Father David R Engbarth

The family of Father David R. Engbarth, a cherished son, brother, uncle, and Priest, is sad to announce that he passed away on November 22, 2023, in Largo, Florida. Born August 24, 1948, in Rockford, IL, Father Engbarth lived a life dedicated to his faith in Jesus Christ, his family, and the people he served.

In 1975, Father Engbarth received his Masters of Theology Degree from St Mary’s Seminary & University, Baltimore, MD. and was soon ordained a Catholic Priest on November 20, 1976, at St Joseph Catholic Church, Freeport, IL, by late Bishop Arthur J. O’Neil.

As a Catholic Priest, Father Engbarth served throughout Northern Illinois, eventually retiring in Largo, Florida. While in Illinois, he called Aurora home for most of his career. For 45 years, he was an impactful presence in the Aurora community, from 1979, when he began service as parochial vicar at Holy Angels Parish in Aurora, through his retirement in 2014. In 1993, he became sacramental moderator at St. Nicholas Parish in Aurora and became its pastor in 1996. In 2000, he also began service as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Aurora, serving both parishes until 2003, then continuing at St. Nicholas until his 2005 sabbatical. In 2006, he became administrator at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Aurora and was made pastor there in 2007.

As an acknowledgment of his relentless dedication to serving his community, he was awarded the 2008 Kane County Citizen of the Year.

Father Engbarth and pastor Dan Haas, of Aurora Community Church, co-founded the Prayer Coalition for Reconciliation, a group that held prayer vigils for victims of violence in Aurora; he has also served as a volunteer chaplain at the Kane County Jail, where he visited inmates.

When he retired from Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in 2014, thousands lined up to bid him farewell. Even though he lived in Florida for nearly the past decade, Father David regularly returned to his beloved Aurora to serve and visit.

Since retirement, Father Engbarth provided ministry to both English- and Spanish-speaking members of the faithful in numerous parishes in the St. Petersburg Diocese, including St. Joseph, Tampa; Transfiguration, St. Petersburg (now Holy Martyrs of Vietnam), St. Cecelia, Clearwater; St. Michael the Archangel, Clearwater; Holy Cross, St. Petersburg; and Most Holy Name of Jesus, Gulfport. Father Engbarth was instrumental in assisting the parish community of Transfiguration during its transition toward merging with Holy Martyrs of Vietnam in 2019. He continued to provide service to inmates in the Pinellas County Jail. During his nine years in the St. Petersburg Diocese, he made many friends among his brother priests and others throughout the parishes where he served. He was known for his optimism, love for people, and his infectious smile.

Father David R. Engbarth was predeceased by his father, Joseph M. Engbarth, his mother, Frances Giovingo-Engbarth, and his sister Linda Holtfreter.

Survived by his sister Karen Dittmar, his nieces and nephews Scott Dittmar (Lisa), Craig Dittmar (Bridget), Julia Buelow, and Jamie Holtfreter. Great nieces and nephews Eryn Dittmar (Tanner), Justin Dittmar, Haley Dittmar, Devan Dittmar (Natalie), Miles Dittmar, Domenic Wilson, Riley Wilson, Bella Buelow, Myles Masters, and his beloved dog Amador.

Angels of God, come to his aid. Hasten to meet him, Angels of the Lord. Receive his soul and present him to God, the Most High.

All are invited to the scheduled Funeral Services which will be held at St. Jude Cathedral, 5815 5th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710 on Friday, December 15, 2023. Mass will start at 9:30 am with a reception to follow.

A visitation will take place in Aurora, IL on Thursday, January 4th from 4:00-8:00 p.m., at The Daleiden Mortuary, Aurora. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 5th at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 620 S. Fifth Street, Aurora. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Aurora, Illinois. Arrangements are being completed by The Daleiden Mortuary, Aurora, Illinois

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gardensanctuaryfunerals.com for the Engbarth family.