John Joseph Fennelly ’52

Body

John Fennelly died at his home in Shawnee Mission, Kans., Mar. 15, 1996, from complications of oat cell cancer. Eighty friends from the Midwest gathered two weeks later to remember his quick wit, sense of humor, and kind heart.

An outstanding student at Pembroke Country Day, John was class president and captain of the football team. At Princeton he majored in politics and was active in Tower Club, where he served on the executive committee. His senior roommates were John Herndon and Bob McCaw.

After graduation John volunteered for service in the Air Force, and upon completion of officers candidate school at Lackland AFB, he finished a four-and-onehalf year tour as 1st lieutenant. In Jan. 1953, he married Lana Hensley. Following the Air Force, John worked as personnel manager for the Gas Service Co., and as a manufacturer's representative. He then founded and operated ATCO Transmission Repair. In a business noted for fraud, John enjoyed an unblemished reputation.

John is survived by his wife, Lana, and his children, John J. Jr., James B., and Elizabeth. We offer them our profound condolences.

The Class of 1952

No responses yet

Join the conversation

Plain text

Full name and Princeton affiliation (if applicable) are required for all published comments. For more information, view our commenting policy. Responses are limited to 500 words for online and 250 words for print consideration.

Paw in print

Image
PAW’s December 2025 cover, with a photo of Michael Park ’98.
The Latest Issue

December 2025

Judge Michael Park ’98; shifts in DEI initiatives; a night at the new art museum.