Jon Danno, father of Lisa and Michele, brother of Patrick and former partner of Sheila McNeill, left his family quietly but in doing so he taught us many things. We never expected Jon to go like this. Having spent the past two decades in the grip of alcoholism and in recent years having endured the side effects of that on his health, we assumed it would someday get the best of him. But instead, in his final days, we got to see the best in him. When diagnosed with the terrifying virus known as COVID-19, Jon told the nurse to give his ventilator to “someone who deserves it more.” That’s the Jon Danno we want the world to remember. He was a father, brother, spouse, uncle, and friend to many in his home state of Wisconsin and his proud second home, Chicago, where he adopted a love of the Bulls and Cubs. He also endured many years of trash talk as a misplaced Green Bay Packer fan. While his love of the Midwest ran deep, that didn’t stop him from exploring the rest of the world. He spent decades fusing his love of history with his passion for exploration in trips overseas. Apart from being a globetrotter, he was also a dedicated stockbroker, a dream he’d held since the young age of 14. Music was like a second religion. Jon found a lifetime of comfort in rock legends and folk artists from the ‘60s, an era he dubbed the “Greatest Music Decade of all Time.” While his life wasn’t perfect, Jon had an incredible ability to handle challenging situations with the lightheartedness of Jerry Seinfeld, his favorite comedian. Even on his final phone calls, he was cracking jokes between hard-earned breaths. Using humor as a coping mechanism is another one of the many qualities he’ll leave behind in his loved ones. In addition to many good memories, he’ll be survived by his big brother’s embarrassing stories and his daughters’ inherent love of sports, travel, history, Chicago, and music. His family would like to thank everyone who’s reached out to share their support and condolences over the past few days. Memorial contributions in Jon’s name may be made to the La Grange Memorial Hospital Foundation – COVID 19 Fund, 5101 Willow Springs Road La Grange, Il 60525 or at the following link: https://www.amitahealth.org/patient-resources/giving/make-a-gift/make-a-gift-covid-19-support. In the notes section on the website, please include: La Grange Hospital COVID 19 FUND. Or please donate your time and/or money to a local COVID 19 charity in your locale. Jon’s remains will be interred at Mount Emblem Cemetery, Elmhurst, Illinois. A memorial will be held when the world becomes a safer, healthier place where people can share memories and hugs. Arrangements handled by Gibbons Funeral Home, Elmhurst, Illinois 630-832-0018 or www.gibbonsfuneralhome.com.
**We plan on updating this page when future service plans become available**
Anne Castle
Sincere sympathy to Lisa and Michele, and your Mom, Shelia.
May good memories bless you during this time of sorrow. Peace and love be with you all. ♡
love, Anne Castle
Lauren DiDominick
I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember him driving me home in the summer after babysitting for Michelle. He was always very kind, always asked how my day went. Your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Terri Browning
So sorry for your loss, Lisa and Michele and Sheila. What an amazing tribute to him. May he rest in peace.
Robert (Bob) Beckis
So sorry to hear about Jon’s passing. Jon and I were classmates 1964 at Assumption High School. He being from Nekoosa and me from Port Edwards, made being close friends difficult. We both played football and I do recall he had a very reliable set of hands on the gridiron!. Jon was a great kid!
Nancy Sack
My deepest condolences to you all♥️ We love you and share so many good memories of the Danno Family in Elmhurst. Nancy Sack
Lisa and Keith Watts
What a beautiful tribute! Your family was always so kind to my dear mom and dad, Lois and Darrell Burton. You will all be in our hearts and prayers. I’m thankful we can be a part of the Danno family….God’s Grace and Peace be with you
Lisa and Keith Watts
What a beautiful tribute! Your family was always so kind to my parents: Lois and Darrell Burton. You made them a part of your family and as a result Keith and I got to be a part of your family. Gods grace and peace be with you all at this time. Jon will always be remembered for his heroic act…
Mary Ellen Zerante
As we read these beautiful words spoken about your dad we send our deep sympathy to all of you. We have fond memories of being neighbors with your family on Claremont.
Bobbie Halperin
Sorry to learn of this sad news. Our hearts go out to all of you. We also have fond memories of Jon.
Steve and Bobbie Halperin
Sue Ditsch
Please accept our deepest sympathies from our family to yours. We will never forget Jon’s sense of humor and witty personality. Our favorite memory was enjoying all the gourmet group dinners we enjoyed through Elmhurst Newcomers. We moved into town back in 1982 not knowing a single person and were fortunate enough to get involved with this great group of people. Jon was always so much fun to be with. He lit up the room with his funny stories. We had so many wonderful times together back then …. memories we will never forget! It’s obvious he went out in style, which is something else we will never forget!
Grace basciano
Very sorry for your loss.. May he be remembered well for all the good times we had as kids. And all the memories made. May he rest in peace. Love you guys.
-Grace
Joyce Warnelis
Met Jon and he and Sheila got married and became our next door neighbors. Fun, young couple………………both so intelligent and well read and down to earth. Jon loved to read and he always had a story. He loved to travel with his family and had a very successful career and then his life changed, his family suffered and he lost his way. Sheila was a very strong mom and spouse and she took control of the finances and Jon’s life and made sure he was well cared for the rest of his life. I never forgot his b’day 9/1 and used to call him in a sexy voice and sing happy birthday to him and we laaaaaaaaaaaaaauuuuuuuuuuuuuughed as he never guessed who it was. I’m glad to know he and the girls had a good last talk together. There was a lot of underlying love he never got to show them because of his failing health. He is at rest; he was a good man and he will be remembered fondly by me and many others.
Carolyn Thur
I worked with John and enjoyed him so much. He was a brilliant broker and a trusted advisor. He loved his family and worked so hard to give them the best of everything. I admired him greatly.
Anne Raiser
I am so sorry to hear of Jon’s passing. I have so many fond memories of Jon, along with Sheila, Lisa, Michelle, and his brother Patrick. I worked with Jon for several years and he was a mentor to me starting in the broker business. He was brilliant! Every morning he would come into the office with his Wall Street Journal and start his day reading. He loved to read and would constantly tell me, “When you have children someday, you have to make sure they read everyday”. Today, I have 2 daughters myself who are 11 and 12, and I constantly tell them to read and think of Jon as I say this. Along with Jon’s passion for reading, he loved history, the arts, travel, and most importantly his family, he was always so proud of his girls! He had an infectious smile and laugh that I’ll never forget. Somewhere along the way he got lost and no matter how hard we all tried to get him on the right path, the demons got the best of him. I never would’ve thought it would end this way. May he now rest in peace. I will always remember the best of Jon. Love always, Anne Raiser
Steven Schwab
Ms. Warnelis,
I spent the better part of two years with Jon Danno in the army, but lost touch with him in the mid-70s. I found his obituary yesterday and read your kind comments. I knew nothing about Jon’s last 44 years and was shocked to read his obituary. I knew him as an emotionally and mentally healthy person. Would you be so kind as to send me a little information about what happened to Jon? Even better, would you be willing to share a little of what you know over the phone? I would be very grateful. Thank you. (Rev.) Steven Schwab, Indianapolis, Indiana (317-529-6683), scsinindy@aol.com or Steve.Schwab@Indy.gov