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John J. Hardy, Cmdr., USNR – May 26, 1922 – February 3, 2021

“Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, put out my hand, and touched the face of God!”


 
John J Hardy, age 98, of Burr Ridge, Illinois, and WWII veteran of 23 years passed away Wednesday February 3, 2021 from complications with pneumonia. John was a veteran who served in both the Active and Navy Reserve. As a Navy pilot he was carrier qualified and led multiple air reconnaissance missions during his deployment in the Pacific Theater. Beloved husband of the late Marjorie D. Hardy of 66 years, loving father of Christine (Jeffrey) Atwell, Brian Hardy and Mark (Mary Beth) Hardy. Cherished Grandfather of 9; Great Grandfather of 15. He was a graduate of Loyola University, Los Angeles, and a devout Catholic. John had no siblings. He was raised by his mother, Rose, who passed away in 1965.
John was born in Chicago, May 26th, 1922. At age 3, he moved with his mother to Nebraska where they lived with his three aunts while completing his primary school education. He would then go on to attend Robert Bellarmine Prep School in Santa Clara, CA, before enrolling at Loyola University Los Angeles. After graduating from Loyola, he began his tour of duty with the U.S. Navy. Wedding bells followed on August 27th, 1949. John would relocate with his family to Hinsdale, IL, in the summer of 1964. He worked as an Aviation Claims Adjuster for 23 years at a prominent Chicago Law Firm. His passions included airplanes, baseball, music, and dogs. For a few years he assisted his son Brian as a Little League Coach in Burr Ridge. Regarded by many as a generous man of principle, John was also young at heart with a congenial personality, and a consistent instrument of peace. To those who knew him, John had become the example of what every man can be. He was the ‘possibility’. And we are forever grateful!

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Location Information

ILALNE - Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
20953 West Hoff Road
Elwood, IL 60421, United States
Click here for the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Page

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December 13, 2025 at 11:00 am (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony)

Gerri Eck, Dan Schliffka

Directions to Cemetery

Navigation systems do an adequate job finding the cemetery. When you arrive, please follow the people and signs to the site of the ceremony itself.

Parking Instructions

Parking: Important please read.

There is limited parking at the cemetery.

Please park at one of the offsite parking areas below. We will have 8 buses making rounds bringing people in and out.

Allied Landscaping - 3197 S Chicago St

Joliet, IL. 60436

or Bissell - 20200 Ira Morgan St 

Elwood IL. 60421

Please arrive between 8:30 to 10:30am




Ceremony and Volunteer Information

We are happy that you are willing to help with our Wreath Across America ceremony at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Please do not forget to register to volunteer! That way you will get all updates about the cemetery itself.

Here are some things to remember about the ceremony:

  • Everyone of all ages and backgrounds is welcome.
  • Please help ensure that all participants get the opportunity to place a wreath.
  • Please follow the location coordinators instructions on where to place wreaths, as well as "how" they should be placed.
  • We especially appreciate volunteers willing to help clean-up. Please check in with the location coordinator if you are interested in helping with the clean-up.

The most important thing to remember is to have a wonderful experience participating in the ceremony and thank you so much for help Wreaths achieve our mission to remember, honor and teach.

Our Locations

ILALNE - Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery

Welcome to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery  thank you deeply for helping us with our goal to honor as many veterans as possible on Wreaths Across America Day, December 13, 2025 at 11:00 am (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony). Please click "View" to learn more about our effort or to volunteer to help or click "Sponsor" to purchase wreaths that will be laid on the graves of our fallen heroes by our loyal volunteers.

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