Rev. John A. Toolan, C.S.V., of Arlington Heights, born Dec. 13, 1907, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Fr. Toolan died March 13, 2004, at St. Joseph’s Home in Palatine. Devoted son of the late James and Mary Neeson Toolan; dear brother of the late Murty (Norrie) Toolan, Rev. James Toolan, C.S.V., and the late Mrs. James Savage; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews all living in Ireland. Fr. Toolan professed First Vows as a Viatorian, Aug. 15, 1931, at Fournier Institute in Chicago, IL, Final Vows Sept. 1, 1934, at St. Viator College in Bourbonnais, IL, and was ordained as priest by Bishop Ireton on Feb. 16, 1943, at Catholic University. He attended Christian Brothers High School in Belfast (1921-23, 1925-27), Garvey College in Belfast (1927-28) and St. Viator College, Bourbonnais, IL (1931-33) and graduated with a B.A. in Latin. He also graduated from Catholic University of America (1938-43) with an M.A. in Economics. He attended Catholic University, Washington D.C. for seminary studies (1939-43) and completed graduate studies at Normal School, Bloomington, IL (1946). He also completed graduate studies at the University of Illinois. His first assignment was to Cathedral Boys High School, Springfield, IL, as teacher (1933-38). From 1943 to 1963 he served as a teacher, St. Rita High School, Chicago, IL (1943-44), Cathedral Boys High School, Springfield, IL (1944-50), Stepinac High School, White Plains, NY (1950-52), St. Philip High School, Chicago, IL (1952-53), Spalding Institute, Peoria, IL (1953-55), Mendel High School, Chicago, IL (1956-58), St. Patrick High School, Kankakee, IL (1958-62), St. Marian High School, Chicago Heights, IL (1962-63). Other assignments include the Provincial House-St. Gregory’s, Chicago, IL (1955-56), Administrator at Immaculate Conception Church, Kankakee, IL (1960), Associate Pastor at both St. Joseph Church, Springfield, IL (1963-66) and St. Martin Church, Martinton, IL (1966-69). Fr. Toolan moved to the Province Center residence, Arlington Heights, IL (1969-2002), and then to St. Joseph’s Home for the Elderly, Palatine, IL, where he resided until his death. Visitation will be at St. Joseph’s Home, 80 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, on Tuesday, March 16, from 1:30 till 4 p.m. Immediately following the visitation, the Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 4 p.m. in the chapel at St. Joseph’s Home. Interment Wednestay, March 17, 10 a.m., at Queen of Heaven Cemetery Chapel, Hillside, IL. Condolences may be sent to the Clerics of St. Viator Province Center and will be forwarded to Fr. Toolan’s family in Ireland. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Clerics of St. Viator Province Center, 1212 E. Euclid, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, appreciated. Funeral info Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 847-253-5423.
