Obituary: John Sheridan, Sr.

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

John Sheridan, Sr.

It is with heavy and peaceful hearts that we announce John Sheridan Sr., who, after a lingering illness and a fierce, honorable battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), was called home on September 2, 2026. He was reunited in heaven with his son and "roommate," John Jr., who was anxiously awaiting his arrival. We find immense comfort in speculating what that joyous reunion looked like.

John entered this world on June 3, 1950, in Bethesda, Maryland, born to the late Dorothy and Joseph Sheridan Sr. As the second oldest of seven children, he naturally became the revered "patriarch" of his family—a pillar of strength, leadership, and connection for everyone around him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Roxy Anna (Burgett) Sheridan, and his daughter, Dawn Marie (Derek) Breen. He was the proud grandfather of Sydney Bea Monroe (Zach Deakins), Aidan Bode-Jack(Ayllsa Bucciarelli), and Taylor John (Molly) Breen; and the great-grandfather of Kane Gerald Breen.

John is also survived by his brothers, Joe Jr., Steven, Bill (Shari), and Michael Sheridan, who are left to carry the Sheridan family torch. On his wife's side, he leaves behind in-laws, Judy (Bill) Vessel, Pam (Larry) Holland, Jackie (Fred) Stone, and Jeff Burgett; along with numerous nieces and nephews across both sides of the family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Bobbie (Roy) Anderson and Linda Schultz; and his in-laws, Sandy (William) Wysocki, Larry Burgett, Timothy Burgett, and John Burgett Jr.

John dedicated 45 years of hard work to Caterpillar at the Joliet Plant before retiring in 2012. He began his career in the Machinist Union before transitioning into management, where he served in various key roles over the decades. During his time at Caterpillar, he was heavily active with the United Way Campaign and loved organizing and participating in the "Cat" running club. As a parent of a child with a disability, John believed deeply in advocating for those who might otherwise be left behind. His passion for advocacy led him to serve in many organizations and hold numerous titles over the years—most notably with Cornerstone Services, where he dedicated 35 years of service. While he was proud of what he helped achieve for the organization's clients, he often remarked that the true blessing was the clients who became like family to him.

John carried a deep love for the City of Joliet. He was a frequent voice at city council meetings, passionately sharing his views on community issues, and served as the President of the Cunningham Neighborhood Council for many years—only stepping down when his illness progressed. John was a firm believer that you didn't need wealth to make an impact; he lived by the conviction that anyone could change their community simply by volunteering their time. John achieved an Everyday Heroes award back in 2017.

An avid runner for many years, John completed numerous 5Ks and marathons across multiple states before a back injury sidelined him. A proud member of the Prairie State Road Runners Club, he was honored with an induction into their Hall of Fame in 2024. To keep active, he joined Vasa Fitness in Joliet, quickly finding a second family among his fellow gym-goers. John lived by a simple mantra: “You gotta keep moving so the devil doesn't get you.”

A die-hard Jimmy Buffett fan who never turned down a good party, John joined the Chicago Parrot Heads Club in retirement. While he loved Trop Rock music and the island lifestyle, he was most drawn to the club’s core ethos: “Party for a Purpose.” He threw himself into volunteering and fundraising, working tirelessly to make a positive impact across Chicagoland.

Our family extends our deepest gratitude to Northwestern Hospital and his oncology team—most notably Dr. Irum Khan, Dr. Yazan Numan for managing his care close to home, and Dr. Yasmin Abaza for “giving it to him straight” when the end grew near. We are equally thankful for the staff at Lightways Hospice, who were absolute angels during his final days.

To honor John’s memory, he asked that friends and family consider donating blood in memory of all those lost to blood cancer. He also encouraged anyone eligible to join the bone marrow registry and potentially save a life.

Sail On!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cornerstone Services or Lightways Hospice.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate John’s life on Friday, September 18th, 2026, from 12:00 P.M. until the service of remembrance at 4:00 P.M. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) in Joliet. Per his request, cremation rites have been accorded.

For more information please call 815-741-5500 or to view a complete obituary, visit www.fredcdames.com where you can also share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

·Visit Fred C. Dames on Facebook​

·Order Flowers​

·Healing Resources​