Joseph H. Hester, Jr.

Joseph H. Hester, Jr., of Park Ridge, 96 years young, passed suddenly and peacefully February 7, 2022. Beloved husband of the late Dolores (née Murphy), adored father of Mary Hester-Tone (Jeffrey Tone), Kathleen Mezyk (late Dr. Jan Mezyk), Patricia Hester (life partner Steve Andruscavage), Joseph Hester III (Diana), John Hester (Jacquelyn) and Thomas Hester (Mary Lake). Loved older brother of the late Kathryn (Tom) McElligott, and the late John (late Anne) and Marguerite Hester. Loving brother-in-law to the Murphy family. Cherished Bumpy of Nat (Kelly), Ethan (Morgan) and Alex (Madison)Tone and Hope Tone-O’Keefe (Matt O’ Keefe); Stephanie (Pasquale Dinoi), Joseph, Caralyn and Stephen Mezyk;  Maezi and John Hester; Max (Heather), Zach and Merrill Hester; and the late Jeffrey Hester Tone. Fun loving Great Grandpa Joe to Riley, Emmit, Delaney, Harper, Aaron Joseph, Jack and due soon Baby Tone and Noelia Dinoi Mezyk. Uncle Joe to many nieces and nephews.  Loving friend of Paula O’Conner.

Joe, an Oak Park native and proud Fenwick, Purdue and RIT alum, served in the United States Navy during WWII and worked in the printing industry as president of multiple family owned printing companies. Joe attended Mass virtually every day of his life. He was a member of the Park Ridge Country Club for over 46 years. Dad always had a story, a smile and a reason to toast. He was absolutely one of a kind and “did it his way.”

Visitation Friday, Feb. 11, 8:30-9:30 a.m., at Ryan Parke Funeral Home, 120 S. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge. Funeral Mass Friday 10 a.m. at St. Paul of the Cross Church, 140 S. Northwest Hwy., Park Ridge. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Misericordia or Avenues to Independence. 
 

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