John F. Hennessey
Waterford — John Francis Hennessey, MD, formerly of Meriden, passed away Saturday, March 11, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. John (“Jack” to his friends and family) was born June 21, 1930, in Montreal, Quebec, to Herman Joseph Hennessey and Lottie Muriel (Logan). The oldest of three boys. John, an outstanding student, completed secondary school at the age of 14, graduated college (Loyola Montreal) at 18 and earned an MD from McGill University at the age of 22.
On his first medical rotation in Bermuda, he met Joan Bell at a dance where she laughed so hard at his jokes he would later say “he had to marry her.” In 1955, Joanie would become his loving wife of 56 years. After completing his residency in Detroit, they settled in Connecticut, Jack proclaiming it “the perfect state” with the ocean to the south and his beloved mountains to the north.
In 1958, Jack began his practice at Meriden-Wallingford Hospital as a founding member of Radiology Associates (now Mid-State Radiology Association). As the field of radiology grew with the addition of nuclear imaging, he became board certified in nuclear medicine. He was instrumental in steering a doubtful administration to invest in nuclear medicine as an essential tool in improving health practice. Additionally, he served on the medical board as chief of radiology, he was elected medical chief of staff in 1983 and was a long serving director of the School of Radiography. Throughout his 37 year long career, he was a highly skilled radiologist providing service to the hospital and spearheading technologies so radiology would always remain on the cutting edge. His penchant for perfection was legendary yet he was no harder on others than himself and his goal for quality never wavered.
Jack put as much energy into the pleasures and adventures of life as he did with his career. An avid skier, he was determined not to allow his six children to get in the way of his fun, so he taught them to ski. Every weekend he would pack them into the family station wagon at dawn and speed north to the mountains. No matter the temperature or any forgotten equipment it was understood that we would ski till closing. Creating fond memories of chairlift rides, frozen lunches in the car, and rolling home in the dark. Jack reluctantly hung up his skis at 83.
While Jack wasn’t a big fan of spectator sports, he loved to play and so we became his go to team
— his tennis partners, first mates, ski buddies, and hiking crew. A gift we honor as we continue to play together.
Jack’s love of the outdoors began a long family tradition of hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The tradition grew from a father and son hike to a large crew of daughters, aunts, uncles, cousins, roommates, and friends. This growing crew annually scrambles over rocks through sun, rain, and snow; sharing stories and building memories which continues to bind us together. Jack was proud of this legacy of 53 years. He made his last trip to the summit of Mount Washington at the age of 83.
Following Jack’s retirement in 1995, he and Joan traveled extensively collecting stories and taking hundreds of unremarkable photos of unidentified buildings and vistas and enjoying time with friends and family. Jack’s loud infectious laugh and charming wit taught us the importance of bringing humor and joy into our lives.
John was predeceased by his wife Joan (2011); and his brothers, Alan Thomas, MD (1995) and Brian Charles, MD (2014). John is survived by his six children and their spouses, Kathleen A. Mulroy (Richard Mulroy, MD), Paul D. Hennessey (Mary Coffey Hennessey), Joanna M. Salmon (Jamie Noel Salmon), Alicia M. Hennessey, Mary Ellen H. McKee, and John J. Hennessey, MD (Robin Thibodeau Hennessey). He was the much loved and admired “Papa” to 15 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a beloved Uncle John to many nieces and nephews.
Jack will be missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Calling hours will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 24, at Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1, (51 Williams Ave) Mystic. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 95 Main St., Stonington. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jack’s name to the Appalachian Mountain Club https://www. outdoors.org/donate/ or a charity of your choice.