John (Seaghán) Enda Folan (July 6, 1936, to June 17, 2026)

John (Seaghán) Enda Folan (July 6, 1936, to June 17, 2026)
John (Seaghán) Enda Folan passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 17th surrounded by the love and
respect of family and friends whose lives he enriched through his generosity, courage, wit, and unwavering
loyalty. Born in Spiddal (An Spidéal), County Galway, Ireland, Seaghán maintained a lifelong devotion to his
birthplace and to the Irish language. He delighted in speaking Irish (Gaelic) and often longed to return to the
landscapes of west Ireland that shaped his sensibilities and remained close to his heart throughout his life.
In 1952, at the age of 16, Seaghán left Ireland and embarked on an extraordinary journey that reflected the
curiosity, courage, and determination that defined him. Working as an industrial laborer in England, Australia,
New Zealand, and Canada, he arrived to the United States in 1962. His life provides testament to the values
of perseverance, self-reliance, and opportunity that results from hard work.

A proud and distinguished United States Army Veteran, Seaghán built a professional career in transportation
after discharge from military service. He spent the last thirty-eight years of his career as a driver for the
Regional Transit Authority (RTA/PACE). While with the RTA/PACE, he was elected president of the Chicago
Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) (AFL-CIO Local 1028), advocating tirelessly for the workers he
represented from 1993 to 2005. Prior to his responsibilities with the RTA and ATU, he was a driver with the
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), Continental Trailways, and C&H Sugar as an Interstate Freight Hauler.
Demonstrating the same determination that characterized every aspect of his life, he earned his Certified
Public Accountant (CPA) designation in 1984, attending Northeastern Illinois University at night while working
split shifts with the RTA.

Seaghán possessed an unrivaled work ethic. He approached every endeavor with discipline and purpose.
His years as an Interstate Freight Hauler cultivated a profound appreciation for the American landscape and
an encyclopedic knowledge of its geography, roads, towns, and terrain. He was equally devoted to classical
music. Gifted with an extraordinary ear, Seaghán could identify conductors, orchestras, and interpretations
within moments of listening. His knowledge of musical history was expansive, and conversations about music
revealed both his intellect and his enduring curiosity.

Those who knew Seaghán will remember a man of uncommon character. Kind and generous with everyone
he met, he was courageous and seemingly fearless in confronting life's challenges. His quick wit was
appreciated by many, and his loyalty as a friend never wavered. He possessed a wanderlust that never fully
left him; he might arrive at your doorstep unannounced, ready for conversation, and depart just as
unexpectedly for other adventures. A master of language and precise in his choice of words, he possessed
an uncommon ability to strip away ambiguity and reveal the essential truth of a matter. His observations were
often direct, insightful, delivered with intelligence, humorous – and most certainly memorable.
Above all, Seaghán was a loving and immensely proud grandfather. Nothing brought him greater joy than his
family. He is survived by his son, John/Seaghánáin; daughter-in-law, Patricia; and grandsons, Sean and
Dylan. He was preceded in death by his father Seaghánáin, mother Elizabeth/Eilís, brothers Eddie/Éadbhard
(Kathleen), Bernie/Bearnárd (Maura), Tommie/Tomáis/Mác (Ili), and Patrick/Pádraic, sister Mary/Máire,
nephew Ian, and former wife Ann Marie (1967-1976).

Seaghán's life was one of curiosity, movement, service, and conviction. From Connemara to the highways of
North America and streets of Chicago, he carried with him a deep love of people, place, language, and
learning. He will be remembered with affection, gratitude, and admiration by all who knew him. A Memorial
Service will be held to honor his life at St. Viator Catholic Church located at 4170 W. Addison Street, Chicago,
IL 60641 on July 11, 2026 at 2:00pm. An Irish celebration of life will follow. To honor John/Seaghán's memory,
the family invites donations to The Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org) in
lieu of flowers. This cause was important to John/Seaghán and will continue his legacy of service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cremations Only LLC.