Jon Danno, father of Lisa and Michele, brother of Patrick and former partner of Sheila McNeill, left his family quietly but in doing so he taught us many things. We never expected Jon to go like this. Having spent the past two decades in the grip of alcoholism and in recent years having endured the side effects of that on his health, we assumed it would someday get the best of him. But instead, in his final days, we got to see the best in him. When diagnosed with the terrifying virus known as COVID-19, Jon told the nurse to give his ventilator to “someone who deserves it more.” That’s the Jon Danno we want the world to remember. He was a father, brother, spouse, uncle, and friend to many in his home state of Wisconsin and his proud second home, Chicago, where he adopted a love of the Bulls and Cubs. He also endured many years of trash talk as a misplaced Green Bay Packer fan. While his love of the Midwest ran deep, that didn’t stop him from exploring the rest of the world. He spent decades fusing his love of history with his passion for exploration in trips overseas. Apart from being a globetrotter, he was also a dedicated stockbroker, a dream he’d held since the young age of 14. Music was like a second religion. Jon found a lifetime of comfort in rock legends and folk artists from the ‘60s, an era he dubbed the “Greatest Music Decade of all Time.” While his life wasn’t perfect, Jon had an incredible ability to handle challenging situations with the lightheartedness of Jerry Seinfeld, his favorite comedian. Even on his final phone calls, he was cracking jokes between hard-earned breaths. Using humor as a coping mechanism is another one of the many qualities he’ll leave behind in his loved ones. In addition to many good memories, he’ll be survived by his big brother’s embarrassing stories and his daughters’ inherent love of sports, travel, history, Chicago, and music. His family would like to thank everyone who’s reached out to share their support and condolences over the past few days. Memorial contributions in Jon’s name may be made to the La Grange Memorial Hospital Foundation – COVID 19 Fund, 5101 Willow Springs Road La Grange, Il 60525 or at the following link: https://www.amitahealth.org/patient-resources/giving/make-a-gift/make-a-gift-covid-19-support. In the notes section on the website, please include: La Grange Hospital COVID 19 FUND. Or please donate your time and/or money to a local COVID 19 charity in your locale. Jon’s remains will be interred at Mount Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst, Illinois. A memorial will be held when the world becomes a safer, healthier place where people can share memories and hugs. Arrangements handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, Elmhurst, Illinois 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com.
**We plan on updating this page when future service plans become available**