Joseph Francis Fennessy Jr., 90, passed away at his home in Libby, on April 18, 2007, surrounded by his family. He was born to Joseph Francis Fennessy Sr. and Audie Marie Fennessy in Libby, on June 2, 1916.

After completing high school at the early age of 16, Joe went on to Gonzaga University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1938 and acquired a Bachelor of Law degree in 1940 (which was acknowledged as a Juris Doctorate degree in 1967). He came home to set up a law practice for a brief period before enlisting in the Navy during World War II.

During that short time back in Libby, he met and started courting his future wife, Dorothy Markus, of Whitefish, a graduate of the University of Montana and a biology teacher at Libby High School. Joe married Dorothy on Jan. 21, 1943.

He entered the Navy in June 1942 and served until October 1945, when he was honorably discharged as lieutenant senior grade. During his military tenure, he served on several ships, primarily in the Asiatic Pacific Area.

In the tradition of his father and co-founder of the Bank, J. F. Fennessy Sr., J. F. Fennessy Jr., served on the board of directors of First National Bank in the mid-1960s until his retirement from the board in 1988.

Joe's law practice spanned almost six decades. His semi-retirement years still found him at the office daily, staying in touch with his clients, friends, and family. He kept in contact with events at First National Bank and stayed up on town happenings over a daily cup with his coffee crowd. He loved a good story ... especially an Irish one. Joe will be remembered for many kind things he did for his long and good life ... perhaps especially for his warm and welcoming smile and ready humor.

Joe supported and participated in many civic organizations over the years: St. Joseph's Catholic Church, a charter member of the Libby Council of Knights of Columbus, a founding member of Cabinet View Country Club, a charter member and first exalted ruler of the Libby Elks Lodge. He was also a member of the Libby Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion and held a 60-year pin from the VFW. Joe served on the Lincoln County School Board, and as City Attorney for Eureka, Libby and Troy at different times in his law career. He also served for a time as the Lincoln County Attorney. Joe was an active member of the Montana and Washington State and American Bar Associations.

He is survived by his brother, Thomas, and wife, Gerry; three sons, Mark and his wife Sandy, Michael and his wife Terri, and Matthew; his grandsons, Patrick, Daniel, David and Dustin; granddaughters, Libby, Anna and Sarah; two great-grandchildren, Esmerelda and Michael; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. F. Fennessy Sr., and Audie Marie Fennessy; his dearly loved wife, Dorothy, on July 7, 1988; and his sisters, Margaret Fennessy Swartz and Florence Fennessy Zwang.

There will be a visitation from 1 to 7 p.m. followed by a prayer vigil and rosary at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 23, at the Nelson and Vial Funeral Home. Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. on April 24, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, concelebrated by Father Josef Perehubka and long-time family friend, Father Gregory Burke of Butte. Following interment at the family gravesite, all are invited to gather at the Catholic Parish Hall for food, stories and time with friends.

Memorials may be made to the organizations of the givers' choice. Joe supported St. Joseph Catholic Parish, Gonzaga Law School, the Knights of Columbus, Shriners Children's Hospital in Spokane and many more charities.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nelson and Vial Funeral Home in Libby.