Kilmartin, John W.

WWII U. S. Navy Veteran of Orland Park, IL, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2017 at Smith Crossing Senior Living Community after a short illness.

He was born on May 6, 1927 in Chicago, IL to Thomas and Catherine ( Weir) Kilmartin. He married Elizabeth Strasser Kilmartin on February 14, 1956; she preceded him in death. John enjoyed a long career with the City of Chicago as an Operating Engineer. He was an active member of the International Union of Operating Engineers beginning March 9, 1950 with Local 556. In 1972 he was elected to the Executive Board of Local 556 and rose to the office of President in 1981. In 1984 he was instrumental in the successful merger of Local 556 with Local 399. John was committed to improving the economic status and working conditions of Operating Engineers through collective bargaining and worked as a Business Representative for Local 399 until his retirement in 1994. He also was coowner, with his wife, of Southwest Interiors, Chicago, IL.

Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth ( nee Strasser); loving father of Debbie ( Joseph) Hetman, Diane ( Greg) Jensen, Edward ( Betty) Kilmartin, Katie Kilmartin, the late James Kilmartin, and the late Mary ( Betsy) Kilmartin Pletcher; cherished grandfather of Andrew Pletcher, Nicholas ( Ellen) Rock, John Kilmartin, Elizabeth Pletcher, Rebecca ( Mike) Cook, Amy ( Tim Williams) Hetman, Stephanie ( Tyler) Wegner, Ellen ( Jordan Sudduth) Babb, and the late Steven Kilmartin; adored great- grandfather of Caroline, Emilie, Macy, Madilynn and Reagan.

Visitation Monday 9: 00 a. m. until time of Service 11: 30 a. m. at the Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral

Home, 9000 W. 151st Street, Orland Park, IL. Entombment Good Shepherd Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www. alz. org or 8430 W. Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60631.

www. sheehyfh. com 708- 857- 7878