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Archdiocesan Priest, Rev. Thomas M. Dore, Dies

Dore was pastor emeritus of St. Giles Parish in Oak Park

Chicago (Dec. 18, 2020) – Rev. Thomas M. Dore, pastor emeritus of St. Giles Parish in Oak Park, passed away Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020, at the age of 85.

Dore was born on August 28, 1935, in Chicago. He attended Our Lady of Victory School and Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago, and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein.

Dore was ordained to the priesthood on May 1, 1961, by Cardinal Albert Meyer, and celebrated his first solemn Mass on May 7 of the same year at St. Tarcissus Catholic Church in Chicago.

After ordination, Dore served in a number of parishes. He was assistant pastor at St. Hubert Parish in Hoffman Estates and St. Priscilla Parish on Addison Street and St. Justin the Martyr Parish on 71st Street both in Chicago. Dore also served as associate director of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and associate pastor at St. Cyprian Parish in River Grove. During his last two assignments, Dore was pastor at Our Lady of Ransom Parish in Niles and St. Giles Parish in Oak Park where he served until he retired in 2009.

Rev. Daniel P. Coughlin, retired archdiocesan priest and former director of the Cardinal Stritch Retreat House now known as the Joseph and Mary Retreat House, was a close friend of Dore. He met him in high school and their friendship grew through the years. “He was a faithful and loyal friend, very compassionate to people in need and searching for more of Christ in their lives,” Coughlin said.

Rev. Gerald P. Joyce, Dore’s classmate and pastor emeritus at Divine Infant Jesus Parish in Westchester, remembered Dore as a very happy priest dedicated to his people.

Rev. John J. Rudnik, retired archdiocesan priest and classmate of Dore, recalled how hard-working and spiritually-oriented Dore was. Rudnik also mentioned that his classmate was a great supporter of Liturgy Training Publications, the publishing arm of the Archdiocese of Chicago, as it was founded by his parents, Thomas and Margaret Dore.

A private prayer and commendation service will be held on Monday, Dec. 21, at the All Saints Catholic Cemetery Chapel to be followed by a graveside committal. Coughlin will be the main celebrant and homilist.

A memorial service will be held in 2021.