Rev. Dennis J. Geaney, O.S.A. (1914-1992)
Rev. Dennis J. Geaney, O.S.A. entered eternal life on November 23, 1992.
Dennis Joseph Geaney was born on August 2, 1914 in Boston, Massachusetts to Michael D. and Julia K. Geaney. He was baptized on August 16, 1914 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, South Boston, Massachusetts. He earned a diploma in 1931 from the High School of Commerce, Boston.
Dennis was received into the Augustinian Novitiate on September 9, 1935. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine on September 10, 1936 and solemn (permanent) vows on September 10, 1939. Following profession of vows, Dennis undertook collegiate studies at Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, earning a B.A. in 1939.
He pursued theological studies from 1939 to 1943 at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. At the same time, he did graduate studies at Catholic University of America, Washington, earning an M.A. in Accounting in 1943. He was ordained a priest on May 28, 1942.
Upon completion of his studies in 1943, Father Geaney became a member of the new Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Augustinians of the Midwest). He was first assigned to teach at St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois (1943-47), and then at St. Thomas High School, Rockford, Illinois (1947-59).
From 1959 to 1965, Father Geaney was assigned to the Augustinian Mission Band apostolate, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In this ministry, he traveled throughout the United States to preach at parish missions and to lead spiritual retreats.
He was assigned to St. Rita Parish, Chicago, as Associate Pastor in 1965. He was transferred to Augustinian Academy, St. Louis, Missouri, in 1968.
In 1969, Father Geaney returned to Chicago, residing at St. Rita Monastery and teaching at Catholic Theological Union. When St. John Stone Friary was founded as the Province's center for its Theology students, Father Geaney was named its first Prior (local superior).
Faced with increasing health problems, Father Geaney was assigned in 1979 to St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Chicago. During this time, he ministered at St. Victor Parish, Calumet City, Illinois.
Father Geaney died on November 23, 1992 from a disease of the circulatory system at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke Medical Center, Chicago. He was 78.
Father Geaney was vitally interested in the lay movement in the Catholic Church. His work with the laity, particularly in Chicago, will be long remembered. He untiringly promoted Christian social justice as found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
He published ten books and approximately 200 articles. Father Geaney's nationally syndicated columns appeared in many Catholic newspapers. He was a popular speaker, consultant and expert on American parochial life.
He was a member of the Association of Chicago Priests from its inception. He was editor of Upturn, the Association's publication, until his death.
Father Geaney's ministry and life exemplified well the prophetic dimension of the Augustinian charism.
He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
Memorial gifts may be made to: The Midwest Augustinians, 10161 S Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60643-2032 or via our Online Giving Page.
