Patrick Joseph Kealey

Patrick Joseph Kealey, 69, Wonder Lake, died Friday, March 15, 2013, after an extended illness.

He was born Jan. 20, 1944, in Amarillo, Texas, to Robert and Nellie (Custer) Kealey. 

After high school, he joined the U. S. Army and served in Europe, where he traveled extensively on military duty.
An avid sports enthusiast, he also hiked the Swiss Alps, fished for walleye in Rainbow Flowage in Wisconsin, biked the back roads of McHenry County, skied the Birkebeiner Race in Michigan and canoed through Nippersink River in Glacial Park. 

He enjoyed watching the Cooking Channel and made croissants from scratch as well as batches of his famous cioppino. 

He had a passion for golf and used the moniker “Golfingjose.”

He developed a love for photography while working for the Northwest Herald, and, as an independent photo journalist, he chronicled an excursion in the Louisiana bayou. His photographs were printed on many national outdoor magazine covers. He would often wake up early to capture light for his pictures, some of which decorate the homes of his family and friends. 

He also had a long career in social service and was a licensed clinical social worker who gave passionately to hundreds of youth and adults. His extensive work history includes serving as the director at Allendale Inc., director of Clinical Social Work at Camelot, clinical director at Elgin Mental Health Center and clinical social worker at Northwest Suburban Special Education Coop. He also taught continuing education classes in addition to his private practice. He gave generously and will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. 


Survivors include two sons, Sean and Erik; a brother, Mike (Kathy) Kealey; two sisters, Mary (David) Shanahan and Katie (Joe) Daugherty; friends Vicki and Alex Hicks; and nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. 

A celebration of his life was March 23 at his home in Wonder Lake.
 Arrangements were made by Justen’s Wonder Lake Funeral Home.

Memorials can be sent to the American Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choosing.