John Batista Hakey

July 8, 1931 - April 14, 2010

Age 78, of East Brooklyn, IL, entered eternal life Sunday, March 14, 2010 at Heritage Manor in Dwight, IL. Born July 8, 1931 in Braceville, IL to the late Louis F. and Aurelia C. (nee Truffa) Hakey. He was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church where he and Maria Sarti were joined in holy matrimony on September 29, 1951. Retired from the Laborers Union Local #75, past president of the Catholic Men’s Club of St. Lawrence Parish and the South Wilmington School Board. Also served on the South Wilmington SWEB board. He was a 3rd degree member of the Braidwood Knights of Columbus #1574 and 4th degree member of Bishop McNamara in Kankakee. He served as mayor of East Brooklyn for 28 years from 1978-2005, retiring due to ill health. John was an avid Chicago Cub and Bear fan and enjoyed fishing. Surviving were his wife, Maria of 58 years; two sons, John (Donna) Hakey of Braidwood and Joseph (Jeanette) Hakey of East Brooklyn; five grandchildren, Dwayne (Tracy) Hakey, Sara (Josh Johnke) Hakey, Jennifer Hakey, Angelo Hakey, and Anthony Hakey; four great-grandchildren, Skylar Hakey, Isabel and Mekhi Hakey, and William Johnke. Preceding him in death was a brother, Lawrence Hakey; and sister, Jennie Gaddo. Visitation was at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Homes, Ltd., Braidwood Chapel, Wednesday, March 17, 2010, from 4-8 p.m. Family and friends met at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in South Wilmington, Thursday, March 18, for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Rev. John Hornicak officiated. Judy McElroy was the organist. Mary Pfeifer was the vocalist. The pallbearers were James Fair, William Sorensen, Dale Grieff, Louis Naretto, Frank Faletti, and Jack Smolik. Cremation rites were accorded following services. Inurnment Mount Olivet Cemetery in Braidwood.