October 29, 2023
October 29, 2023
I would have loved to see you as a 74 year old man
Please use the Stories tab for stories about John, and condolences to us under tributes. THANKS
New: The Obituary is now up at http://www.collinsfuneralhome.com/hennessy-john-michael
Dear Friends & Family,
With deepest sadness and very heavy hearts, we are writing to tell of the devastating loss of John Michael Hennessy. John, Mike, Michael, big Michael, Hen Hen, Monk, or Toy Boy-- as many knew him, passed away on Wednesday April 22, 2015 leaving behind a long, long list of people whose lives he touched with his amazing kind heart, sense of humor, strong hands, and sweet soul. You could meet him and in 5 minutes be forever touched- he just had that way about him.
His greatest wish was for his final resting place to be at Arlington National Cemetery. His other wish was to have an Irish Wake rather than a traditional memorial service, or funeral. Arlington Cemetery’s time frame for internment is late June to late July. We are planning to have John’s Irish Wake coincide with the ceremony at Arlington. When we have the date we will post it here.
This is the Memorial website where we would love to have you write stories of remembrance and post photos which would help us and others see how much John touched all our lives. It will be a place to check updates on arrangements and ever changing with new stories. He was known for helping all of the people he knew and many people he did not know. We all know he had amazing skills in building or fixing anything, and was always the one to call on first. John had such a gentle soul and he always seemed to attract kids and animals (or critters as John called them) like a magnet. We have always been amazed at his patience in all we asked of him. As we all know John served in the military and had a deep love for the country and servicemen. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
We are moved by the outpouring of support and love for Michael and me, which we know is an extension of your love and friendship of John. There will never be another quite like John and our lives will never be the same. Thank you all for being here for us, your kindness will never be forgotten. Please know how much your posting of stories and remembrance of John will mean to us now and in the years ahead. We will cherish everything written. Even the smallest detail of what you share about him will mean so much to us. To post here you have to register with an email address.. If you would rather not, please send your story and or pictures to email jhennessy49@gmail.com and we will post for you on this memorial page.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made payable to VFW post 2562 - Address is 11316 Fern Street Wheaton MD. 20902 RE: Hennessy Fund, to help us cope with funeral and education expenses.
Love and thanks,
Teri and Michael Hennessy
Tributes
Leave a tribute
October 29, 2023
October 29, 2023
Happy heavenly birthday my friend.
April 22, 2023
April 22, 2023
Thinking of you today on this 8th anniversary of your passing. You remain close in my thoughts as always. A few beers and a couple good laughs with you would sure be welcome these days. Missing you often but so happy to have so many good memories... Scott sent a digital copy of the Gold Dig recently. Was great to see you there...
Love ya man,
Andy
Love ya man,
Andy
April 22, 2023
April 22, 2023
Dear Mike,
Strange to write a letter like this. Do you see it? I'd like to think so. 8 years, I'm now the same age as you when you passed. I do think of you everyday. I want to let you know that your son has turned into a fine grown man. Your wife still loves you very much. Your sister and I miss you terribly. And speaking of brothers, I want you to know that your brothers, your gang from back in 6th grade, the guys who tormented me along with you when I was a wee lad, they also still miss you and bring you up all the time. This tells me that to have such great friends and a true love for a wife and a handsome good son, Mike, you were the ultimate success and I still look up to you.
Strange to write a letter like this. Do you see it? I'd like to think so. 8 years, I'm now the same age as you when you passed. I do think of you everyday. I want to let you know that your son has turned into a fine grown man. Your wife still loves you very much. Your sister and I miss you terribly. And speaking of brothers, I want you to know that your brothers, your gang from back in 6th grade, the guys who tormented me along with you when I was a wee lad, they also still miss you and bring you up all the time. This tells me that to have such great friends and a true love for a wife and a handsome good son, Mike, you were the ultimate success and I still look up to you.
April 22, 2023
April 22, 2023
Another year goes by and wanted you to know the crew stills thinks about you. We keep your memory alive in our conversations. Although we’re miles apart and we don’t talk as often as we used to somehow the memories we all had with you are always part of the conversation. Love ya Monk.
October 29, 2022
October 29, 2022
Thinking you with your 73 birthday this weekend. We miss you and your smile my friend
April 22, 2022
April 22, 2022
I heard a piece of advice the other day that reminded me of you. It was to live life like someone left the gate open. You know, the pasture gate…. the feeling of being free, is something easily associated with you. That and fun times…. Forever missed is right. Love ya man…
April 22, 2022
April 22, 2022
Terri and Michael
I know this day must be hard for you both. Mike was the first guy I met in 8th grade when we moved to Forest Glen. A warm and gracious friend who I enjoyed many travel adventures with. The Europe and Florida trip were lots of fun. He is missed by all of his old buddies that go back into the 1960's. I hope you both find some peace in knowing how well he was loved by us all.
I know this day must be hard for you both. Mike was the first guy I met in 8th grade when we moved to Forest Glen. A warm and gracious friend who I enjoyed many travel adventures with. The Europe and Florida trip were lots of fun. He is missed by all of his old buddies that go back into the 1960's. I hope you both find some peace in knowing how well he was loved by us all.
April 21, 2022
April 21, 2022
Mike,
I think of you quite often, and your family as well. Frances, Sharon, Tommy. We go way back. Your sister Frances will be 76 in a day or so. We all met in 1959. I remember your Mom drove a beige 1957 Ford station wagon and your Dad drove a little black Carmen Ghia. Oh yes, I remember it well. Your Mom always called you 'Michael'. You and I were so tight back in those days, best of friends. We've got so many wonderful stories we could share. Thank you Mike, thank you for all the good times we shared growing up together. You were such a great friend and certainly a part of who I am today. I miss you my friend, I truly do. I'm holding back the tears.
Happy Birthday Frances. I hope you and Tommy would both feel free to email me and share some old times. I have a great memory. I might share some things that you may not remember. Your brother Mike, your family, Forest Glen.
Please feel free to email me. I would love to hear from you both. Hope you're doing well. debjimluvmaz@yahoo.com
I think of you quite often, and your family as well. Frances, Sharon, Tommy. We go way back. Your sister Frances will be 76 in a day or so. We all met in 1959. I remember your Mom drove a beige 1957 Ford station wagon and your Dad drove a little black Carmen Ghia. Oh yes, I remember it well. Your Mom always called you 'Michael'. You and I were so tight back in those days, best of friends. We've got so many wonderful stories we could share. Thank you Mike, thank you for all the good times we shared growing up together. You were such a great friend and certainly a part of who I am today. I miss you my friend, I truly do. I'm holding back the tears.
Happy Birthday Frances. I hope you and Tommy would both feel free to email me and share some old times. I have a great memory. I might share some things that you may not remember. Your brother Mike, your family, Forest Glen.
Please feel free to email me. I would love to hear from you both. Hope you're doing well. debjimluvmaz@yahoo.com
October 29, 2021
October 29, 2021
Well mike you would be 72? You’ve been on my mind so much lately. What I wouldn’t give to argue politics with you or take the bikes out for a beer. Heaven to me would be able do that.
October 29, 2021
October 29, 2021
Happy Bday Henny! I wish you were here to have a beer with... or 2 or 3... still think of you often, and probably always will. love ya man...
Andy
Andy
April 23, 2021
April 23, 2021
Hey Mike. Another year has passed. Last year Andy and I went down to Arlington to say hello. I thought we'd do it again this year but we've got this thing called Covid19. I wanted you to know you are still missed daily. We lost JC last year. And Jimmy Conley too. We'll all be at Arlington on July 30th to see JC off. I'll make sure we all stop by and say hello to you too. Love you brother. I miss your smiling face.
April 22, 2021
April 22, 2021
Hello Teri and Michael,
Very often John comes to mind, a quiet man, friendly, intelligent, with a good taste for things in life. Always great memories and great times at work or out for fun, a wonderful friend with a passion to get the best out of every moment, the perfect man to do business with and carry on with long and interesting conversations, a man with integrity and dedication to his family, Michael was in his mind all the time.
A great close friend that with much respect will always be remembered as a wonderful person.
Roberto Rodriguez
Very often John comes to mind, a quiet man, friendly, intelligent, with a good taste for things in life. Always great memories and great times at work or out for fun, a wonderful friend with a passion to get the best out of every moment, the perfect man to do business with and carry on with long and interesting conversations, a man with integrity and dedication to his family, Michael was in his mind all the time.
A great close friend that with much respect will always be remembered as a wonderful person.
Roberto Rodriguez
April 22, 2021
April 22, 2021
Another year has passed. 6 now. Seems longer sometimes; shorter other times. But it's always that same feeling of loss, and wishing that you were still around to shoot the breeze with... you were always so good at that.
Missing you as always, my friend,
Andy
Missing you as always, my friend,
Andy
November 2, 2020
November 2, 2020
I didn't forget your birthday! I just didn't get around to writing anything until now... so happy belated birthday big guy!
October 29, 2020
October 29, 2020
Happy birthday big brother.
April 23, 2020
April 23, 2020
Hard to believe that five years have gone by. Still think of you when I walk down to the pasture. I remember one of the last times I talked to you when you had built a camp fire to roast some marsh mellows or hot dogs near your barn. You always had a smile and greeting for me whenever I saw you.
Still miss you neighbor.
Still miss you neighbor.
April 22, 2020
April 22, 2020
Oh my big brother. I too think of you everyday. I know this because I have a special little prayer I do everyday and you are in it. You sent me a picture of the two of us when we were really little putting together a slot car set, along with a slot car set from the 1960's. This was just two weeks before you left us. On the back you wrote "When you play with this think of us together". Well, It's the picture and I do think of us. I don't think you ever knew how much you meant to me in my life. How lucky I was to have you for a brother.
April 22, 2020
April 22, 2020
Hey Monk
Sweat and I were talking about you today, remembering the little things. Like how I think of you every day when I get your old sauce pan out. Barbara and I use it to this day. Truth be told, I don't usually get it out, but I do always clean it... lol. Love ya lots man... as always
Sweat and I were talking about you today, remembering the little things. Like how I think of you every day when I get your old sauce pan out. Barbara and I use it to this day. Truth be told, I don't usually get it out, but I do always clean it... lol. Love ya lots man... as always
April 22, 2020
April 22, 2020
I can’t believe it’s been five years. You are miss by all of our old forest glen gang.
April 22, 2020
April 22, 2020
Today will be 5 years without you. There is not a day that goes by that you are not missed. I hear that it should get easier, yet 5 years and it still feels the same. I miss every thing about you and so wish you were here to see Michael growing into the wonderful man he is becoming. Yet, due to all your love, influence and time you did get to spend with him, shaped him into who he is becoming. You would be so proud of him. Waiting for the day I see you again, and know you are loved and missed. TOY always
October 29, 2019
October 29, 2019
I noticed this morning that it was your birthday (70th!) and wrote a short note to Teri, just to say I’m thinking of you, and Teri and Michael, and hoping that they are doing well. I will always miss you, big guy, as many will....
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
I've been lighting a lot of candles lately. I always light one for John and Teri. Sometimes I visit this page just to look at pictures of happier, simpler times. You were such a big part of that. I miss playing with the kids in the pool. Fireworks. BIG burgers. campfires. sled-riding. fixing things. We miss you and your big laugh and big heart. Sending up Big Hugs....
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
Today marks four years with out you by our side. They say it gets easier in time, but that has not happened. You are missed every day. Your smile, laughter, kindness, warm heart, compassion, and just my everyday person, I can not say how much I miss you. You brought such light into my life, along with giving us Michael. You would be so proud of him. TOY daily and love you more then words can say.
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
Miss your my brother
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
Still miss you neighbor. Too young and too soon.
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
Can’t believe it’s been 4 years. Thinking of you today and sending positive vibes and prayers to Teri and Michael.
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
The big man with the big heart... 4 years is a long time, but I think of you often and still find myself mentioning you to my friends and family with some frequency.... yesterday, in fact, I was telling Edward about when you picked me up on campus at UMD one time in one of the big red dump trucks, and we drove around honking the horn... memories of you always make me smile...
April 21, 2019
April 21, 2019
Mike, I just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you today. You are missed by us all.
April 21, 2019
April 21, 2019
I do a morning meditation and I include a prayer for my brother. I do this everyday. He is very much alive in my heart
October 29, 2018
October 29, 2018
We often think of John--especially when we see what a great young man Michael has turned out to be. A lot of that is attributable to John.
He was also a wonderful husband to Teri and we miss him.
He was also a wonderful husband to Teri and we miss him.
October 29, 2018
October 29, 2018
Another day you are not here. Today is your birthday and Harley's and even though you are both gone there is still reason to celebrate. Without your birthday I would not have had you in my life. So today I give many thanks for your special day. Another sad day but will celebrate the love of my life on his birthday.
October 29, 2018
October 29, 2018
Hard to believe it's three years. We just had our 50 year high school reunion last week and you were missed by us all. Those folks we haven't seen in years all asked about you. You left us all way to soon. We miss you brother.
October 29, 2018
October 29, 2018
Happy birthday big brother
April 22, 2018
April 22, 2018
This is the 3rd Anniversary of Johns Leaving this earth. I often think about you. Think about where you are, what your doing.... Are you watching your son grow up....You mean something to me. I remember all your kind, encouraging, and supportive words. I kn ow you have looked down on me seeing all the toys I have collected since I met you. I have lots of antique toys. I always remember you taking me to the auctions. Love and hugs forever.
December 2, 2017
December 2, 2017
Hey Teri,
Just wanted to drop ya a note saying how sorry i am of your loss,for some reason I stumbled over Johns tribute tonight ,hope all is well with you and Micheal,if anything I can do for ya give me a holler !!!
sincerely,Tracy
240-876-2439
Just wanted to drop ya a note saying how sorry i am of your loss,for some reason I stumbled over Johns tribute tonight ,hope all is well with you and Micheal,if anything I can do for ya give me a holler !!!
sincerely,Tracy
240-876-2439
October 29, 2017
October 29, 2017
I have very fond memories of John and Teri. I loved the baby goats and donkey on their farm. I really enjoyed all the heart felt talks. Teri and John were one of a kind. Love and Hugs, always....
April 22, 2017
April 22, 2017
Lighting a candle in memory of my soulmate.
Love ya honey and miss you everyday
Love ya honey and miss you everyday
April 22, 2017
April 22, 2017
Can't believe it's been two years already. I still think of John on my walks with Lance our dog down to your barn. I think of the time John was making a bonfire in your pasture for you all to sit around and cook marshmallows. John is still missed very much by all who knew him. He was one of the good guys.
October 29, 2016
October 29, 2016
Still missing a good neighbor. Happy Birthday in Heaven John.
October 29, 2016
October 29, 2016
Happy Birthday Mike,
Sorry you had to leave so soon. My best friend always says "What did you do with your dash". 1949 (dash) 2015. You had a positive affect on those you came in contact with and enjoyed yours to the fullest. Thanks for the memories. R.I.P.
Sorry you had to leave so soon. My best friend always says "What did you do with your dash". 1949 (dash) 2015. You had a positive affect on those you came in contact with and enjoyed yours to the fullest. Thanks for the memories. R.I.P.
October 29, 2016
October 29, 2016
Happy Birthday Mike. It's a bright morning with a great sun rise today. I thank you for that. I'm sure it's part of your making. I first met you during this time of year in 1963. I remember running around with you, Pat Harris and David Cutler playing pranks on the neighborhood during Halloween. To say those were the days would be an understatement. The guys all still talk about those days and your always part of those conversations. You should know how important you were in all of our lives. You had crazy thoughts about politics but were a great friend who was always there for us. If there is a heaven I'm sure you're riding a very cool motorcycle today, whiteout a helmet and letting that full head of hair being washed in the breeze. Rest in peace my friend. Someday we'll all be back together. I look forward to seeing that smile.
October 28, 2016
October 28, 2016
Just wanted to light a candle for John's birthday. Saturday Oct. 29th is a special day to me. It is the year he was born and I got to be with him for so many of the special birthdays. Miss and Love forever....
May 8, 2016
May 8, 2016
It's hard to believe it's been a year since we lost Mike. He was one of the first guys I met in 1963 when my family moved to Silver Spring. A friendship of 52 years. We went to Europe together. We went to Florida together. He was in the Army when I was in the Marines. Truly a great guy that was loved by everyone. A great friend and a ton of fun to hang out with. He is missed by everyone who knew him Love you Michael. rest in peace brother.
Bob Cissel
Bob Cissel
May 4, 2016
May 4, 2016
Teri & John were amazing. John was kind, courageous, and inspirational during one of the toughest times of my life. I remember going to auctions with him. I love the little baby lamb that would pass out in his field when chased. I remember......
April 22, 2016
April 22, 2016
Lighting a candle for JMH and saying a prayer for all. Seems like yesterday.....
April 22, 2016
April 22, 2016
Mike,
You and I had some good times growing up together. I could write a book. You were a great friend and I think of you quite often. Thanks for the memories.
You and I had some good times growing up together. I could write a book. You were a great friend and I think of you quite often. Thanks for the memories.
April 22, 2016
April 22, 2016
Will always miss Mike, even though we didn't see each other we will always be brothers
April 22, 2016
April 22, 2016
Just wanted to light a candle today for my soul mate and the love of my life. Miss you more than words can say...
April 22, 2016
April 22, 2016
A year is a long time..., but longer still without you, big guy... Miss you every day... and especially these days with all the politics! what fun we would be having talking about that! hahaha.
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Recent Tributes
October 29, 2023
October 29, 2023
I would have loved to see you as a 74 year old man
October 29, 2023
October 29, 2023
Happy heavenly birthday my friend.
April 22, 2023
April 22, 2023
Thinking of you today on this 8th anniversary of your passing. You remain close in my thoughts as always. A few beers and a couple good laughs with you would sure be welcome these days. Missing you often but so happy to have so many good memories... Scott sent a digital copy of the Gold Dig recently. Was great to see you there...
Love ya man,
Andy
Love ya man,
Andy
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Recent stories
"Always wear gloves when you ride"
October 29, 2022
I pulled up on my motorcycle one day, as usual wearing my old school Bell helmet, deer skin gloves and boots and first chance John got, he tells me:
Always wear gloves, if you ride and it happens, your skin on your hands just roll back.
Just about every time I get on my bike and pit my gloves on. Always remember his great advise and the friendly smile on him.
I always wear my gloves and yes, deer skin gloves to protect mine.
John, a great person, a great friend, someone you could spend quality times with and always have a progressive and productive conversation.
John loved his wife Terry and he was fascinated by watching little Michael grow up and to share his very own good experiences in life with him, little Michael was his shadow.
You are always in our minds John!
Always wear gloves, if you ride and it happens, your skin on your hands just roll back.
Just about every time I get on my bike and pit my gloves on. Always remember his great advise and the friendly smile on him.
I always wear my gloves and yes, deer skin gloves to protect mine.
John, a great person, a great friend, someone you could spend quality times with and always have a progressive and productive conversation.
John loved his wife Terry and he was fascinated by watching little Michael grow up and to share his very own good experiences in life with him, little Michael was his shadow.
You are always in our minds John!
May 6, 2016
It's hard to imagine that it's been a year. I met mike in October of 1963. He was the best man at my wedding . We traveled to Europe together. Great trip to Florida too. We went to cape Hatteras back in the late 1970's. He was a great friend who would do anything to help our someone in need. We would talk 5 or 6 times a year. Catch up on our kids. Wow, Michaels graduation is this year. Same as my grandson. Yes was a good man, devoted husband and father. He was taken way to soon.
May 22, 2015
by Laura Reilly
John was what you see is what you get and Sean, Devin and I loved him. Although we spent more time with him years ago when the kids were smaller, he was always thought of as part of our "Damascus" family and it was devastating to hear of his passing. John was a "one of" easy to talk to, amazing with the kids and we have years of fond memories of the annual Halloween party and trick or treating at our house with the crew of boys at Damascus elementary school. Devin spent a lot of time with John and Michael and they were always into something, Sean and I remembered when Devin crashed John's go cart through his garage and John was the calmest of all insisting it was no big deal and wouldn't think of letting us help with paying for any of it. Sean and I rode motorcycles with John and Teri to the wall and visited Arlington cemetary and John's patriotism was admirable. He lived every minute like he had all the time in the world, so many hobbies interests and so much love for his friends and family. There aren't a lot of true blue people out there anymore but John was and I know whether in touch or not, if we ever needed him he would be there. A light went out with John's passing but he lives on in his son and someday I know we will all meet again....