Tiernan Eoin McDonnell, 34, of Huntley, died peacefully, April 18, 2022.
Tiernan was born on February 15, 1988 in Oak Park IL, the son of Matthew and Laurel (Sommers) McDonnell. On August, 2020 he married the love of his life and soulmate, Michaela Neetz and started a contented family life that he was so very proud of. The birth of their son William in February was just icing on the cake. Tiernan was honest, genuine, and talented with a pen, be it a quick cartoon character or short piece of fiction. He was an avid gamer, reader and movie fan, who loved comic books and was especially fond of Captain America. Recently he and Michaela became members of St. Mary’s parish in Huntley and began the process of confirmation to connect more deeply with their faith. Tiernan deeply loved his family, friends, his country and rousing conversation about faith, politics, film, and science. He was the sweetest funniest man and the brightest light in the lives of everyone who knew him.
Tiernan is survived by his wife Michaela and son William Eoin, by his parents, Matthew McDonnell and Laurel McDonnell, by his siblings Mick (Kate) Betancourt, Patrick McDonnell, Darragh McDonnell, niece and nephew Liam and Megan Betancourt, loving aunt Gwen Sommers Yant (Richard), loving Uncle Lawrence Sommers, and cousins Alex Yant and Jeremy Sommers. He is also survived by his in-laws Ronald and Margo Neetz, Michaela’s siblings, Monique, Abigail and Hayden.
He was proceeded in death by his grandparents Lawrence and Lucille Sommers, Thomas and Mary McDonnell and his aunt Shari Sommers.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2022, from 4-7pm at DeFiore Funeral Home-10763 Dundee Road, Huntley and on Monday from 9:00am until the time of the 10:00am Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be at Huntley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family of Tiernan E. McDonnell for a fund to be established for Will.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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As a member of Saint Mary's Parish family, we want to express our deepest sympathy to Michaela and baby William on the loss of their beloved Tiernan, as well as to his parents, other family members and friends. We all shared in your pain, in a profound way, when we heard Father DiTomo's sad words at the Easter Vigil Mass. Still, we give thanks to God for the time He gave Tiernan, for the gift of faith, for his witness, and the burning desire to be one with the Holy Trinity. He wanted to gift himself to God, and God accepted his gift. And he wanted the absolute best for his wife and son, which is why as a Godly husband and father, he desired to bring them all into the Catholic Church. May the legacy of his faith live on in them. May his heavenly prayers protect and bless them abundantly, all the days of their lives. May our parish family be a support and offer help in whatever way we can. And eternal rest grant unto Tiernan, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. And may his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Laurell, please extend to your entire family my sincerest condolences on the passing of Tiernan. It is hard to fathom the passing of someone so young and with such a full life. I hope that 34 years of happy memories will comfort you and your family at the present and maintain his presence in your hearts forever. Hold your grandson close and always know that you still have a part of your son with you in him. God Bless. Deb Nier
Laurel No words can come to surface to express the sorrow. Hugs, tears, more hugs. All my Love, Tracy
Laurel No words can come to surface to express the sorrow. Hugs, tears, more hugs. All my Love, Tracy