The Rev. Thomas G. Kass, C.S.V., Ph.D., a member of the Viatorian Community, passed away March 13, 2017 at the age of 70. He was born on Aug. 29, 1946 in Chicago, IL, the only child of Anthony and Eleanor (Baszhowske) Kass, who preceded him in death. Fr. Kass entered the Clerics of St. Viator novitiate in 1964, after graduating from St. Patrick High School, Chicago. He professed his first vows as a Viatorian on Sept.1, 1965 and was ordained to the priesthood on Jan. 8, 1977 in Chicago. As a Viatorian, Fr. Kass earned his undergraduate degree in English from Loyola University, before earning a master’s in English Language and Literature from the University of Chicago. He went on to earn a Ph.D. in English Literature and Language from Loyola, with specialization in 18th Century British Literature, particularly the works of Samuel Johnson. Fr. Kass also earned his Masters of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Fr. Kass spent the majority of his ministry as an educator, teaching English and Religion at both Griffin High School in Springfield, IL as well as at Saint Viator High School (1977-1979), in Arlington Heights before joining St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH as an associate professor of English. He remained at St. Anselm until 2008, when he retired as a professor emeritus. In retirement, Fr. Kass returned to Chicago and served the Viatorians as director of pre-novices, novices, priestly formation and Formation Team Chair. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2017 in the Viatorian Province Center Chapel, 1212 E. Euclid Avenue in Arlington Heights. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside, IL. Memorials may be sent to the Clerics of St. Viator, 1212 E. Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004.
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