Francis Donlon Obituary

Dear Mrs. Donlon and Family, I was so saddened to learn of Dr. Donlon's passing, having just learned of it this a few weeks ago. My family and I have such wonderful memories of your husband and father. From the senior Doctor Donlon -- Francis' Dad, who took care of my grandparents -- the Rouliers to Francis' Uncle, Dr. Foran, who took care of my Dad, Bernard McDevitt, to William, who took care of our daughter Katie when she was born at Oak Park Hospital in 1977 – and Francis, who took care of all of us – Mom, Dad, Uncles, Aunts, brothers, sisters, children. He was an incredible physician and friend. Francis Donlon was a wonderful, gentle and kind person, especially to my mom, Harriette (born a month after him), who suffered from dementia after some strokes in 1989. Doctor Donlon continued to care for her even after he retired, with the kindest of attention and understanding; even providing the best referral in town when she had cancer in the early 90s. And, his care for me and my family all my early teen and adult life was something I will cherished and miss so much as the field of medical practice has changed and the personal touch of the friendly and kind medical practitioner is gone. Dr. Donlon was not only a surgeon – he was a well-versed and knowledgeable practitioner who knew medicine inside and out, kept abreast of the latest medical breakthroughs and changes; and was, by far, the best diagnostician ever. But, most of all, Mrs. Donlon, I remember you and Dr. Donlon coming to our house for parties, and up to the lake house in Michigan, and to my wedding. As a loving couple and life partners, you both conveyed to all such a sense of warmth and love, that it saddens us to know your loss. Our prayers and love go out to you and all your family. Along with my Dad, Francis Power Donlon was one of the most intelligent, finest and gentle people I ever knew – and, for having known him I am truly grateful. I know that he’s now up in heaven, visiting with all his friends and family, with my Uncle Dunlap, my Mom and Dad and all of his former patients and that God has let him know that he saved the best of spots just for him.

God bless you all -- my love and the love of all of our family goes out to you.

My father died in 1948,when I was 3 and my brothers were 9 and 13.He told my mother that he would take good care of us all and not to worry about cost.He provide us with excellent care and hopefully, we were able to pay him back for the bargin prices we paid as children.

I can attest that he was a wonderful surgeon. I had a serious injury to my face, which he repaired on an emergency basis.Every day I look in the mirror and see nothing, no scares, because of him. He was a better person, always taking time to ask about the family.
I could go on and on. I can see him now in his suit with his stethoscope around his neck. He is sitting in his high back leather chair with his feet propped up on an open drawer.
I have always had a great deal of respect for him and I am saddened by his passing. May God bless Dr. Francis and his entire family.

Our sympathies go out to the Donlon Family.
Dr. Donlon was our family doctor when we lived on the West side in St. Mel Parish. He also took great care of my father in his later years. My Dad was also a WWII vet and they talked about it all the time.
What a great man and great Surgeon. He will be missed by all that had the good fortune to know him.
The Gash Family

To Mrs. Donlon & Family: Please accept my sincere sympathy on your loss. I also worked at Saint Anthony Hospital in the Business Office for many years and am very saddened to hear of his passing. He and his brothers bring back many treasured memories from the 'early' days. He was a wonderful doctor and a great person, and he will be missed by all.

Mrs. Donlon, I graduated from St. A's in 1967 and worked in surgery with the Dr. You attended my wedding in Aurora in 1969 and gave us a wonderful gold clock with little cherubs holding it up. What wonderful memories I have of that time. I have worked in surgery for over thiry years and I am sure it if because of the love for it that the Dr. taught me. God bless your family and know that the Dr. was loved and respected by many.

Claire (Martner) Erickson, St. Charles, Illinois

The Chicago Province Jesuits wish to extend their deepest condolences to Mrs. Donlon and all the family and friends at this time of great loss. Dr. Donlon was a cherished friend and family member of the Jesuits, especially their own brother in the Society of Jesus, the late, Fr. Stephen Donlon, S.J. Dr. Donlon and all he has held close to his heart will be remembered daily in the prayers and good works of the Jesuits as they continue the journey of faith and service,
"Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam."

Mrs. Donlon,
Hi Mrs. Donlon, I was so sorry to hear about your husband. We just read it in the Tribune this morning. I knew Dr. from Oak Park Hospital and worked on the switchboard and when we would page him he would always call back and say "Donlon" and if we paged another doctor he would call us bak and say were you paging me? We thought it was so cute cause he would would answer his pages and he would answer other doctors pages also. It was always nice to see your smiling face when we would walk in the gift shop. We are very sorry, you take care of yourself and be careful.
Love Rich & Rita Phillips

Dear Mrs. Donlon and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this great time of sorrow .Dr. Francis will be missed by many, especially those he worked with for many years and his patients. I have many great memories from the years I spent at St. Anthony and the lessons he taught. May we all find comfort in the memories he has left with us .

It is with a heavy heart that this message of sympathy is sent.The sadness of the passing of your loved one is felt by many, May the thought of knowing that friends share in your sadness be of comfort to you.
Thinking of you with sympathy.

Dear Ms. Donlon & Family:
I worked for many years as the Director of Patient Representation & Social Services at St. Anthony Hospital. Dr. Donlon was an excellent physician and taught me so many things. He was a great leader, and chairman of the Utilization Review Committee. He dedicated many hours of time and effort to accomplish patient goals.
He will always be remembered by me,
and I am sure by many others who
worked with him.
My prayers for the family.
Joan M. Weaver

Dear Mrs. Donlon:I just heard from Mom that Dr. Donlon passed away.  I was just thinking about him in the past couple of weeks.  He was such a nice man.  Once he retired, I never really had a doctor I visited regularly.  He was something special.  I will miss him.  Whenever someone close to the family passes, I always say that Daddy has someone he can hang around with now.  I know that he and Dr. Donlon are doing a lot of catching up!  God Bless him, you and the family.  With love, Laura Piszczor Romano and family

Dr. Donlon and his family were wonderful neighbors for many years. We have fond memories of those times.

The Polulach family

Dear
"em" and family
My deepest sympathy to you all.I read Francis's obit on
my computer (in florida) Chicago trib.Having been thru this not too long
ago I know the road ahead ..the void will be tremendous Hes at peace and
the memories are eternal.
God Bless you all at this sad time..
With love
and prayers.
Annette (Michet) Simcoe