously gave to others by demonstrating the love and compassion of Jesus Christ in multiple communities, including countless volunteer activities to his parish St. Peter’s the Apostle Catholic Church. He along with his wife teamed up to open The Greater Itasca Food Pantry, a subset of Itasca Cares in 1992. “The Pantry” now supports over 100 local families with a team of 50 volunteers. He was the “behind the scenes man” who humbly did not require the well-deserved accolades for his contributions to those he loved and perfect strangers. 

His lifetime legacy will live on through his family, and all of the lives he touched over his time on Earth by his grace, charm, class, sense of humor and unwavering devotion to his family, friends, faith and footprints as a Servant of God. 

Visitation Thursday, October 17th, 3:00 – 8:00 PM and Friday, October 18, 8:30 AM until time of funeral, 9:30 AM at The Oaks Funeral Home 1201 E. Irving Park Road (at Prospect), Itasca to Saint Peter the Apostle Church. Mass 10:00 AM. Interment Mount Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jack’s honor to his two favorite not-for-profit organizations: The Itasca Food Pantry via paypal.com or to St. Jude’s Children Hospital. For funeral information: 630-250-8588 or www.oaksfh.com