Charles V. “Chuck” Doonan, 65 years old, entered into the mystery of Eternal Life on July 26, 2018. Chuck lived 13 years with the greatly misunderstood disease of prostate cancer with courage, hope, and a zest for life. He died as he lived, enfolded in the love and care of his wife of 44 years, Suzanne, his 3 daughters and sons in marriage, Carolyn (Tom) Wyness, Rachel (Alex) Fortiz, and Erin (Scott) Stevenson.
Both of Chuck’s parents, the deceased George J. “Barney” and Bridget (nee Higgins) Doonan were lifelong residents of La Grange. For the majority of Chuck’s life, he made his home within 5 miles of the family homestead. His siblings include Mary Kay (Bob) Quinn of Massachusetts, George W. (Cathleen) Doonan of New Hampshire, Sheila (the late Dave) Damkoehler of Massachusetts, and Bert Doonan of London, England. Thomas J. Murphy and the late Barbara, formerly of Wheaton are parents-in-law with Cathleen (George) Doonan, Deirdre (Tim) Reilly, and Patrick (Noreen) Murphy siblings through marriage. He has been loved by many nieces and nephews, as well as grands and furry four-legged family members.
Always difficult to name his occupation, Chuck’s career path took an interesting course. He was an entrepreneur and always followed his dreams. Among his jobs and later careers were shoe shine outside of the bowling alley in Edison, NJ; live-in farm hand to a family in Millidgeville, IL; claims adjuster at Prudential Insurance; owner, proprietor, ice cream maker and scooper at Doonan’s Homemade Ice Cream Shoppe in Downers Grove; warehouse worker; nursing home administrator, executive director, leading to the opportunity for ownership of the management company, NuCare Management Corporation; rehabber of residential homes and a commercial building through the creation of Adams Hill, Inc.; owner and proprietor of West End Gallery in La Grange, and finally business manager to his daughter’s business, First Words Therapy. Throughout Chuck’s life he sat on many boards and received various awards, but they do not define who he was.
Chuck’s first and foremost love and priority were his family and spending time together. He was especially proud of his 10 grandchildren: twins Dylan and Charlie and their sister Emma Wyness; and twins Emilio and Zulia, Joaquin, Yaili, Salvador, and twins Xóchitl and Itzel Fortiz. He was a man who lived his Christian faith, most especially through the Beatitudes. A member of Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago for 18 years, his faith was sustained and grew through his attendance at liturgy and community-building with those met and stories shared over the years with those in the pews, as well as the street folks whom he befriended. Chuck had too many interests to name, but gardening was part of his DNA from a young age.
Visitation will be held at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside on Tuesday, July 31st from 3:00 to 8:00pm. Mass of the Resurrection will be at Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams, Chicago on Wednesday, August 1st at 10:00am, following a visitation at the church beginning at 8:30am. Interment private.
Donations may be made in Chuck’s memory to Catholic Extension, an organization “providing direct outreach and advocacy for immigrant families in crisis,” 150 S. Wacker Dr., Ste. 2000, Chicago, IL 60606 or Wellness House, which offers education and support to persons with cancer and their families, 131 N. County Line Rd., Hinsdale, IL 60521.

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