John J. Beatty 1927 - 2022

John J. Beatty, son of the late James and Anne Beatty, born in Chicago on 6/18/1927; died peacefully in the care of Palos Heights Hospital Hospice on 6/12/2022.

Beloved husband of Mary (nee O'Grady) Beatty. Father to Therese (Glenn Smith), James (Stephanie Phillips, Fiancée), Catherine, John (Donna), Joseph (Tiffany), Nancy Farber (niece). Proud Grandfather of Seth, John, Sarah, Kristine, Tom, Therese, Andrea, Austin, Kevin, Jeffrey, Bridget, Karen, Michael, Max, Ella, Josh, and Lisa. Great-grandfather to Keller, Mason, Griffin, Logan, Liam, and Colum.

Survivors include sister Jeanne Schoenke and brother Vince (Fran) Beatty.

John was a proud WWII veteran honorably discharged as a Marine Corp as Private 1st Class Sharpshooter. He had a distinguished career in as an attorney. His dedicated and decades-long public service included his first election in 1972 as an Illinois State Representative, and as an Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, first elected in 1983. His desire to do the right thing permeated his personal and public lives. He was also involved in local community organizations, many through his strong Catholic faith, including the Knights of Columbus.

Over the years John was an avid and marginally successful horseplayer, snipping the ends of the Racing Form bought at the 63rd /Pulaski newsstand and sitting on the Karlov front stoop handicapping races with neighbors. John slid easily into the world of online race results and Off-Track Betting – as long as the app was never moved from the iPad screen. When in Las Vegas, John was typically found in the Sports Book of whatever casino hotel was part of the package tour. Card playing was always a part of John's life including gin rummy, pinochle, and poker. And so, nickel-dime rummy games at the kitchen table were common. Family baptisms, first holy communion, and confirmation celebrations were always a reason for a poker game in the garage with family members. Afternoons were for a cold one (or two) with family. Youngsters were trained early to replace empties, and it became a joy for John to have a beer with his grandchildren on weekend afternoons. John's dry sense of humor was always present.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in support of Arthrogryposis to the Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Support, Inc.

Posted on June 21, 2022 by Celeste Antoinette Niemann
Filed under: 
Topic: 

Login to post comments