By Trevor Jensen
Taylor John, son of former White Sox pitcher Tommy John and an accomplished singer who performed on Broadway as a boy and sang with choirs at two north suburban churches, died Tuesday morning.
Mr. John, 28, had struggled with depression for several years, said his sister, Tamara Mannelly. He died as the result of a seizure and heart failure due to an overdose of prescription drugs, she said.
Taylor John, son of former White Sox pitcher Tommy John and an accomplished singer who performed on Broadway as a boy and sang with choirs at two north suburban churches, died Tuesday morning.
Mr. John, 28, had struggled with depression for several years, said his sister, Tamara Mannelly. He died as the result of a seizure and heart failure due to an overdose of prescription drugs, she said.
He was taken from Mannelly's home in Libertyville, where he also lived,
to Skokie Hospital. An autopsy is pending, according to the Cook County
medical examiner's office.
Mr. John had been a teacher's assistant at Deerpath Middle School in Lake Forest for about two-and-a-half years, said the school's principal, John Steinert. He also worked with children during the summers at the Lake Bluff Park District, his sister said.
"He was a tremendous staff member, (had) really wonderful and profound relationships with staff and with kids," said Steinert, who recalled Mr. John shooting baskets with students at the school.
Mr. John was a choir member and soloist at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lake Forest, said Jennifer Boldry, the church's business manager. He also sang at Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest.
Tommy John pitched for several major-league teams, including the White Sox. The winner of 288 games, he also is well known for coming back to pitch from the elbow surgery that is now commonly referred to as "Tommy John surgery."
Growing up, Mr. John moved frequently as the family followed his father's career. As a boy, he sang in "Les Miserables" on Broadway and in a national tour.
He graduated from Queens College in Charlotte, N.C., with a degree in communications in 2006 and moved to the Chicago area not long afterward, his sister said.
In addition to performing several times at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., Mr. John recorded a version of the national anthem that was made available to leagues across the country.
In addition to his father and sister, Mr. John is survived by his mother, Sally; and two brothers, Tommy III and Travis. Bears long snapper Patrick Mannelly is his brother-in-law.
Visitation is set for 1 p.m., with services at 2 p.m., on Saturday, March 13, at St. Patrick's, 991 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest.
Mr. John had been a teacher's assistant at Deerpath Middle School in Lake Forest for about two-and-a-half years, said the school's principal, John Steinert. He also worked with children during the summers at the Lake Bluff Park District, his sister said.
"He was a tremendous staff member, (had) really wonderful and profound relationships with staff and with kids," said Steinert, who recalled Mr. John shooting baskets with students at the school.
Mr. John was a choir member and soloist at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lake Forest, said Jennifer Boldry, the church's business manager. He also sang at Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest.
Tommy John pitched for several major-league teams, including the White Sox. The winner of 288 games, he also is well known for coming back to pitch from the elbow surgery that is now commonly referred to as "Tommy John surgery."
Growing up, Mr. John moved frequently as the family followed his father's career. As a boy, he sang in "Les Miserables" on Broadway and in a national tour.
He graduated from Queens College in Charlotte, N.C., with a degree in communications in 2006 and moved to the Chicago area not long afterward, his sister said.
In addition to performing several times at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., Mr. John recorded a version of the national anthem that was made available to leagues across the country.
In addition to his father and sister, Mr. John is survived by his mother, Sally; and two brothers, Tommy III and Travis. Bears long snapper Patrick Mannelly is his brother-in-law.
Visitation is set for 1 p.m., with services at 2 p.m., on Saturday, March 13, at St. Patrick's, 991 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest.
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Mr.John was really kind and always in a happy mood. He always had something nice to say and when ever someone was sad he always tried to cheer them up. His death was a tragedy but i will always remember him because he was the best teacher and the nicest guy i have ever met.
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Mr. John was a great person, and didnt deserve to die. He always ate healthy, and had a great attitude. My whole school is so sad, and most have been crying alot. (including me) No person could ever replace him, he was different, and a joy. No one at school could imagine he had depression, because he always had a smile on his face. It was really funny because he would always sing, or eat an apple. ( or broccoli) I still cant get over the fact that he wont be back at school ever again. RIP
Mr.John was my teacher to he was one of the best teachers i have never had. he made school so much better. he was a great person to no. he made school fun to go to and i very sad to have im go. R.I.P Mr.John you were the best
Mr. John was my techer for the past two years and he was the best man I ever met. He was every ones favorite teacher. Even though that school sucked seeing him would make your day better. He was a easy person to talk to and was someone that you could talk to about almost anything. He was a really good guy that worked with a autisic kid. After hearing that he died I just hoped that it was a bad joke that someone started, but then I saw one of my teachers and asked her and she told me. I hope he rests in peace.