Obituary of Patrick F. Kiernan
Patrick F. “Packey” Kiernan
Age 81, of Joliet, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 11, 2023 with his family by his side at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.
Packey was born February 4,1942 to the late Mary (nee Coyne) and Francis Kiernan. He attended St. Patrick Grade School, class of 1956 and Joliet Catholic High, where he graduated with the class of 1960.
Packey considered his family his greatest gift. He is survived by his three children, Annette (Frank) Alonge, Michael Kiernan and Amy (Ryne) May; grandchildren, Kevin McKanna, Eric (Brianna & baby Athena) Twait, Abigal Kiernan, Joseph (Meredith), Natalie (Ryan) and Sean (Emily) Pharo, and Brady May; brother, Gerald (Janet) Kiernan, sister, Suzanne (Joseph) Spreitzer; brother-in-law, Anthony (Janice) Rousonelos as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife of 53 years, Dorothy Jean (nee Rousonelos) Kiernan (2016); his parents; brother, Timothy Kiernan (2000); sister, Kathleen Kiernan (2009) and his mother and father-in-law, Eleanor and Michael Rousonelos.
Packey worked for EBY Brown and Co. where he was a salesman for over 35 years. In 1986, he had a dream of owning his own ice cream stand so he purchased Sonny’s Delite where he would workdays at EBY Brown and his nights at Sonny’s. In 1992, he retired from EBY Brown and Co. and expanded Sonny`s Delite making it his year-round job. If you were a frequent visitor of Sonny`s, you were most often greeted by Packey, his wife Dorothy, or many family members. In 2008, Packey bought Dari Delite, which is in front of St. Joe`s Park, where he currently owns and operates. Packey was an amazing friend and business owner throughout the years beloved by many customers and employees. His employees soon became his family, and he was always there when it came to supporting local schools, churches, and youth sport teams.
Packey was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and anyone else who covered the spread. He was a Cubs Fan, Bud Man his entire life! The games he most enjoyed following were the ones his grandchildren were competing in that day!
Packey’s legacy of love, family and hard work will live on each day through his children and grandchildren.
Visitation for Patrick “Packey” Kiernan will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023 from 2-8 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black (at Essington Rd.), Joliet, IL. Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 20, 2023, starting at the funeral home with prayers beginning at 9:00 a.m. to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School would be appreciated.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
