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Greeley, Father Andrew M. 85; beloved son of the late Andrew and Grace; dear brother of Mary Jule (the late Jack) Durkin and the late Grace Ann Greeley; loving uncle of Laura (Brian Friedler) Durkin, Julie (Wayne) Montague, Eileen (John Goebelbecker) Durkin, Sean (Molly) Durkin, Daniel (Theresa) Durkin, Anne Durkin and Elizabeth (Patrick Murphy) Durkin; fond granduncle of 18. Visitation Tuesday 3:00-8:00 PM and Wednesday 9:30 AM until time of Mass 12:00 Noon at Christ the King Church, 9235 S. Hamilton Ave. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ the King Church or St. Mary of the Lake Seminary. Arrangements handled by Gibbons Family Funeral Home. For info 773-777-3944 or www.gibbonsfamilyfuneralhome.com
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God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt condolences to the family's..
May 29, 2020
HERE IS ONE PERSON I WILL ALWAYS WISH I HAD THE HONOR OF MEETING!!!!!!
MJ HOFFMAN
Acquaintance
November 16, 2018
Valenda Newell
November 9, 2016
A Quote worth remembering:
"It should be no surprise that when rich men take control of the government, they pass laws that are favorable to themselves. The surprise is that those who are not rich vote for such people, even though they should know from bitter experience that the rich will continue to rip off the rest of us." Andrew Greeley (Chicago Sun-Times, February 18, 2001)
E L Smallwood
October 4, 2014
There's definitely a special place in heaven for you! We need more priests like you! My faith has been strengthened because of your writings. God bless you.
September 17, 2014
God bless you and keep you in the palm of His hand. Rest in peace.
Joseph Glaser
January 23, 2014
God Bless you Fr. Greeley. May you rest in peace and good humor. I have spent many a happy moment reading the adventures of Fionnuala Anne Mcgrail thank you for all your wit and wisdom. Tara
October 21, 2013
So sorry of your loss. My the God of peace be with the family and comfort you. A.E.
October 21, 2013
A fan for years. Great POSITIVE stories. The great ones all leave us eventually. Convinced we'd be better with more priests like him.
William Bobzien, MD, Holy Cross College '65
September 10, 2013
So sad about the death of Fr Greeley who has helped me hang onto my faith. Loved your books and wish I had known you in life. Rest in Peace, Fr Andrew.
Anne-Marie
August 7, 2013
I am still and always will be a Catholic because of Father Greeley's great wisdom, gifted ability to communicate the truths of our faith and his gift as a storyteller and parish priest to the world! God give him love, peace and the awareness of how much good he did for our world! I too, hope to see the cause for sainthood opened soon!
Margaret Hill-Grigson
June 13, 2013
To the Greeley family, my sincere condolences for your great loss.
Much has been written of Father Greeley's keen intellect, of his astounding work as a writer and a scholar, but if he was your priest, as he was mine as a young parishioner in Christ the King, the part of him that was an intellectual wasn't what made him a great gift to us. When he gave you his attention, and he lavished it on us, it was his generous and loving heart that ignited us. And who among us kids in the parish understood the demands he was juggling as a graduate student at UC and as a writer beginning a very prolific career because he was always there for us-- teaching religion classes, organizing plays, Hi Club, playing basketball and volleyball with us at the “courts.” And of course there were all the masses he said, the confessions he heard, the sacraments he administered, all with such love and care. I still remember running to church, eager for the Sunday sermons he told at the children's mass. For Catholics, Mass is supposed to be a celebration and he really did Celebrate it. He told marvelous stories as homilies and I almost wondered if there really was a “Max the Martian” (a character he invented to capture our young imaginations) who lived the church bell tower. It wears me out just thinking of all he accomplished. We didn't think of him, as appears in some accounts as “pugnacious” or “outspoken,” ( But yes, as a pastor, he did vigorously defend his flock against the predations and abuses of modern day Pharisees) he was just so much fun and full of life and always so kind.
As he himself expressed, at his core he was a parish priest. And I can remember what his family knows -- what a grand parish priest he was. I will never forget the light that shone from his twinkling blue eyes. Those eyes were fired by a heart filled with the love of God, which he so generously shared with us.
anonymous
June 10, 2013
you will always be remembered especially in your books read most of them atleast once God bless you
Ronald DiGangi
June 7, 2013
Your humor and the ability to write about
love and sex helped me cope with many
difficulties in my live. I will miss reading your reflective words.
Sylvia Hollman, MLA, PS.
June 7, 2013
I am very grateful to God the Almighty that I have been alive to know and respect your wonderful life.
June 6, 2013
A loss to both the clerical and literary world. Every book sits on my shelf and your wonderful stories will be missed.
Patti Fischer
June 6, 2013
Our family is honored to have met Father Greeley and to hear his homilies during his visits to our Chicago northside parish,St. Teresa of Avila. To those of us who have "kept" the faith and those who are struggling with
our faith, he will continue to be an inspiration who exemplifies priesthood at its best. Thank you Father Greeley - may you rest in peace and may your family revel in fond memories.
Ross & Mary Cavanagh, Lansing, Iowa transplanted from Chicago, Il.
June 6, 2013
My you be with God and the angels. Your gift for words will be missed.
June 5, 2013
Thank you Father Greeley - you will be missed. I learned much about forgiveness and second chances from your novels. God bless and keep you.
Marinelle Szenasy
June 5, 2013
Really enjoyed Fr. Greeley. I remember his speech at Old St. Pat's one evening. What a dynamic person.
Dan Airozo
June 5, 2013
As a young student at Christ the King, we were very excited about the new priest arriving at our parish. My best friend and myself went to the then vacant lot at 95th and Leavitt and sat in a tree so we could see him getting off the bus. It was very exciting for us. I am now 70 years old, but that day is still special! Happy that he is finally at peace.
Carol Kuhn McGovern
June 5, 2013
Father Greeley,
Thank you for your grace.....
J.K. Antonelli
June 4, 2013
There was never a time that I attended a speech or presentation by Fr. Greeley that several people didn't get up to say, "I wouldn't be a Catholic today without Andrew greeley's books." The vision of church, community and ethnic memory that infused his novels and his sociological prescriptions for the Church inspired so many of us to not give up on the church. In my work in pastoral ministry, when a non- Catholic asks me
what they can read to learn more about the Church, I suggest a couple of Blackie Ryan mysteries--THAT'S THE CHIRCH! (One time I applied for a job at Holy Name Cathedral that I didn't really want, to get a glimpse of the rectory offices that played such a part in the Blackie story!) after the travails of the last five years, we know he is happily ensconced with Lady Wisdom and The Lord of the Dance, praying for us as we await the grand homecoming. His mory is a blessing to us all.
Kate Kinser
June 4, 2013
I met Father Greeley when I was the Major Speakers Chairman at Duke University and he came to speak. As I escorted him around campus I told him that I wanted to return to Chicago and work in PR. Before he left he handed my his publicist's card and told me to give her a call. That simple act of kindness led to my first job and a career in public relations. I saw him many times after that. His twinkling eyes and charming smile got me every time. I will miss him and am praying for all of his family during this season of sadness. God bless.
Karen Fiascone
June 4, 2013
I had the honor of serving mass for Fr Greeley at St Thomas the Apostle Church in Hyde Park back in the late 50's or early 60's. I knew he was a special holy priest even then. Pax Vobis cum Fr Greeley!
Kirk Willis
June 4, 2013
May this virtual candle carry deepest sympathy to Father Greeley's beloved family and Church, his city, his friends, and all who cherish his words. Prosper in Spirit, dear Irish priest!
Marie Salgado
June 3, 2013
My condolences to family, friends and fans. I have missed his writing both fiction non-fiction and poetry.
Speaking of poetry. Following is a limerick like poem about Father Greeley
When one's faith was on the brink
His words made one laugh and made one think
And led one in the quickest lurch
To the doors of the nearest church
With and Irish sigh on conspirator's wink
Joan Pechter
June 3, 2013
Fr. Greeley always believed the church could be better - do more for the needy, serve more compassionately, teach more imaginately, etc. - and he gave his life as an example. He was always "pushing the envelope" whether people agreed or not. He was a one of a kind. No doubt, as imaginative as he was, his mind is being blown wide open in Eternal Life.
Tom Fox
June 3, 2013
Rest in peace "Blackie" ... you will be missed here on earth
Deborah McVeigh
June 3, 2013
Fr. Greeley has a special place in Heaven with the Lord. He brought His Grace to so many people though his books. May he rest in Eternal Peace.
Donna Kordas
June 3, 2013
Fr Greeleys care and compassion for the respect and dignity of working families inspired and made me a better representative of workers. His columns were always with me. Thank you Father on behalf of millions of working families. Peace
Don Hart
June 3, 2013
To Laura, Julie, Sean, Danny, Eileen, Anne and Elizabeth ("Little Bit") and all the nieces and nephews: Your uncle was a major mentor in my life, as you know. He was extraordinarily generous in helping me when I lost my father as a teenager, and he didn't hold it against me that I went to Stanford instead of the U of C! He was the first intellectual I met in my life. He always said - with a wink - that he helped me because my cousin (Cardinal Meyer) had helped him. He baptized our children, visited us every Christmas Day (before going to Park RIdge), and we had lunch regularly no matter what our schedules.
I loved him dearly, and although he didn't recognize me in the past five years, I remember him from before the accident.
He loved you all very much!
Joan Meyer Anzia
June 2, 2013
May you have been in heaven at least an hour before the devil know you'd passed. I will miss your writings and honesty about the church proper. Mentor someone from upstairs to continue your work.
Paul Cooper
June 2, 2013
rip
michelle plakas-kaiser
June 2, 2013
He was one of the great Celts of our time who pursued the sociological truth without fear. His mirth, imagination, and writing skills: rare among U.S. priests. But his spirit lives on in his novels. May Brigit and Patrick welcome him.
William John Fitzgerald, Scottsdale AZ
William Fitzgerald
June 2, 2013
Dear Father Andrew Greeley,
Thanks for all the good memories. You have been a good friend, great host, generous and thoughtful, and a wonderful priest. See you in heaven!
Paula Nagel Slowey
Saint Angela Class of 1942 Reunion Committee
Paula Nagel Slowey
June 2, 2013
Our deepest condolences to the family of Father Greeley. He was truly a priest of the people. Even after 50 years our family has not forgotten the spiritual assistance and comfort he gave us in a very difficult challenge in our lives.Would that there were many more like him. Our prayers are with you.
Collins Family from Hamilton Strret
June 2, 2013
Farewell and God speed on your heaven-bound journey, Father...your books provided me with countless hours of enjoyment. Sincerest sympathies to your family and many friends.
Martin J. O'Grady
June 2, 2013
Fr Greeley inspired my own priesthood. R.I.P.
Paul Pitzen
June 2, 2013
I will always remember our family being called "wise men from the east" for being smart enough to move to Grand Beach.
We will remember fondly the backyard masses and especially Father officiating at our son's wedding.
RIP Father.
Jan & Pat O'Leary
Jan & Pat O'Leary
June 2, 2013
Father Greeley was a wonderful priest, and a terrific West Side Irishman! When the hierarchy of the Church wouldn't listen to us, he did with a keen ear. He always managed to make you feel proud to be a Catholic. Thank you to his family for sharing him!
Peter Kennedy
June 2, 2013
Dear Goebelbecker Familly and Greeley Families, My Prayers and thoughts are with you may you uncle Rest in peace. Geralyn Siptrott
June 2, 2013
My condolences to the family of Fr. Greeley. He was a truly gifted author and priest. He will be missed. "May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Elizabeth LaSalle
June 2, 2013
RIP Father Greeley. A Irish American from St. Angela School who enjoyed reading your books. Condolences to your family.
Fran
June 1, 2013
Thank you, Father Greeley. I haven't come back to the Church yet but if I do, it will be because of you and what you wrote. You hung in there even though you knew about the corruption and inspired us to hang in there with you. I will miss your stories about the Chicago Irish but I have your old books to keep reading especially The Cardinal Virtues. May the Angels Lead you to Paradise.
Celeste McWhirter
June 1, 2013
Rest in peace Father Greeley and may God comfort your family. Thank you for your legacy. Always enjoyed our back and forth conversations at Our Mother of Sorrows!
Ted & Valerie Golembiewski
June 1, 2013
RIP Father Greely, You are whatI consider a true and enlightened Spiritual guide. I'm going to miss your books and insights. I know "She" is happy to have you home.
Ellen Sellergren
June 1, 2013
Rest in the peace of our loving God. You were a blessing for me.
Mary
June 1, 2013
Sincerest condolences to Fr. Greeleys family. I have yet to read any of his writings, but I did know that he was a very special priest. I would have loved to meet him to talk with him. I know he's is with God our Father, and what greater glory could we ever wish for. You will be missed Fr. Greeley, may you rest in peace in the hands of our Great Creator.
Rose Fernandez
June 1, 2013
How blessed we all were to have him at such an important time in history--truly a Saint and Scholar and the gift of Irish American Catholicism to all who heard or read him in any genre. You can never entirely get his sensibility, humor and wisdom out of your head!! You made our lake our city and our Chicago Catholic tribe most Sacred Space. Joy forever.
Susan
June 1, 2013
Greels broadened our rather narrow, South Side lives. He introduced me to Chinese food and that you never, ever order a corn beef on white bread.
Warm wishes to all of the family.
Buzzy Hunt Gibson
Denver, Colorado
Elizabeth Gibson
June 1, 2013
FATHER GREELEY AND I WERE CLASSMATES AT ST ANGELA'S CLASS OF 1942. STILL HAVE THE YEARLY PIX OF OUR CLASS FROM 1ST GRADE ON. WILL MISS THE REUNIONS WE HAD OVER THE YEARS. KNEW HIS SISTERS GRACE ANN AND MARY JULE, TOO. WE KEPT IN CONTACT UNTIL HIS TERRIBLE ACCIDENT IN 2008. GOD REST YOUR SOUL ANDREW MORAN....WILL BE JOINING YOU ONE OF THESE DAYS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
MARIANNE (BUCK) HINGER
June 1, 2013
My Mom was a Huge Fan of Rev.Andrew Greeley...R.I.P
Susan Stokes
June 1, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. May the God who is "binding up the broken hearted and comforting those mourning" be of comfort to you during this most difficult time. (Isa. 61:1, 2)
June 1, 2013
I can not tell how often I have learned something abouth the Catholic Church from Father Greeley. We need more people like him that are not afraid to look at their belief systems and give it a good kick in the pants when neeeded. That includes all faiths. Maybe we would bring more in if we look within and admitted "we are all sinners saved by grace".
And I will truly miss his writings, with all my favorite characters.
God Better be good to him.
Ellen Walker, Boydton Virginia
June 1, 2013
Your family was blessed to have such a gift. Having an uncle a priest is such a blessing. My uncle passed a few years ago, being his niece was a honor. He, as your uncle did, taught me how to live and then how to die. He will always be in your hearts. Remember how he enriched your family. He certainly loved his nieces and nephews!! His sister lived in my community and I observed her love for him. May he rest in peace! Mrs. Nannini Park Ridge,Il
Marie Nannini
June 1, 2013
Well done, thou good and faithful servant! Well done. Rest peacefully as there is someone who embraces the cause of justice, love and forgiveness. With gratitude
June 1, 2013
I have seen Father Greeley and read his columns many times. He was a good Catholic and a fine man, and I'm sure he is in paradise with God. God bless his soul.
David Payne
May 31, 2013
God bless you Father Greeley. May you Rest in Peace.
Sheila Smith
May 31, 2013
My prayers to a man of courage, a man of spirit and a man of conviction. As I age, I realize that these qualities are very rare in one individual. Imagine if you will, how truly blessed we are ~ that we lived in the presence of such a man.
I am sure my father is up there waiting to hear your sermons once again!
Slainte
May 31, 2013
I am sadden to read of Father Greeley's passing. He was my favorite author. His books inspired such spiritualism with our God!
Rosemary Pallassino
May 31, 2013
great memories of "Greels" at Christ the King"
wonderful man,great priest,always willing to help those in need....
He will be greatly missed.
John Thulis
May 31, 2013
My husband is 100% Irish-American, so that makes our kids 1/2 Irish. I had fond Irish nicknames for the kids, and I was thrilled to find Father Greeley's characters using the same nicknames for their own relatives. Thank you, Father Greeley, may you find your well-deserved rest.
skm
May 31, 2013
To all in the Greeley family, my deepest sympathy. Your loss is profound. I also want to express my deepest gratitude to you for sharing him with the rest of us and to him for showing us that church is about faith, not religion! He was an inspiration in my youth; a challenge in my profession as a theologian and an inspiration as a woman of faith!
Eileen Stenzel
May 31, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss! Fr. Greeley was and is one of my favorite authors. I will miss him greatly.
Angela Hungerbuhler
May 31, 2013
Dear Greeley Family,
I'm so sorry about the loss of your loved one. (Eccl. 9:11, 12). Always pray to the Hearer of Prayer. - Psalms 65:2; 83:18.
E Harris
May 31, 2013
God Bless you Father Greeley. You were one of the best priests we had. There should be more like you. Rest in Peace.
Joe and Judi Schenke
May 31, 2013
Father Greeley has been my hero for many years. I've read his novels, his theology books anv his sociology studies - all have given me more than I expected. I feel life a member of my family has died. My deepest condolences to all of his family.
Jenny Bauer
May 31, 2013
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Siobhan NiBhuachalla
May 31, 2013
Farewell, sweet prince of a priest and an inspiration to us all. I loved all your books I have read. Thanks for speaking out. Thanks for remaining a Catholic.
Darlene Goff
May 31, 2013
He was a friend and mentor whose wonderful stories inspired me to tell mine. And now he is home.
Anne Donlon Achenbach
May 31, 2013
Wonderful man! RIP!
R.Williams,MD
May 31, 2013
I am greatly sadden to read about the passing of Fr. Andrew Greeley. While I never had the privilege of attending a Mass in which he officiated, I read all of his homilies on his website. I read every book he wrote and every time I did, he found another way to strengthen my faith and taught me another lesson. His passing is a huge loss to the Roman Catholic Church, whether they acknowledge it or not. May God give him a glorious welcome home party!
Sharon White
May 31, 2013
I feel God has welcomed Father Greeley home with open arms.
May 31, 2013
FIRST WE LOST FR. GREELEY'S BEST PRIEST-BUDDY, MSGR. LEO MAHON LAST WEEK AND NOW ANDREW HIMSELF. I GUESS THEY REALLY ENJOYED EACH OTHERS COMPANY FROM GRADE SCHOOL TIL NOW AND ARE ONCE AGAIN UNITED IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR HOLY LORD.
JACK SULLIVAN
May 31, 2013
You are now in a great position to speak with Her about some needed improvements in Chicago's wildlife, specifically the Bulls, Bears and Cubs. And if there's room, a small mention of the Marlins would not be amiss, either. (I forgot to mention this earlier.) Thank you!
Carole
May 31, 2013
I wish I had known him.
May 31, 2013
Mr. Greeley was one of my favorite authors and I've been praying for him ever since his terrible accident.
Debbie Haupt
May 31, 2013
Fr. Greeley sent us to Oak Forest every
Sunday morning to visit the residents
there. We delivered the "New World" to the residents. He taught us to live our faith. Now, God, remember, how good
he always was.
Rita Moriarty, CSJ
May 31, 2013
To Andrew 's nieces and nephews,
We will remember Father Greeley with smiles. We loved his masses on his lawn. We enjoyed many of his books, poems, and Christmas gifts. We were blessed with his wisdom and humor. He will dance on in our memories.. Fondly, Dan and Kaye (GB)
Dan & Kaye Moriarty
May 31, 2013
a priest who inspired. Louis Albert
May 31, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the family. We really need consoling in order to deal with the pain so I hope that you will find comfort from the encouraging words at Isaiah 65:20. The promise stated there will give you something to think about and to look forward to in the future.
J J
May 31, 2013
I truly loved reading his books. I wish I had known him in person. I needed a priest like him when my daughter passed away.
K Vincent
May 31, 2013
Fr. Greeley was above all else a parish priest, a bright, empathetic human being. When he spoke,words flew and his eyes glowed with vitality and emotion. I recall a number of birthdays and church masses shared at Old St. Pat's.
Fr. Greeley enriched and empowered the lives of so many. He was loved and he will be remembered. I had the great privilege of calling him "friend." Harry Mark Petrakis
May 31, 2013
One of my favorite authors, so sad to read this - R.I.P. Sir.
dk Moore
May 31, 2013
May the eternal light shine upon him....
James Willner
May 31, 2013
He will be with Ted Kennedy
May 31, 2013
How I loved reading his books. He will be missed. What a great man
May 31, 2013
From the Family (his sister, nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews)
Our lives have been tremendously enriched by having the presence of Fr. Andrew Greeley in our family. First and foremost as a loving uncle who was always there for us with unfailing support or with a gentle nudge, who shared with us both the little things and the big moments of family life. But we were specially graced that this man was also an amazing priest who recently celebrated the 59th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. He served the Church all those years with a prophetic voice and with unfailing dedication, and the Church he and our parents taught us to love is a better place because of him. Our hearts are heavy with grief, but we find hope in the promise of Heaven that our uncle spent his life proclaiming to us, his friends, his parishioners and his many fans. He resides now with the Lord of the Dance, and that dance will go on.
May 31, 2013
For the man who gave voice to my faith experience. May he rest in God's loving embrace.
Monica Williams
May 31, 2013
Rest in peace.
Joyce Stone
May 31, 2013
SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE. MAY THE FAMILY AND FREINDS HAVE COMFORT KNOWING THAT YOUR LOVED ONE IS RESTING IN PEACE. ECCLESIASTES 9:5.
May 31, 2013
Andrew Greeley was a light in my life in 2005 when I discovered him as a novelist. It felt like we knew one another, it felt almost like he was a sunshiney wisecracking philosopher, sent to me through his "Irish Lace" novels, and some of the books about Nuala. Rest in peace beautiful hard working and giving soul!
Patricia Bottino Figura
May 31, 2013
Growing up in Christ the King and having Greels as our parish priest allowed many of us the pleasure of his company. High Club, altar boy,the courts, Grand Beach, his terrific books. So many great memories....
John Voris
May 31, 2013
may he rest in peace,may his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed r.i.p!
tom zi
May 31, 2013
My sympathies to the Greeley family - I was fortunate enough to have met Father when he was in Rochester years ago at a speaking engagement. He is "Blackie Ryan" - our newest angel! God Bless.
Pat Curry
May 31, 2013
He was a beacon during this stormy time in our Chruches history, God keep him close to his heart.
David Carson
May 31, 2013
I truly enjoyed Rev. Greeley's books. He will be missed. Rest In Peace.
Karen Capps
May 31, 2013
Father Greeley, you will be missed. I have so enjoyed your books. You were a shining light of the Church. Rest in peace.
Cathy Mahoney
May 31, 2013
A true spokemans for all people of true faith. Sad to see him leave up. A truly good and decent man. Rest in peace Father Greeley, you'll be in my prayers, and those of many others.
Gregory Burnham
May 31, 2013
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