A real solid, stand up guy

OBITUARY

John J. Kinnane

DECEMBER 16, 1943 – AUGUST 30, 2026

John J. Kinnane, the original “Wild Colonial Boy”, passed away peacefully at home, on August 30th, at the age of 82. He was born on December 16th, 1943, and raised on the South Side of Chicago; a truer product of the South Side that we shall ever see.

John is preceded in death by his Mother, Anne Kinnane, nee Hennessy of County Kilkenny, Ireland, his Father, Martin Kinnane, of County Clare, Ireland and his sister, Mary Anne Davies. John was a beloved husband to Charlotte, nee Greco, of 52 years. He was an adored Father to Colleen, Jacqueline, Brian (Jennifer), Chicago Police Department, and Daniel (Marcy), Oak Lawn Police Department. John was a loving “Grandpa”, “Papa” and “Paz” to Samantha, Brittany, Matthew, Shaughn, Martin, Declan, Caitlin, Connor and Claire. He was also a great-grandfather to Lydia. John was an uncle and a cousin to many, both in the U.S., and in Ireland

John was a product of St. Rita High School as well as, what he lovingly referred to, “Our Lady of” Calumet High School in Chicago. He was a proud Veteran of both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army. From there he joined his calling, entering the Chicago Police Department in 1965. Originally assigned to the 007th District, he then moved to the Narcotics Unit, the DEA Task Force, and was eventually promoted to the rank of Detective. During his time with the Chicago Police Department, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Lewis University and a Juris Doctorate from John Marshall Law School. He left the CPD in 1981 and became a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney. In 1991 he began his third career, being appointed as the Chief of Court Services for the Cook County Sheriff’s Department until his retirement.

His retirement was spent split between his second home with his beloved wife, Charlotte, in Tucson, AZ and in Palos Park, IL. He loved the west, the mountains, hiking, Irish music and John Wayne. He especially loved his dogs, including his Rottweiler “Buddy” and assisted in training the Cook County Sheriff’s Department’s Canine Unit. John was a loyal friend to many, an avid White Sox fan, a Little League baseball coach, and a legendry storyteller. Referred to often as a “tough guy”, he was a boxer in the Army and a black belt in karate. Despite his seemingly tough exterior, he was a man of faith, of family, of helping others and an advocate for Autism awareness. Among his favorite sayings was from the John Wayne movie, “Hondo”; “Everyone gets dead, it was just his turn”. Gone too soon and will be forever missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation or the Chicago Police Chaplains Ministry.

Visitation will be held at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL, on September 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Alexander Catholic Church, 7025 W. 126th Street, Palos Heights, IL, on September 9, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery & Mausoleum, 6001 W. 111th Street, Alsip, IL.