Deacon Terry Cummiskey

Terry Cummiskey was born on July 19,1947 to Bob and Gertrude Cummiskey. He was the eldest of three children and a devoted big brother to his sisters, Karen and Laura. Terry grew up in Wheaton, Illinois, where he attended St. Francis High School before continuing his education at Western Michigan University. There, he studied religion, history, and business, and proudly played intramural football, but recently shared that playing baseball throughout the years was his true love; a sport he remained deeply devoted to throughout his life, faithfully cheering on both Chicago teams.At just 14 years old, Terry began his first job with Jewel Foods. Through hard work, determination, and natural leadership, he rose through the company, eventually serving as corporate buyer and store manager. After retiring early, Terry opened a White Hen Pantry in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. In the early 1990s, he sold the business to pursue what would become one of his life’s great callings—service to God and others.Long before becoming a husband, father, or grandfather, Terry was a deeply present and loving uncle to his nieces and nephew—Tara, Shannon, Caroline, and Erik. He took great joy in their lives and remained a steady, supportive, and affectionate presence as their families grew, eventually becoming a great-uncle to their children.In 1997, Terry married Maryanne, the love of his life. Through their marriage, he instantly became a devoted and cherished stepfather and, later, a proud grandfather—roles he embraced wholeheartedly and with great love.Following their marriage, Terry entered diaconate studies and was ordained a Catholic Deacon with the Diocese of Joliet in 1999. He was assigned to St. Isidore Parish, where he remained for the entirety of his Diaconate service. Through his ordination, Terry gained a lifelong family of deacon brothers and their wives, who became a treasured part of his and Maryanne’s lives.In his younger years, Terry traveled throughout Europe with his best friend Chuck, forming memories that lasted a lifetime. He loved golf and played well, enjoyed many fishing trips with buddies throughout his life and faithfully followed Chicago sports—passions he embraced as fully as everything else he did.Through his work as a Deacon, Terry formed countless meaningful relationships. Time and again, people reached out to Maryanne to share how profoundly Terry had impacted their lives—how his counsel, knowledge of the Word of God, and his ability to truly listen and meet people where they were helped guide them through difficult seasons and toward hope.Terry was a take-charge person in every endeavor he pursued, leading with integrity and joy in his heart. He tackled goals with tenacity, always seeking to infuse love and teach others along the way. Above all, he lived to profess his love of the Lord, and those around him could feel his heart was big enough to share that love with everyone; Terry was deeply compassionate, accepting, and kind. His hugs were his trademark—if you were ever on the receiving end, you knew you were being held tightly and sincerely. Terry was always eager to fix problems, find solutions, and do whatever work was necessary to make things better.Terry is survived by his beloved wife, Maryanne; his stepchildren Stephanie (John), Annie (Ron), Carla (Jesse), and John (Susan); and his grandchildren Matthew (Ximena), Ryan, Alex, and Bo. He is also survived by his sister Laura (the late Jim), and was preceded in death by his sister Karen (Stacy). Terry was a loving uncle to Tara (Ben), Shannon, Erik (Cherry), and Caroline (John), and a presence in the lives of his great-nieces and great-nephews. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, his beloved St. Isidore Parish family and those in his community.

In lieu of flowers, donations to DuPage Pads and the Helping Hands Ministry at St. Isidore will be appreciated.