Remembering Michael J. Hennessy Sr

Michael J. Hennessy Sr

Oncology Nursing News® regrets to inform our readers that our beloved chairman and founder of MJH Life Sciences®, Michael J. Hennessy Sr, has passed away. Hennessy was a fierce supporter of oncology nurses and was devoted to improving the lives of patients with cancer.

Hennessy spent his career turning his passion for building businesses and creating jobs into a run of successful ventures and brands. Following his graduation from Rider University in 1982, he started his career in medical publishing as a sales trainee, eventually advancing to the position of chief operating officer. In 1986, Hennessy became chief operating officer of Medical World Business Press, which was part of the launch of medical newspapers and other media products. The company prospered and was eventually sold to a Boston-based venture capital firm.

Hennessy launched Multimedia Healthcare Communications, LLC, in 1993 and built a portfolio of award-winning clinical journals. In 2001, Freedom Communications, Inc, acquired Multimedia Healthcare, about the time that Hennessy was pioneering a new approach to print and digital publishing with Intellisphere®, LLC (now part of MJH Life Sciences®). Guided by the principles of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit and reflecting its founder’s dedication to improving quality of life through health care research and education, Intellisphere® publishes a variety of integrated print and digital products focusing on a range of topics in research and clinical medicine.

Hennessy’s commitment to improving the lives of patients with cancer is deeply rooted within the halls of MJH Life Sciences®. As a complement to the industry-leading OncLive® platform, he developed the Giants of Cancer Care® awards to recognize the leaders and pioneers who often go unrecognized for their contributions to advancing oncology care. He further strengthened his commitment to education by acquiring CURE Media Group in 2014, followed by the purchase of the Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium, in his quest to provide oncology professionals with focused education on innovative cancer therapy.

Later, in 2019, Hennessy elevated his role to chairman while naming his son Mike Hennessy Jr to assume the leadership role of the organization and carry on the family legacy. Under Mike Jr’s leadership, the company enhanced its global potential by entering into a long-term partnership with BDT Capital Partners, LLC, in November 2021.

Because of his broad business and educational experience and understanding of the challenges facing New Jersey, Hennessy’s counsel and insight had been sought out by several organizations including Rider University, where he served on the Board of Trustees and was elected to the executive committee. In addition to being active in state and national politics, Hennessy also had a long record of service at the local level, where he was a strong advocate for veterans and environmental issues.

Hennessy’s true passion was his relationship with his wife, Patrice “Patti” Hennessy. After meeting her in college, Hennessy devoted his life to Patti and his family, raising 4 wonderful children, Shannon, Ashley, Mike Jr, and Chris. Hennessy was Patti’s rock as she bravely battled cancer for almost 10 years until her death in January 2020. Hennessy recently honored Patti by making a donation to Rider University to expand the Science and Technology Center at their alma mater. The Mike and Patti Hennessy Science and Technology Center is set to be completed in 2022.

Hennessy’s legacy and “family first” mantra will live on through his children; their spouses Matt, Phil, Rachel, and Jordan, and his 10 grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and MJH Life Sciences® family.