Our History

John J. Hinnegan

Keeping the old flavor and feel of classic architecture is what had made Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home a long lasting tradition in the City of Chatham.

Established in 1904 by John J. Hinnegan the original location was on the corner of Fourth and Llewellyn Streets

Brady Hinnegan

in Chatham. In 1932, Hinnegan moved his place of business to the former estate home of Duncan MacLachlan, at its present location on William Street.

Mr. MacLachlan, owner of the Canada Business College, built his mansion in the late 1870’s. The most renowned person to have attended the College was the famous Canadian Painter Thomas Thomson of the "Group of Seven" in 1901.

A related story is that his son, Kenneth Duncan MacLachlan (aka: Kenne Duncan) an aspiring Hollywood actor, who appeared in over 200 films, mostly early Westerns, in town visiting his family, had with him a friend, also a struggling young actor who, before he left, carved his name in one of the wooden joists in the basement. His name was Gary Cooper.

Tom and Nancy Peseski

In 1945, T. Brady Hinnegan took over and added substantially to the structure over the years. In December of 1986, Thomas E. Peseski, having been employed for 24 years, purchased the business. 

Tom's sons joined the firm, Ron in 1989 and Dan in 1996. Then in 2009 Tom and his wife Nancy retired and the boys now own and manage the business.

Dan, Tom and Ron Peseski