John B. Dwyer Sr., 91, died of a brief illness on Monday February 12 at MacNeal Hospital, Berwyn, IL, surrounded by family.
Born Christmas Day 1932 in Chicago to the late Marguerite (nee Maher) and Martin "Matt" Dwyer, John was the fourth of seven children, all preceding him in death (David, Jay, William, Barbara, Thomas and Mary Virginia). John Dwyer was the beloved husband of Mary Lou (nee Kurtz) for almost 20 years and the late Kathleen A. (nee Arado) for 46 years. Loving father to Stephen, Mark and John Jr.; stepfather to Julie (Steve) Forbes, Erik Lind (Irene Glazer), Jon Lind (Molly Rose Elkins-Ryan); doting grandfather to Neil, Kathleen, Kyan Dwyer and Joshua Chavez; step-grandfather to Alicia, Tyler and Micah. Cherished Uncle to many beloved nieces and nephews.
A U.S. Army veteran, John, or "Biff" as he was affectionately known to close friends, was a long-time resident of Oak Park and later Forest Park. Graduate of Fenwick High School (Oak Park) in 1949, John starred as an offensive lineman on the Friars football team, and later earned an academic/athletic scholarship to the University of San Francisco, starring for the 1951 Dons football team, which went untied and undefeated that season. John returned home and finished his academic career at Loyola University (Chicago).
John was an activist on the frontline supporting the Oak Park Fair Housing Ordinance of 1968, and a member of the Village of Oak Park Community Relations Committee. During the late 1960's and early 70's, he worked with like-minded realtors to fight redlining and successfully integrate the Village of Oak Park.
Spending more than 30 years in organized labor with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) at Local 66 (later merged with SEIU's Chicago Local 25), John began his career as a business agent, and advanced through the ranks before retiring in 1996 as executive vice president. With Local 66 representing thousands of Chicago elevator operators, John often quipped that his job had its "ups and downs."
A voracious reader and avid golfer who also loved a game of billiards, bocce ball and poker, John lived a faith-filled life serving others in ministries such as Housing Forward, Ascension Ministers of Care, Loyola Minister of Communion, and Extending The Word. John could often be seen shuttling from one Oak Park home or Forest Park rehabilitation facility to another, ministering to the sick, dispensing communion and reading scripture.
John was a proud charter member of the legendary "Bombers" men's group on Chicago's West Side, which started as a softball team and morphed into a long-time family-oriented social group that hosted unforgettable annual parties.
Friends and family will gather at Ascension Parish, 808 S. East Ave., Oak Park, at 9:30 am Saturday February 24, where a memorial service will follow at 10:30. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Housing Forward or St Peters in the Loop. Arrangements entrusted to Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home. For info 708-F-U-N-E-R-A-L.