Rev. John F. Toomey, O.S.A. (1912-1989)
Rev. John F. Toomey, O.S.A. entered eternal life on September 10, 1989.
John Francis Toomey was born on August 22, 1912 in Lawrence, Massachusetts to John J. and Margaret E. (Cronin) Toomey. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary Catholic Church, Lawrence.
In 1930, John earned his high school diploma at St. John Prep School, Danvers, Massachusetts. He then entered the Augustinian program of formation at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, where he did a year of post-graduate studies. On September 12, 1931, he was received into the Augustinian Novitiate. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine on September 13, 1932 and solemn (permanent) vows on September 13, 1935.
John received a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1936. He was then sent to Rome for theological studies. During this time, he lived at St. Monica College while studying at the Gregorian University. He was ordained a priest on July 9, 1939 in Rome. Upon receiving his S.T.L. from the Gregorian in 1940, he immediately left the city before the outbreak of World War II.
After returning to the United States, Father Toomey was assigned as a teacher to St. Rita High School, Chicago. When the new Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel was formed in 1941, he was affiliated to that Province. That same year saw the opening of St. Monica Minor Seminary, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where he was assigned as a teacher and Prefect of Studies. The minor seminary program moved in 1949 to St. Augustine Seminary, Holland, Michigan, and he relocated there. It was in 1949 that he was also elected to serve as Secretary of the Province.
In 1960, Father Toomey was transferred to Tolentine College, Olympia Fields, Illinois, where he taught and served as Regent of Studies. He remained there until 1965, when he was named Pastor of St. Augustine Parish, Detroit, Michigan. He then served as Prior (local superior) of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields, from 1968 to 1971. Father Toomey returned to parish ministry in 1971 as Pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Chicago, Illinois. In 1977, he served as Associate Pastor at St. Rita Parish, Chicago, as well as Prior of the Augustinian community there.
Health problems caused Father Toomey to be transferred to St. Rita Monastery, Chicago, in 1989. He died there of cancer on September 10, 1989. He was 77 years old.
Father Toomey 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.
