John Emmett Hennessy, 77, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026, with his family by his side. A proud U.S. veteran of the Vietnam War, he was reunited with the love of his life, Ann Marie, who predeceased him by one month in December 2025.
John is survived by his children, John K. (Allyson Lane) Hennessy, and Jennifer Hennessy Nicholas; his beloved grandchildren, Tyler Nicholas, Brady Nicholas, Mason Hennessy and Drea DeMarco. He is survived by his siblings, Thomas Hennessy, Patricia Chechak and Marilyn Hennessy (Paul Reiter); sisters-in-law Suzanne Fuller and Patricia Boscarino and brother-in-law Arthur (Sue) Boscarino; as well as many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends who will always be family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Marie; his parents, Bernard and Floreda Hennessy; sister-in-law Florence Hennessy, and brothers-in-law John “Jack” Boscarino and Stephen Chechak.
John and Ann were born in the same hospital less than 24 hours apart in 1948 and unknowingly started their journey through this lifetime together. They reconnected and fell in love just 18 years later. While proudly serving our country, John’s devotion to his future wife remained steadfast. He arranged for his sister to deliver a single rose to Ann every month he was away – a symbol of love that guided them through over 55 years of marriage. Upon his return from combat as a Helicopter Crew Chief, John and Ann married and soon began the family that became his greatest pride, building a life grounded in love and loyalty.
John was an entrepreneur who made it his mission to build successful businesses in the construction industry. He found joy in so many things: fishing, boating, flying airplanes and helicopters, and puttering around outside in the yard. Above all else, John cherished his family. He dedicated his life to his greatest mission, providing for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a leader, teaching by example the true meaning of love, commitment, and devotion. He was the go-to guy for extended family and friends alike – quick with a sarcastic comment or joke, just as quick with a helping hand or a tool to lend when needed. He was also quick to go on a rescue mission for any of us; in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of whatever he was currently doing. John was a father or second father to so many and a trusted friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
John showed his family and friends the true meaning of love and devotion as he carried out his final, most important mission. With patience that never wavered and a heart that never complained, he tirelessly cared for Ann during her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. His devotion, dedication, and unconditional love will reverberate through the generations of our family as the example of what true love and forever looks like. He is the standard that we will all strive to become. Although he fought hard to stay with us through his battle with pneumonia and ARDS, his heart was still with the love of his life, and their incredible love story can now continue as they are reunited in their journey together.
Rest easy, soldier. Mission accomplished!
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 23rd at 10:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Church (115 Maple Avenue, Victor NY). Interment immediately following at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (2461 Lake Avenue, Rochester NY).
In lieu of calling hours, family and friends are invited to a reception on Saturday, January 24th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at COHO Pizza & Wine Bar (811 South Main Street, Canandaigua, NY).
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at F.F. Thompson Hospital, especially the Intensive Care Unit Team, for the compassionate care given to our dad and family during this difficult time. You are a special group, and you make a difference.
John became part of our immediate family upon marrying my sister Ann Marie. Trying to share over 55 years of love and memories is a short commentary is naturally impossible.
One of my first memories of John was when he first started dating my sister. He owned a small sports car (I believe it was an MGA or Triumph). Often when he was ready to go home after visiting her, he would need our help to start his car. He would hop into his car, and we would push it a short way until he could pop the clutch and get it started. Little we know that was the start of several decades of helping each other.
As most of you know, our families were extremely close. We would celebrate all the kids birthdays, the holidays, and special events together. In fact, when John brought his family to Canandaigua, we even had our businesses next to each other for a few years. During all those years, in good times and in and in bad times, we always had each other’s back. If John, my brother Jack, my sister Suzie, or I had a need or problem the others were always there to help and/or support (We laugh and /or cried together),
John would watch out for my children while they were in Canandaigua and I was not. He was more like a brother than a brother-in-law. He will be greatly missed.
I cannot express the sorrow and hurt that the loss of John, Ann, and Jack in one month has caused. May you all now be reunited and be in God’s loving care. Rest in Peace dear Brother-in-law.
The Veterans Outreach Center of Rochester NY extends our deepest sympathy in John’s passing.
We acknowledge and are truly grateful for his service to our country.
I am so sorry. I was John’s barber and am just seeing this now.
I always looked forward to seeing him and loved our chats. I am so sorry to hear about both your mom and Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you!