Rev. Eugene J. Colosimo

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Rev. Eugene J. Colosimo, S.J.

Colosimo, S.J., Rev. Eugene J. In Los Gatos, CA on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, at age 92, after a long illness. He was a Jesuit for 75 years. He was born in Martin's Ferry, Ohio, then the family moved to Los Angeles. He entered the Jesuit Novitiate at Los Gatos when he was just 16 after his junior year at Loyola High School in Los Angeles. He received his high school diploma, from Bellarmine Prep, San Jose, while he was a Jesuit novice. He was ordained to the priesthood in San Francisco in 1943.Gene's lifelong ministry was in high school teaching, especially in mathematics, but also English and religion. His first assignment was to Bellarmine Prep, San Jose, 1945-55; then to Brophy Prep, Phoenix, 1955-60; then to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Santa Barbara, 1960-66, where he served as Associate Pastor while teaching at Bishop Diego Garcia High School; then to Loyola High School, Los Angeles, 1966-93. During the summer months Gene assisted at parishes, including many years of service at St. Leander Parish, San Leandro. Declining health brought him to Sacred Heart Jesuit Center, Los Gatos in 1994 where he resided until his death.Gene was completely dedicated to his teaching as a Jesuit priest. Even while teaching mathematics he never missed an opportunity to insert a "God lesson." He was instrumental, while at Loyola High School, in the introduction of honors programs in mathematics where seniors could take advanced courses at local colleges, and for helping in the introduction of computerization. He had a personal interest in his students and was a great one for keeping in touch with his students and former students, many of whom corresponded with him into his retirement.Gene was a unique character. His "old world" appearance with cassock, biretta and rather stern aspect, combined with a challenging, modern academic mind, made him somewhat of an enigma with students meeting him for the first time. Yet, his very warm and understanding heart and his deep faith in God's abiding presence in all aspects of the human condition made the lasting impression. He loved food and his Jesuit brothers guessed that, in another life, Gene would have run a first class restaurant. The dinners that he prepared were auctioned off at Loyola High School. In retirement the cooking channels were often on in his room. If someone were to come by to take him out for a meal, he was not at a loss to suggest a restaurant. He was not given to an overly optimistic view of life. Once at Loyola High when, after a long spell of bad weather, a brother Jesuit remarked on the beauty and freshness of a particular day, Gene was quick to point to a wisp of a cloud on the horizon. He also had a very wry sense of humor. When choosing cremation for his burial he stated that perhaps this more simple method would help him achieve a level of poverty in his death that had somewhat eluded him during his life.Fr. Colosimo will be greatly missed by his family, his former students and his Jesuit brothers. He is survived by his sister, Helen Currigan, his brothers, Leonard and Duane, and his sister-in-law, Rina. Vigil: 7:30 PM, Wednesday, May 3, Mass of the Resurrection: 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 4, both at Sacred Heart Jesuit Center, Los Gatos. Committal will follow at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, Santa Clara.