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BORN
1944
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
649 E. 162nd St.
South Holland, Illinois
Rev. Anthony Talarico Obituary
Click here to view Rev. Anthony Talarico's Prayer Service
Archdiocesan Priest, Rev. Anthony M. Talarico
Talarico was former pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in South Holland, Ill.
Chicago, IL (May 4, 2020) – Rev. Anthony M. Talarico, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and former pastor of Holy Ghost Parish in South Holland, IL., passed away peacefully Thursday, April 30, 2020, at the age of 75. Talarico passed just short of the 50th Jubilee of his ordination.
Talarico was born on Aug. 9, 1944, in Chicago. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, IL.
Talarico was ordained to the priesthood on May 13, 1970 by Cardinal John Patrick Cody, and he celebrated his first solemn Mass on May 16, 1970 at St. Clare of Montefalco in Chicago.
After ordination, Talarico was assistant pastor at the following parishes: St. Priscilla Parish on Addison Street in Chicago and Immaculate Conception Parish in Highland Park, IL. He also served as chaplain at Columbus Hospital in Chicago.
He then served as pastor at St. Aloysius Parish on Le Moyne Street and Holy Rosary Parish on Western Avenue, both in Chicago, and Holy Ghost Parish in South Holland, IL. He also served as an administrator at Cardinal Stritch Retreat House in Mundelein, IL. and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish on Spaulding Avenue in Chicago. He retired from the priesthood in 2018, where he continued to reside at the Holy Ghost Parish rectory.
Fr. William Veith, a part-time chaplain at AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, IL., had known Talarico since their time at Quigley Preparatory Seminary. “He was someone who had a wonderful sense of humor and a spirit of life.” Veith added that he “always treated others as individuals worthy of respect.”
Earl Frye remembers his former classmate as a loyal churchman and friend who “related well to people with his humor.” Frye added that he was multi-lingual, speaking English, Latin, German Spanish, and Italian. “He was also an avid Chicago White Sox and Blackhawks fan,” recalls Frye, and that he regularly played baseball, hockey, golf, and tennis as a seminarian and priest.
Roman Szabelski, former Executive Director of Catholic Cemeteries, remembers his friend “as a loving pastor who was always concerned for his parishioners.” Talarico cared for Roman’s brother, Fr. Joe Szabelski, who passed away three years ago and suffered from chronic health issues. “The same gentle kindness Fr. Tony showed his parishioners was the same gentle kindness that was applied to my brother.” Roman Szabelski also recalled how Talarico cared for a three-legged Irish wolfhound named Finn. “Whenever the shelter had a dog, they would always call Fr. Tony to adopt it. I guess he was always willing to take care of the abandoned.”
Talarico has been taken to Smits Funeral Home, 649 E. 162nd Street in South Holland, IL. The memorial Mass will be set at a future date.
Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Evergreen Park, IL.
Contact:
Max Rosner
Archdiocese of Chicago
312.434.7133
Memories and Condolences
for Rev. Anthony Talarico
John Cherry Jr
July 16, 2020
Father Tony was a wonderful family friend when my family lived in Highland Park. We kept in touch over the years and he helped bury my sister and my father. Father Tony gave my mother the sacrament of healing just before her passing last December. I will miss his gentle style and his awesome sense of humor! Rest in happiness, joy and peace. John
Lynn Darrah
May 19, 2020
I met Father T when my cooperative rented offices in Holy Ghost years ago. I got to know Father (and Libby and Finn) from our conversations when I'd come in and out of the building. When our office was moved, I traveled to many schools all around South Holland, so I continued to stop and have lunch with Father and Mrs. Marilyn Lanigan. Father remembered everything I ever told him. My husband and both my girls loved Father Talarico. We had him over for dinner or met up for lunch when we had the chance. They looked forward to our meetings almost as much as I did. I will always treasure our conversations about travel and the White Sox over good meals. He will be so missed.
Pat Tucker
May 12, 2020
Father Talarico was a long time family friend who we had the Privledge of knowing since meeting him at St Pricillas parish. He was always willing to share in family weddings funerals marriage renewals and family gatherings. He will be terribly missed and am blessed to have known him for so many years. always
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Linda Lucatorto
May 12, 2020
Father Anthony and I met, as children, when our parents/families became acquainted, living in the St. Clare of Montefalco parish area. Our families became very close and his Mom, "Auntie Ange" was my sponsor (Godmother, as Italians refer to them) for my Confirmation. I was present at his first mass at out parish, St. Clare.
As children we played together in my backyard....yes baseball, for sure. He was a real sports fan! Since I was the young one, I just ran to get the balls hit over the fence. They would occasionally appease me and let me bat! Anthony's older brother, Richard, was my brother's best friend and was my brother's best man at his wedding. Father Anthony officiated at my mixed marriage wedding, in 1974, along with Rabbi Daniel Daniel Friedman. Yes, Anthony was intelligent, warm, kind, friendly, devoted to family and God....and maintained a wonderful sense of humor. We had lost contact and I haven't seen him since he officiated at my cousin's wedding.....perhaps 15 years ago. I have nothing but fond memories of him and his wonderful family. He has returned "home" to God....and all is loved ones.
Susie LeClercq
May 11, 2020
It would take thousands of year to re-creat all of the wonderfully beautiful fun time we share over the past 44 years.
Know you are "home" with all those that greeted you with hugs...Sleep well with the angels my beloved friend.
Dan Troy
May 11, 2020
May Fr. Anthony have eternal light.
Deacon Dan and Mary Anne Troy
joseph zavislak
May 10, 2020
Fr Tony you were a classmate at QPS North then South. You were a pal. You officiated at our weeding at Mary Seat of Wisdom along with John Cusick. When the fortieth anniversary was held in 2010 I looked forward to seeing you. Yo did not show. Gosh I wish you would have joined us. I had a mass said for you at the Basilica on the campus at Notre Dame. I doubt you will need more blessings. You were one of many at QPS that I honored. You were a great pal joe zavislak
Ursula Konkol
May 5, 2020
God rest your soul, Father
Fr. joe colletti
May 5, 2020
ETERNAL REST FATHER as you celebrate
your GOLDEN JUBILEE with God.
Frank Donato
May 5, 2020
Rest Father Anthony
Paula Farier
May 4, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Madeleine Yonker
May 4, 2020
Father was a friend to all at Holy Ghost parish. He was a real tell it like it is type priest. He was quick to laugh and ready with a good comeback. He was there for me in good times and sad times, officiating at family funerals. His memory will always be with the people of Holy Ghost. Rest In Peace, Father. Your work is done.
Shirley Kaczala
May 4, 2020
He was a wonderful priest and a wonderful spiritual leader. He was always interested in everyones family and will be greatly missed.
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