John Fenili EdD

John P. Fenili, EdD, known to his family as Jack, age 84, of Mokena, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2025 after extended illness. 

Born June 29, 1941, in Joliet, he was the son of Clarice (Desiderio) and Joseph Fenili. He attended Fairmont Grade School, then Sacred Heart Grade School Joliet, south side, was a graduate of Joliet Catholic High, class of 1959, graduate of Joliet Junior College, AS class of 1961, a graduate of Lewis University, then Lewis College, BS, Education, class of 1965, Indiana University Terre Haute, MS, Education, class of 1971, and a graduate of Northern Illinois University, EdD class of 1992. John was very proud of his education and career accomplishments, with humble beginnings at Fairmont Grade School in 1964. After only a few years, he moved to Lockport High School, and later began working for Joliet Schools at Joliet Township High School District with colleague, friend, and former Sacred Heart classmate Bill Palmer, as a General Education teacher for Special Education, Driver's Education teacher, and track and swim coach. Before long, John became Dean of Students for the school district. He retired from his first career in 1999. But John wasn't done. Shortly after his retirement, he returned to his Alma Mater, Lewis University, as an Associate Professor, mentoring student observers and student teachers. He taught there for 6 years before again retiring in 2005. John's role as educator extended to his leadership in Boy Scouting and the Frankfort Fall Festival.

John met the love of his life, Barbara (Blazik), through the young democrats under a float for a parade to welcome then presidential candidate John F. Kennedy to Joliet in the summer of 1960 while still a student at Joliet Junior College. They were married November 26, 1964, during John's Thanksgiving break from his first year teaching at Fairmont. John was ever grateful for the blessing of 60 years with his devoted and loving wife, mother of their two children, and steadfast partner through years of post graduate education. Together they built a life full of adventure and memories, delighted to become grandparents four times over. Throughout the years, they enjoyed hosting family Christmas celebrations, RVing, golfing with his father-in-law, boating, fishing, and later, winters at their campsite in LaBelle, Florida.

John is survived by his adoring wife, Barbara, his children Joe (Debbie+) of Joliet, Kim of Frankfort, sisters Jeanne (Fenili) Garlitz (Joseph) of North Aurora, Lori (Fenili) Schroeder (Fred+) of Naperville, his grandchildren Brooke Bradich, Jimmy Bradich, Aiden Fenili, and Jacob Fenili. Also surviving are nieces Jennifer (Garlitz) Martin (Mark), Melissa (Soave) Tietz (Todd), great nephew Ethan Martin and many cousins and friends.J ohn was preceded in death by his parents, numerous beloved aunts and uncles, his father-in-law Joesph Blazik and his mother-in-law Margaret (Podnar) Blazik.

Visitation for John Fenili will be held from 2 to 7 pm on Wednesday, 17 September 2025 at Vandenberg Funeral Home. Thursday, 18 September 2025 services will begin at 9 am at Vandenberg Funeral Home followed by the celebration of a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Mokena, IL. Interment will be at St. Mary Nativity cemetery in Joliet, IL.

In celebration of John's life, consider watching the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's" or dancing with your loved one to the film's "Moon River", winner of the 1962 Academy Award for Best Original Song, known to John and Barb as "their" song because they stayed up until midnight to watch the Oscars that year.