John “Jack” A. McPhee, 86, of Lake in the Hills, died peacefully on February 19, 2026, with his family by his side.
Jack was born on June 13, 1939, in Lowell, Massachusetts, the son of Edward and Lillian (Rowe) McPhee. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. On October 28, 1961, he married the love of his life, Elenora “Ellie” Kritter, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned more than six decades.
Jack’s commitment to service was evident throughout his life. He served as Village President of Lake in the Hills from 1974 to 1981 and later as a member of the Board of Trustees, where he also held the role of Police Commissioner. His dedication to his community was unwavering, and he worked tirelessly to help shape and strengthen the village he loved.
In 1998, Jack answered a deeper calling and was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese, a vocation he embraced with great passion, faith, and an endless willingness to serve others. He faithfully served as a deacon at St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntley, where his compassion, warmth, and spiritual guidance touched many lives.
Jack was known for his wonderful Irish humor and always had a joke ready to share. His kind spirit, gentle nature, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ellie McPhee; his children, Theresa Raymond, Colleen (Fred) Oerkfitz, John F. (Tammy) McPhee, and David M. (Jeanette) McPhee; 13 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Edward T. (Carole) McPhee and Robert J. (Karen) McPhee; Jack was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Donald and sister-in-law, Carol
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. A second visitation will take place on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will follow at Windridge Memory Garden in Cary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For further information, please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or leave online condolences at www.defiorefuneral.com.
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Sending my sympathies to all who knew and loved him. We are so grateful for many fun filled memories for the last 28 years. Love to all of the McPhee family.