Updated December 17 at 11:28 a.m. with wake and funeral information.
Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Father Daniel O'Sullivan, pastor of St. Irenaeus Church in Park Forest, died peacefully at 5:00 p.m. today at St. James Hospice in Chicago Heights.
O'Sullivan has been undergoing treatment for cancer for some time. He was 72.
A long-time supporter of PADS, O'Sullivan was "very upset" that he was not able to do his regular 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. shift at the St. Irenaeus PADS site, according to parishioner Anthony Mielcarz.
"Feelings were that this is it and as usual in HIS hands," Mielcarz said.
Mrs. Joyce Hempen was visiting with Fr. O'Sullivan late Sunday night in his room at St. James. She recalled Fr. O'Sullivan telling those present at a recent 8:00 a.m. weekday liturgy that when his time came, he wanted to say, "Lord, I just want to thank you for the wonderful life that I've had.
The arrangements for Fr. O'Sullivan are as follows:
N.B. The wake will be on Friday December 19, from 1-9 p.m. at St. Irenaeus Church, 78 Cherry Street, Park Forest. There will be wake again on Saturday, December 20, from 9-10:30 a.m. at St. Irenaeus, with the funeral mass beginning at 10:30 a.m. Persons with any questions may contact the rectory at 708-748-6891.
Editor's Note: Fr. Dan died at almost 5:00 p.m. exactly. His brother Jerry and his wife were in the room, as well as parishioners and myself. His breathing was rough when I arrived, and slowed as we spoke with him and each other. Shortly before 5:00 p.m. we noticed that his breathing had slowed considerably. His brother told him, "Dan, go and be with mom!" Shortly after that, he breathed his last.
Readers are invited to login and share their thoughts and memories of Fr. O'Sullivan below.
More photographs of Fr. Dan can be found here: September 11th Memorial Service and here at the St. Irenaeus Photo Gallery.
Fr. Daniel O'Sullivan (center) with (left to right) Deputy Chief Mike McNamara,
Police Chief Thomas Fleming, and Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Ziegle. (Photo:
Wendy Heise)
Comments
Most of all, Father O'Sullivan rejoiced in humanity: St. Irenaeus' statement that "Humankind, fully alive is God truly glorified" might well have come from Father O'Sullivan's own pen, so fully did he live it.
To say that he will be missed is a gross understatement. May his memory be a blessing and a joy to all of us, and may his soul find peace.
Mark L. Russakoff
-Former Director of Music Ministries
St. Irenaeus Church