John J. Conroy, Jr., of the greater Chicagoland area and most recently Elmhurst, Illinois, passed away peacefully and entered his eternal home on September 23, 2024.
John was born on June 5, 1953 in Dixon, Illinois to John Conroy and Phyllis Jean, nee Stump, Conroy. John spent his childhood years in Oregon, Illinois attending St. Mary’s School and Oregon High School, where he served in student government, played football, performed in musicals, and as a junior, was selected to solely represent the State of Illinois at Boys Nation with the President in Washington D.C. As the oldest of six children, “Johnny,” as he was affectionately called, was a dear brother who fostered love, tradition, and laughter through his outgoing yet humble nature. John’s joyful childhood included Sunday family dinners at his grandparents’ farm Grand Acres, 4-H competitions, state park family vacations, and ordinary occasions of reading with his dear mother in the front room or learning so many skills from his beloved father.
John’s ambition for excellence and passion to learn led to several academic achievements including degrees from the University of Notre Dame (B.A.), Université Catholique del’Quest (Angers), Université de Strasbourg (Cert.) and Northwestern University School of Law (J.D.). After clerking for the Illinois Supreme Court, John joined the international law firm Baker & McKenzie in 1980 where he diligently served for the past 44 years. John became partner in 1987 and ultimately served as Chairman of the Executive Committee from 2004-2010. He then was appointed Head of Global Strategic Initiatives and rebuilt his practice serving clients. A particularly special professional achievement was his admission as an attorney and counselor to the Supreme Court of the United States in 2016.
John’s accomplishments as Chairman are numerous as he led the firm to unprecedented heights. In addition, he enriched the firm’s culture with an emphasis on excellence, character, and humility. John taught humility simply by his example. So many colleagues over the decades continuously highlight this quality of John. He treated everyone with courtesy and dignity, and success was not so much personal achievement, but rather the continued collaborative growth of the firm.
John’s spirit of service overflowed into many other endeavors including several board memberships and pro bono commitments. Most recently, he served as Board President of Midtown Educational Foundation, an educational organization serving Chicago youth and their families.
Building upon the faith formation he received from his parents, John was a devout Catholic and found particular meaning in the teachings of St. Josemaria Escriva, who emphasized that everything in life – one’s professional work, relationships, ordinary circumstances – were all means to grow closer to God and to serve others. The love of his life, his wife Cathy, shares this outlook, and together they built a large, close family over the past 40 years. John loved recalling stories from their early years as they raised their seven children, always highlighting the beauty of Cathy on the inside and outside.
While he was always very composed and focused on his professional and family commitments, John was lighthearted and displayed a unique sense of humor with his children and siblings especially. His favorite times always revolved around family: attending his children’s and grandchildren’s games or performances, tailgates and campus visits at Notre Dame, singing and playing acoustic guitar at family gatherings, or just relaxing with Cathy and their children and families.
Throughout his life John paved the way. He always seemed to be steps ahead, yet completely present to the people around him. He persevered in the little things and big challenges, particularly with his recent illness. His interior disposition and ultimate trust in God’s plan created an overwhelming sense of peace in his life that radiated as a guiding light for all who knew him – a light that continues to pave the way today. Even now, he remains a few steps ahead, showing all of us the way to heaven.
John leaves behind his beloved wife of 40 years, Catherine “Cathy,” nee Hickey, Conroy; his children John “Jack” (Anne) Conroy, Mary (Joseph) Simpson, Claire (Kevin) Rutherford, Patrick Conroy, Kevin (Elizabeth) Conroy, Margaret Mary “Meg” Conroy, and Peter Conroy. He is the cherished grandfather of Allison, John, Connor, Brendan, and Sarah Conroy; William, Charles, Jacqueline, Thomas, and George Simpson; and Leah Rutherford. He is the beloved brother of Patricia (Edward) Eckhart; Douglas (Julie) Conroy; Joseph (Sheila) Conroy; Stephen (Julie) Conroy; and Mary Beth (Robert) Wulf. He is the loving uncle to dozens of nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces. John will also remain in the hearts of countless other family members, colleagues, and friends whom we know he treasured as well. Visitation Monday, September 30, 2024, 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Gibbons Funeral Home, 134 South York Road, (½ mile North of Saint Charles Road), Elmhurst. Friends and family will meet Tuesday, October 1, 2024, for a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, 1850 North Hermitage, Chicago. Interment to follow at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Hillside. Live stream of funeral Mass available through funeral home website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the schools his seven children attended : Northridge Preparatory School, 8320 Ballard Road, Niles, IL 60714 or Willows Academy, 1015 Rose Avenue, DesPlaines IL 60016. For funeral information please call 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com