Owen Joseph McCourt

With deep sorrow, the McCourt family shares the passing of Owen Joseph McCourt, always known as Joe, age 95, who passed away peacefully July 12, 2026, at the Arc of Kankakee, in Kankakee, IL. Joe was born on June 18, 1931, to the late Owen and Agnes McCourt, who ventured from Ireland as newlyweds and made their home in Chicago. Joe grew up in their Chicago home with his late older brother, James, and they helped their parents run a small grocery store. Joe earned money from delivering milk orders and split his earnings with his parents, learning early lessons about hard work and helping others, these were values he believed in and they became the foundation of his life. Whether lending a hand to a neighbor, supporting a friend, or providing for his family, he gave generously of his time and heart. Through his example, he showed a meaningful life is built by the kindness we show and the lives we touch. Joe proudly served in the Air Force for four years during the Korean War. He was stationed in Greenland working on jets from 1951-1955. After returning home to Chicago he worked for the railroad. During this time, he met and dated a beautiful nursing school student, Barbara Hansen. He knew he wanted to marry Barb and soon after getting her nursing degree, and they married in 1959. They moved from Chicago finding a wonderful community in Homewood, IL, and made it their home. Joe and Barb had five children and were blessed with 67 years of a remarkable and loving marriage. In Homewood, Joe was affectionately known as “The Candy Man” providing candy to the concession stand at Izzac Walton Baseball Park. After Joe and Barb married, he joined his father-in-law, Don Hansen, at his candy wholesale business, Q.T. Brands. You could always count on Joe to have mints in his pocket, happily giving them out bringing smiles and making a sweet difference in someone’s day. Joe and Barb had many good friends in Homewood and later in retirement in Manteno, IL, and loved being a part of couples’ card games, bowling and golf leagues. In retirement, Joe kept busy playing golf, rain or shine, if the course was open Joe was playing. He played until he was 90 years old, accomplishing a rare achievement of 5 hole in ones, earning him a title of 5 Aces. Joe’s love for Barb, his family and friends and all things Irish was very special and always present. From little league baseball to high school sports, golf and fishing trips, he made special memories with his family and friends. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Agnes McCourt, his brother James and wife Mary McCourt, two sons Mike and Dan McCourt, his son-in-law Lee (Kathy) Keenan as well as other dear family and friends. Joe is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, three children, Jim and Terry McCourt, and Kathy Keenan, four grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many other special family and friends. Joe had a joyful spirit who touched the hearts of all who knew him. May you hold in your hearts the precious memories you shared. Joe will be forever loved, forever missed, and always remembered. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, at Clancy Gernon Funeral Home at 291 N. Main Street, Manteno, IL, with visitation from 9:30 - 10:45 am. A funeral mass will follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, at 207 S. Main St, Manteno, IL, from 11 - 12 pm. Please join the McCourt family after mass for a luncheon from 12 - 2 pm in the basement of St. Joseph’s Church. Inurnment will be at The Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL, where Joe will receive military honors in recognition of his faithful service to our country. In lieu of flowers, please honor Joe by living with love, kindness, and generosity. Any donations in Joe’s honor can be made to the VA.

Owen Joseph McCourt

June 18, 1931 - July 12, 2026