Born on the south side of Chicago to Frank and Margaret (Swanson) Donahue, Jack was a proud alum of St. Rita High School who later graduated from Loyola University School of Law. He served as a DuPage County Assistant State’s Attorney for two years before starting a private practice. Throughout his celebrated career, Jack served as the President of the DuPage County Bar Association, was founder and President of the DuPage County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, was recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in the nation and honored as the DuPage County Lawyer of the Year in 2000. In 2007 Jack was named a Laureate of the Illinois State Bar Association, and as recently as 2020 he was honored with the Ralph Gabric Award for Professional Excellence.
Jack was a devoted husband to his wife, Linda (nee Eckert), and a loving father to Rachel Donahue (Marc Rodkey) and John “Dusty” Donahue. He was an exceptional bonus dad to William Stratton (Brian Coffin) and Bethany Stratton (Dustin Perkins), supportive father-in-law to Tricia West (Bill), and a doting grandfather of Morgan Donahue and Riley Donahue. Jack was pre-deceased by his siblings James Donahue, Virginia “Ginny” Hickey, Mary Lou Gunkel, and Lester Donahue. He is survived by his sister, Margaret Dineen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A man of many talents and even more stories, Jack was generous with his love and his time alike. He always championed the underdog and covered the home team… unless it was the Packers. As an avid golfer, world traveler and philanthropic spirit, everywhere he went was a better place because he had been there. Jack passed peacefully on Dec. 28 surrounded by his family and friends. A Memorial Visitation for Jack to be held Friday, June 9 from 4-7 p.m. at First Congregational UCC of Elmhurst, 235 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst, with a Celebration of Life to follow on Saturday, June 10, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Congregational UCC of Elmhurst, Attn: Music Fund, 235 S. Kenilworth Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126. For info, (630) 834-3515 or www.elmhurstfh.com.
Ralph C. Di Capua, 90
Ralph C. Di Capua, of Elmhurst, passed away recently at the age of 90. Beloved husband of the late Beverly, Loving father of John Di Capua; fond brother of Connie De Fronzo, the late Theresa Di Capua and the late Antoinette Di Capua; dear uncle of Gina, Jamie and Christina; great uncle of Gino and Dominic. Private Inurnment Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. Memorials to The Anti-Cruelty Society 510 N. La Salle Street, Chicago, IL 60654. Arrangements by Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home, Elmhurst or call ¬630-834-1133.
