Thomas “Mark” Hennessey, age 78, of Kenosha, passed away at Froedtert South in Pleasant Prairie on February 9th, 2025. He was born on October 26th, 1946, in Chicago, IL, to the late Thomas I. Hennessey and Jean (Cook) Hennessey. On July 22nd, 1966, he married Linda (Ricci) at St. Ita Catholic Church in Chicago.
Mark grew up on the north side attending St. Gregory the Great school from kindergarten through high school. He began working as a paperboy at eleven years old and later at a local gas station. Mark loved to repair and eventually modify and build engines. A lifelong affinity for all things mechanical informed everything from Mark’s love of cars, boats, and trains to his career in engineering and manufacturing, more recently extending to toy and furniture restoration and repair projects aimed at the nostalgia of his grown children and the newfound enjoyment of his grandchildren.
In his early thirties, Mark found a new career as a draftsman and after a few different Jobs, settled at Adams Elevator, a manufacturer of elevator parts and safety products. His first assignment was as illustrator for their parts catalog, then designer. He eventually led the engineering department. He developed more than a few new products and safety devices and holds patents in this country and Canada. He continued with the company through three acquisitions by larger elevator manufacturing groups and began to teach quality improvement through the Philip Crosby Assoc. He earned the title V.P. of Quality and traveled extensively across the country, and into Canada also taking a trip to Europe. He functioned as a national sales manager for the group at the end of his career and retired in October 2011.
He enjoyed golf and over the years played many rounds with friends and business associates. Fishing was also a hobby and he and two of his closest friends took a trip to Spooner each year to fish. As all three grew older they cancelled their annual trip but not without regret. Mark was Mr. Fixit, and many of his friends and neighbors benefitted as they came to visit his garage for advice or help as he owned every imaginable tool and device. Mark’s greatest joy was becoming a Papa and spending time with the little guys: his three grandsons. He will be deeply missed by them as well as the rest of his family and friends.
Mark is survived by his wife Linda Hennessey, sons: Kevin (Susan) Hennessey, Patrick (Karyi) Hennessey, and Timothy (Jackie) Hennessey, grandchildren: Brendan, Lukas, and Oliver, a sister: Mary Becka, and many living relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Beth and Glenn.
The family would like to thank all the physicians, nurses and assistants who were responsible for his care these past few years. A special thanks to our dear friends and family who provided so much love and support to Mark and Linda during this difficult time.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mark’s Catholic Church (7117 14th Ave) in Kenosha on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. A visitation with the family will also take place at church from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the mass. A private inurnment at St. James Catholic Cemetery will take place at a later time.
