Longtime South Suburbs Band Director Patrick 'PJ' Henning Dies at 77

Henning led school bands at Queen of Peace, St. Laurence and Brother Rice high schools for over four decades.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Patrick 'PJ' Henning, a longtime band director and music teacher in the Chicago and south suburban area, died at the age of 77 from complications related to cancer. Henning taught high school and grade school students and led school bands for 46 years, following in the footsteps of his father Leo, who also taught music and led bands at several Catholic schools.

Why it matters

Henning was known for pushing his students to reach their full musical potential, creating a 'band family' atmosphere, and instilling values like hard work, perseverance, and teamwork. His bands were highly decorated, winning numerous awards over the decades. Henning's passing marks the end of an era for music education in the south suburbs.

The details

Henning taught at Queen of Peace, St. Laurence, and Brother Rice high schools, often working alongside his father Leo. He specialized in teaching lower brass instruments but could play and teach all instruments. Henning took over his father's music instruction duties at parochial grade schools in 1968 and expanded the number of schools he served. Despite the male-only policies at some of the high schools, Henning's bands were coed, with female students from nearby girls' schools joining to form joint bands.

  • Henning began teaching at Queen of Peace, St. Laurence, and Brother Rice high schools in the late 1960s.
  • In 1968, Henning took over his father's music instruction duties at parochial grade schools.
  • Henning retired from teaching in 2015, but continued to run an annual grade school solo concert at St. Laurence and occasionally guest conduct.
  • Henning died on January 20, 2026 at his home in Indian Head Park, Illinois.

The players

Patrick 'PJ' Henning

A longtime band director and music teacher in the Chicago and south suburban area who taught high school and grade school students and led school bands for 46 years.

Leo Henning

Patrick Henning's father, who also taught music part-time and led bands at Leo High School, Brother Rice High School, and St. Laurence High School for many years.

Lisa Arito-Pusatera

A former student of Henning's at Queen of Peace High School who was later hired by him to oversee the color guard and create routines at Queen of Peace and St. Laurence High School.

Rich Daniels

The musical director of Chicago's City Lights Orchestra, who met Henning and his father in 1974 when he began his freshman year at Brother Rice High School.

Susan Henning

Patrick Henning's wife of 54 years.

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What they’re saying

“There are myriads of people who have chosen to become musicians, band directors and teachers because of the influence and impact PJ had on our journey.”

— Lisa Arito-Pusatera, Former student and employee (chicagotribune.com)

“PJ created a 'band family' where everyone felt they were a part of this wonderful community. He … built confidence and character in his students. The word 'can't' was just never part of his vocabulary. He saw potential in every student and pushed them to achieve things that did not seem possible.”

— Lisa Arito-Pusatera, Former student and employee (chicagotribune.com)

“In my business, the music industry, one of the highest compliments we can pay someone is to say they are musical. That means that they were born with an innate quality that you can't teach but that allows them to convey and understand music on a very high level. PJ was very musical. And I recall him pushing me at an early age to go beyond where I was at musically and reach for greater development.”

— Rich Daniels, Musical director, City Lights Orchestra (chicagotribune.com)

The takeaway

Henning's legacy as a dedicated and demanding band director who pushed his students to excel will continue to inspire generations of musicians, educators, and community members in the south suburbs of Chicago. His unwavering commitment to music education and building strong 'band families' left an indelible mark on the lives of countless students over his 46-year career.