Rev. Joseph Francis McDonnell
Rev. Joseph Francis McDonnell, 88, retired Pastor of St. John of the Cross Parish, Western Springs. Beloved son of the late Joseph & Helen. Loving brother of the late James (Mary Lu) McDonnell, the late Jack McDonnell and the late Helen Curtin. Dear cousin of John McAndrews. Devoted uncle and great-uncle of many. Father McDonnell served at Our Lady of the Angels Parish, St. Rene Goupil Parish, Our Lady of Grace Parish, all in Chicago and St. Beatrice Parish in Schiller Park. He also served as Chaplain of Cook County Jail. Visitation 3 to 8pm Thursday, June 16, 2016 at St. John of the Cross, 51st St. & Wolf Rd., Western Springs. Additional visitation 9:30am until time of prayers 10:45am Friday, June 17, 2016 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside to St. John of the Cross Church for Mass of the Resurrection 11:15am. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. John of the Cross Teacher’s Recognition Trust Fund appreciated. Funeral info 708/352-6500 or www.hjfunerals.com
My condolences to the family. Fr. Joe was an amazing priest. I always said if you looked at the definition of priest in the dictionary, his picture would be there! When he called the children to sit near him during Mass, it was always a great moment and always had the fear that the candles or something else would be a casualty! Last saw him at Christmas Eve mass this past year and he was wonderful as usual. May he rest in peace.
God Bless Father McDonnell, I remember Father from Our Lady of the Angels Parish back in 1957 (Football Days) and of course the terrible fire in 1958. He was truly a good Catholic Priest.