In Memoriam - James F. Fitzgerald

James Fitzgerald 1946 - 2017

Image from 1960 St. Thomas Aquinas class photo

James F. Fitzgerald, "Fitz," age 70, of Schaumburg and formerly of Chicago. Loving husband of Judith (nee Millaney). Devoted father of Lynn (Patrick) McElhone and Clare (Peter Bower). Proud grandfather of Jack, Katherine, Maura and Kevin McElhone. Beloved son of the late Gerald and the late Katherine. Fond brother of the late Robert. Cherished cousin of the Murphys and Brennans. Jim went from his first job cutting grass on the Columbus Park golf course on Chicago's West Side to a successful career in commercial insurance. He was a lover of a round of golf at St. Andrews, an afternoon with the horses at Arlington Park, and fun times with family and friends at Sabatino's, the Wellington, and Palm Court. Note to Jack Hurley: Jack, Thanks for all the lunches-Fitz. 

Memorial visitation Thursday, July 20 at Ahlgrim and Sons Funeral Home, 330 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Family and friends gather for funeral mass Friday, July 21 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Parish, 1001 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. Private interment at St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery at later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to Misericordia (www.misericordia.com) appreciated.

Published in a Chicago Tribune Media Group Publication on July 19, 2017

In Memoriam - Donald A. Rio

Donald Rio, 1946-2019

Donald Anthony Rio was born on May 17, 1946, in Chicago. His parents were Frank and Dora Rio. In the late 60s, Don began dating Patricia Camasto, and they married in 1970. Not long after, he graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Master's degree in psychology.

Mr. Rio had a long and impressive career, caring for people who suffer from mental illness. He also taught classes at several universities, and had a private practice in Lombard, IL, The Midwest Counseling Center. At his practice, Mr. Rio worked as a drug and alcohol counselor, and also a marriage counselor. Later in his career he wrote a psychology book titled, *Fire in the Heart*.

Don was a well respected member of his community and was an inspiration for many people. He loved to laugh and make people laugh. Don had a big heart; he was always there if you needed him. Positive thinking and passion for life were his trademarks.

Source: Online - https://everloved.com/life-of/donald-rio/obituary/

1968 Class 50th Reunion

Thanks to Diane Callahan Mastny for posting the great photos from STA's 1968 50th Reunion at Hackney's earlier this month.

Also, a Memorial Mass will be said for those 1968 STA graduates who are no longer with us.  A "Remembrance" Mass is planned on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at Old St. Pat's Church at Des Plaines and Adams at 11:00 a.m.  Plan to attend.

Thanks, again, Diane for sharing the information on your 50th reunion gathering.

Founding of STA Mother's Club, 1935

Thanks to Dan Carr, class of 1960, for spotting this article on the front page of the December 26, 1935 Garfieldian newspaper. He was actually researching information on his Grandmother whose obituary also appears on the front page of this paper. You never know where you will find information!

Thanks, Dan!

Mural Behind Altar - Updated January 2, 2019

c1990 prior to becoming St. Martin de Porres

This photo of the mural behind the altar at St. Thomas Aquinas Church was provided by Patrick T. Reardon, Class of 1963. The mural was a copy of The Apotheosis [glorification] of St. Thomas Aquinas by the Spanish Renaissance master, Zurbaran.

It seems since the Church was re-dedicated to St. Martin de Porres in February 1992, it didn't make much sense to have the huge mural to St. Thomas Aquinas behind the altar.

Pictured above is Rev. Thomas Libera, Pastor c1988-c1995.  Thanks to Barbara Vina for identifying him.

Pat, thanks for sharing the photo.

Additional information on the painting behind the altar. Patrick Reardon posted on Facebook on January 2, 2014 (and re-posted on January 2, 2019) the following:

"At St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Austin on Chicago's Far West Side, there was a painting behind the altar that was modeled on one by a somewhat famous Spaniard, Francisco Zubaran. Here is Zubaran's image on the left and the STA image on the right. BTW, to curry favor with the pastor, Msgr. William Long, the painter put Long's face on the guy in front of the group on the left in the lowest level. He also painted Long's face as St. William in another part of the church."

Thanks Patrick for sharing the additional information.

1936 Graduation Booklet 1 of 2

Another wonderful booklet from the past of St. Thomas Aquinas. More than 80 years ago, the graduates of 1936 were pictured in this graduation booklet. Thank you to Marilyn Segerson (Class of 1968) for the document and to Bill Pappas (Class of 1968) for sending the scanned copy. To enlarge, double click on image.

 Continued on next blog post.

1936 Graduation Booklet 2 of 2

1936 Graduation Booklet Continued from previous post.

Thank you Marilyn Segerson and Bill Pappas for continuing to build our past!