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Father Eamon J. Tobin

1947 - 2021

Father Eamon J. Tobin obituary, 1947-2021, Melbourne, FL

BORN

1947

DIED

2021

Father Eamon Tobin Obituary

Born May 21, 1947, in Dublin to Edward and Johanna Tobin, he was one of five children. He was raised and attended school in Killahy, Tullaroan, County Kilkenny. He attended St. Kiernan's College Seminary, Kilkenny, and was ordained for the Diocese of Orlando June 11, 1972.

Father Tobin's first assignment was associate pastor at St. James in Orlando (1973-1975), followed by St. Teresa Parish, Titusville (1975-1980). He also served at St. Joseph in Winter Haven (1980-1983); St. Mary Magdalen in Altamonte Springs (1983-1986); as pastor of Our Saviour in Cocoa Beach (1986-2001); and finally as pastor of Ascension Parish (2001-2021.)

Appointed Diocesan Coordinator for the Charismatic Renewal movement by Bishop Thomas Grady in 1975, Father Tobin served in this role until 1987.

Instrumental in encouraging the spiritual growth and prayer life of Catholics throughout the diocese, he presented numerous programs and retreats over the years on these topics.

Father Tobin remained active and engaged in the welfare of parishioners of all ages throughout his priesthood, and to the people of God everywhere. He maintained outreach programs to the poor, sick, bereaved, and was active in inviting non-practicing Catholics back to Mass. He was dedicated to respecting the life of the unborn.

Father Tobin was a prolific writer and authored books, articles and commentaries on topics close to his heart: prayer, forgiveness, the Sacraments, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Sunday Mass readings, the rosary, death, fear and guilt.

In celebrating his 25th jubilee year of priestly life in 1997, Father Tobin said the priesthood, "has been a wonderful opportunity to touch people's lives. The parish priest is privileged to be a positive, sacred presence when a child or adult is Baptized, receives First Communion, Reconciliation and Confirmation, is sick, dying or celebrating Matrimony or special anniversaries. Other times, and especially on Sundays, we have a unique opportunity to share God's word and wisdom with thousands of people. I am very grateful to have been called to such a noble profession."

More information on funeral arrangements will be forthcoming in the next week.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Published by Florida Catholic from Jan. 6 to Jan. 31, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Father Eamon Tobin

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22 Entries

A. Metz

January 26, 2023

I never knew Fr. Tobin in life, but found comfort in his writing on grief work after the passing of my father. His community was blessed to have this thoughtful and beautiful soul as their spiritual guide and he continues to leave a lasting impact through his prolific writings. Thank you, Fr. Tobin.

John Emmett Roberson

May 14, 2021

My Father passed away in January, 1982 and though he was not raised Roman Catholic, my mother, who was a member of St Joseph's at the time had a mass said. And I out of honor for my father, even though, I often disagreed with the worldly aspects of Roman Catholicism, Father Tobin, just had to mention one point, that, one other died at 33 years old, and at that time my father passed, I also was 33 years old. And, As I reflect on the Dead in Christ, from 1st Kings. He, Who served in Hebron for 7 years and for 33 years in Jerusalem , and grew to Know, The Lord is My Sheppard. I Shall Not Want.

Tess Rago

May 1, 2021

Oh, Father Tobin was the best priest I have ever known! I went to a small group of women he put together at Church of our Savior, it was such a wonderful experience. Also was at his Silver Jubilee there in 1997 . Surly he is in Heaven but will definitely miss on earth! He was a tremendously blessing in my life! And know he will be missed by so many! Grateful for knowing him!

Clifton Grindles

April 9, 2021

Fr. Tobin help me discover my Christianity in a time when I was so lost

PATRICIA CULLEN

February 21, 2021

FATHER TOBIN WAS A VERY KIND AND COMPASSIONATE MAN WHO HAD AN OUTSTANDING EFFECT ON MY LIFE.
WE WILL MISS HIM AT ASCENSION CATHOLIC CHURH IN MELBOURNE FLORIDA. HE WAS A VERY DEVOTED PASTOR TO ALL HIS PARISHONERS. REST IN PEACE FATHER WITH GOD, OUR BLESSED MOTHER AND ALLTHE ANGELS IN WHICH YOU SO DESERVE.

Lori Stoms

February 1, 2021

We will miss your uplifting homilies and genuine compassion. Remembering the days when you were also at Church of Our Saviour. Grateful you visited my Dad in the hospital before he passed. Rest in peace, you were a wonderful person! Lori, TK and David Stoms

Vivian Cabaniss

January 19, 2021

Father Tobin was a big blessing in my life since I was a young child. He was there for me though out many hospital visits as a kid to helping me grow in my faith. From first Communion to Confirmation, this pastor was the one that over saw me through out this journey in my faith. I will never forget first reconciliation. It was open reconciliation and we had a choice of which pastor to go to. Father Tobin was the one I was like Oh boy... I have to tell him I back talked my parents?? You see, at this time I was an alter server. He always looked me in the eye on his sermons :) He was there as I grew in the music ministry at the parish. He approved songs that we would present to him that were not your normal hymns. Even to this day, he is a part of my life while he is in heaven. I am attending Saint Leo's University and in the religions class that I am currently taking, he is one of my sources of knowledge to be shared with my fellow students and professor. What an amazing Pastor! He was there in my adult years for my parents and my whole family. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Father Tobin, I did light a candle for you at St. Jude's Parish!

Arias Family

January 12, 2021

Father Tobin was an amazing soul. A gift to us all. Throughout the years, with all the good memories, he has always been a welcoming part of Ascension and years ago with Our Saviour. He helped me though the death of my son and throughout the years always gave me good guidance. For that, I will always remember him and keep him in my prayers. May he Rest In Peace in Heaven.
- Arias Family

Frances Chiarella

January 12, 2021

A very beautiful soul. His writings about prayer have inspired me during difficult times. He presided over the marriage of my daughter, Nicole. As a member of the Ascension funeral choir, I listened to many of his touching eulogies, the last was for Anita Brady. The spiritual world will miss him, as will I.

Mary Jo Corbett

January 12, 2021

As a young adult in the early 70s, I was baptized in St. James Cathedral by Father Tobin. He was such a joy to be around and I know he will be missed. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

The Petit Family

Planted Trees

Jennie Moreno

January 11, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
We were blessed to have had the opportunity to have you officiate my dad’s funeral service in the Peace garden last December.

Shannon Purchis

January 11, 2021

My best memory of Father Tobin was also one of my worst memories. My mother was passing away of cancer back in 1998 at age 55. In her final moments she was devastated that she would not be able to have last rights as she was divorced. (She stopped receiving communion back in 1972 because of this.) Father Tobin came in and held her hand, told her she absolutely could and would receive the sacrament. My mother's face lit up. I have always, and will always be grateful to him for the compassion and love he showed all of us, but especially my mom.

Diane Hall

January 11, 2021

A pillar in our church”well done Father Tobin, May you rest in the arms of Jesus, Mary & Jospeh “.

PATRICIA CULLEN

January 11, 2021

HE WAS A WONDERFUL AND CARING MAN AND WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM. HE TOUCHED MY LIFE JUST BY KNOWING HIM. HE WAS VERY DEVOTED TO THE BLESSED MOTHER AND TO JESUS CHRIST. REST IN PEACE FATHER.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Elizabeth Bailes

Planted Trees

Kate Midden

January 10, 2021

Father Eamon was a blessing to all who knew him. He was humble, gentle, generous and fun. He loved the Lord, his church, his parishioners, his family and friends, golf, reading/ writing and Notre Dame football. Father Eamon was a shining light and a wonderful guide to living life like Jesus did. I am forever grateful for his friendship, guidance, support and the special moments we shared. Rest in peace, Father E, faithful and holy servant of God.

Charline Kennedy

January 10, 2021

Fr. Tobin was a brand new priest when he came to St. James Parish in 1972...what a gift for us!
He played soccer with our kids and even joined us for Thanksgiving dinner with Fr. Richard Murphy.
I treasure those years and our friendship which lasts in my heart to this day.
He was a thoughtful listener and friend.
Loving memories,
Charline Kennedy

Kim Perrotte

January 9, 2021

Father Eamon Tobin was a true beacon of the Catholic Christian faith. Never daunted by any challenge, his quick smile and easy going nature gave light to all. He always said prayer changed everything giving hope to those in need and those with rebellious souls. He will be sorely missed and so very hard to replace as Pastor of Ascension. RIP Fr. Eamon.

Michele Robichaud

January 9, 2021

In never ending thanksgiving for the happy blessing of having Fr. Eamon with us for our journeys Home! So many grand, most happy memories of times with him! Ireland 1994 for one! He was always “ the great consoler”.
Thank you Father God, for his most beautifully spiritual influences & dearest friendship to all of my family...my parents RIP Deacon Charles & Peggy Robichaud,my brother RIP
Greg Robichaud, & my children (a true favorite person of theirs for their whole life!) ...
my son RIP Jake Henderson &
my daughter Laura Henderson.
Rest in Eternal Peace...a truly good & faithful servant to so many. My thoughts & prayers are with him, his lovely family & all the many, many people who loved him & will so very much miss his loving, caring & fun loving “joy of life” presence.
Again thank you Father God,Sweet Jesus, Mother Mary & St. Patrick for his life.
Until we meet again-Michele Robichaud

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

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Memorial Events
for Father Eamon Tobin

Jan

11

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Ascension Catholic Church

Melbourne, FL

Jan

12

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

Ascension Catholic Church

Melbourne, FL

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