Archdiocesan Oldest Priest, Rev. Albert R. Adamich, Dies
Chicago (Sept. 26, 2023) – Rev. Albert R. Adamich, the oldest priest in the archdiocese and pastor emeritus of former Queen of Peace Parish in North Chicago (now Most Blessed Trinity Parish in Waukegan), passed away Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023. He was 101 years old.
“Father Al” – as he was amiably called – was born on May 15, 1922, in Joliet. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, graduating in 1947.
Adamich was ordained to the priesthood on May 8, 1948, by Cardinal Samuel Stritch, and he celebrated his first solemn Mass on May 9 of the same year at St. Joseph Parish in Joliet. In May of 2023, he celebrated 75 years of service to the Church.
After priesthood ordination, Adamich was assistant pastor at the following parishes: former Mother of God Parish in Waukegan (which became Queen of Peace Parish and is now Most Blessed Trinity Parish), St. Hubert Parish in Hoffman Estates and St. Symphorosa Parish on Austin Avenue in Chicago. He also served as moderator of the Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women in 1979. Later, he was associate pastor of Most Holy Redeemer Parish in Evergreen Park and pastor of Mother of God Parish for 20 years. The title of pastor emeritus was bestowed on Adamich in 1992.
“He’s such an inspiration,” said Deacon Mark Phelan in last year’s Chicago Catholic article featuring Adamich’s 100th birthday celebration. Phelan served alongside Adamich for 10 years. “He’s a man of God. He prays for everyone. He prays constantly,” Phelan said. “He’s just the most wonderful man I ever met. He really is.”
Rev. James Hyland, pastor of Most Holy Redeemer in Evergreen Park, remembered Adamich’s great love of the Mass and the Eucharist. “He really loved what he did as a priest,” Hyland said, “and even in retirement he continued to minister to the people in the parish.”
Lying in state will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023 and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. The funeral Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Robert Casey at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28. Hyland will be the homilist of the Mass. All funeral services will take place at Most Holy Redeemer Parish, 9525 Lawndale Avenue in Evergreen Park.
Interment will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet.