William "Bill" J. Hennessy

William “Bill” J. Hennessy, 82, Rockford, passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Bill was born September 5, 1935, in Fort Lewis, Washington, the son of Raymond and Loretta (Hall) Hennessy. He received his Associate degree from Olympic College in Bremerton, Washington. Bill married Malia Browne in Lemont, Illinois on January 16, 1965. He served in the United States Navy for over 22 years, with tours around the world, retiring in 1976, as a Chief Petty Officer. He was a 3rd degree member of Knights of Columbus Muldoon Council 470, and a 4th degree member of the General Assembly 190.
Survived by his wife of 53 years, Malia; his sons, Michael Hennessy of Miami, Florida, Christopher (Barbara) Hennessy, and Jeffrey (Eileen) Hennessy, both of Chicago; his daughter, Jennifer (Jason) Minkin of Chicago; his grandchildren, Iona, Ewan, Lillian, Eloise, and Ember Hennessy, and Andrew Minkin; his sister, Patricia (Thomas) James of Bowling Green, Kentucky; his brother, Paul (Cheri) Hennessy of Washington state.
Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, February 9, 2018, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, with the Rosary recited at 7:45 P.M. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd., Rockford, with visitation at the church from 10:00 A.M. to 10:45 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or Healing Pathways, 5666 E. State St. Rockford, Il, 61107. Burial will be held in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoft Rd, Elwood, Illinois at a late date. To share condolences visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.