Anthony J. Conniff

Anthony J. "Tony" Conniff, age 75, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025. Tony was the devoted husband of the late Ellen S. (nee Simpson); loving father of Kathleen M. (Dennis) Diaz and Anthony J. (Kelsey) Conniff; dear son of the late Mary (the late Jim) O'Neill (nee Strazzabosco) and the late James Conniff; proud grandfather of Lincoln and Emelia Diaz and Owen and Claire Conniff; dearest brother of Kathleen (John) Callan and the late James (the late Gail) Conniff, and he was a fond cousin, uncle and friend of many.

A proud Vietnam Veteran, Tony traveled the world with the U.S. Navy—sailing both the Pacific and the Atlantic, crossing 23 time zones as he would say “on the government’s dime,” aboard the Iwo Jima, LPH-2. He loved his country deeply and took great pride in his service. A proud member of the Wheaton VFW, he continued that dedication at home by helping bring the Moving Wall to Wheaton, and in 2023, he participated in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., accompanied by his son Anthony.

After his Navy years, Tony built a long and respected career as an attorney. Whether working from his office in Glen Ellyn or trying cases at the DuPage County Courthouse, he was known as a fierce advocate. He loved the Constitution so much that he hung a framed copy behind his desk, and he refused to accept “no” when fighting for family, friends, or clients who needed a protector.

Tony was joyfully both Italian and Irish—working to obtain Italian citizenship, renewing his and Ellen’s 25th wedding vows in Asiago, Italy, and embracing his heritage without indulging in the stereotypes he disliked. He enjoyed a memorable trip to Dublin, Ireland, with members of a local bar association.

Above all, Tony cherished his family. Fifty-three years before his passing, Ellen picked him up at O’Hare as he returned from the service, and from that moment on, they were inseparable. Ellen later managed his law practice, and together they centered their lives on faith, family, and the loved ones who gathered around their kitchen table—including friends so close they became family. He adored his grandchildren, holding an especially tender love for “Grandpa’s best buddy,” Owen. He looked forward to being reunited with his beloved Ellen.

Tony lived with humor, faith, stubbornness, generosity, and enormous love. He leaves behind stories that will be told for years, a family strengthened by his devotion, and a legacy of service, kindness, and joy.

Visitation Friday, December 12, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Ave., Norridge, IL. Funeral services begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home, and then proceed to Mary Seat of Wisdom in Park Ridge for mass at 10:30 a.m. The interment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. In lieu of flowers donations to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls at mercyhome.org would be appreciated. For more information call (708)456-8300.