Thomas “Mark” Hennessey

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. Working as a car salesman for a few years only encouraged his interest in engines, hot rods and performance cars.  He owned an old military jeep, a Packard, a Z28 Camaro to name a few and other times he had and somewhat restored three boats of varying age, design and “sea worthiness”. His most recent project (an old TR6) spans four decades of build and rebuild and is still awaiting completion in his garage. 

In his late twenties, Mark began a 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 for elevators and escalators 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 Philip Crosby Associates. He earned the title V.P. of Quality Improvement 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 a favorite hobby and he and two of his closest friends took a weeklong trip to Spooner, Wisconsin each year to fish. As all three grew older they cancelled their annual trip but not without regret.  Mark was a Mr. Fixit, and many of his friends and neighbors benefited 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, brothers-in law: David (Sue) Ricci, Michael Ricci and many nieces and nephews. 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.                                                   

Donations to God’s Kitchen (Kenosha) and Hospice Alliance (Kenosha) are appreciated.   

Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations

3016 75th Street

Kenosha, WI 53142

262-653-0667

Thoughts for Thomas “Mark” Hennessey;

  • Michael T Richards says:

    Mark. What can I say, a great guy would be an understatement. One of the men in my childhood who influenced me and helped me develop into the man I am today.

    Always loved stopping by the house over the past years and either talking about the Triumph or some other project he was avidly pursuing.

    Growing up we had a lot of fun in the backyard pool; blowing up hot wheels or sending them into space on the back of a model rocket.

    Mark was always patient and kind with the many antics of his kids and kids friends. CLI

    I always considered Mark and Linda an extension of my family – spending many years of fun, antics, and engagement with the entire family.

    Mark leaves behind a true legacy; with a set of successful kids to keep the family name alive a very long time to the future.

    I WILL MISS MARK but am happy he no longer suffers.

    Blue skies lay ahead Mark – shift into high gear and ride that highway in the sky.

    Rest in peace

  • Dear Hennessey Families,
    Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.
    Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.
    May you find peace in your precious memories of Tom and comfort in knowing he now walks amongst the angels.

    With Deepest Sympathy,
    The Haebig Family

  • Kathy Madrigrano says:

    Linda and family, we are so saddened by Marks passing. Whenever I think of Mark it’s always with a smile. Hugs to you Linda and I’ll bet Mark is already making his presence known up there. Love you, Joe and Kathy Madrigrano

  • Janet C Germinaro says:

    Linda, Kevin, Patrick and Tim,
    I am so grateful that I was able to spend more time with Mark the past couple of years. I was honored to be called “his second wife”. His “boyfriends” Frank and Jerry loved their annual fishing trips to Spooner. Lots of stories for sure. Now I’m sure he is doing the best fishing ever as he joins his friends. You were a great guy Mark and I am blessed to have had you in my life. Rest well…..
    Love,
    Janet

  • Michael Fleming says:

    My condolences to the Hennessey family. I remember Marky from Rascher Street in Chicago, some 70 yeas ago. He was a great kid.

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