Obituaries

Chicago (Jan. 11, 2025) – Rev. Thomas E. Lamping, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and former associate pastor of St. Bartholomew Parish on Patterson Avenue in Chicago, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, at the age of 70.

Lamping was born on Oct. 29, 1954, in Joliet. He attended Bertha-Hewitt High in Bertha, Minnesota, Crosier Seminary in Onamia, Minnesota, Indiana University in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Crosier Seminary in Onamia, Minnesota, and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein.

Lamping was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 1984, by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, and celebrated his first solemn Mass on May 20, 1984 at St. Viator Parish in Calumet City.

After ordination, Lamping served as associate pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Summit, and the following parishes in Chicago: St. Philomena Parish on Cortland Street (now San José Luis Sánchez Del Rio Parish), St. Jerome Parish on Lunt Avenue, Queen of Angels Parish on Western Avenue and St. Bartholomew Parish on Patterson Avenue. He retired in 2019.

Rev. Michael Gabriel, archdiocesan priest and one of Lamping’s classmates, remembers Lamping as a great person who “loved life and was incredibly dedicated to the priesthood.” Gabriel also recalled his close relationship with his family, how “he was very dedicated to his parents and really loved those around him.”

Rev. Martin T. Marren first met Lamping at Mundelein Seminary. “He had a lot of different experiences from the rest of us because he lived in different places,” Marren said. “He loved traveling and worked in Puerto Vaca, Mexico, with orphans where we visited him.” Marren remembered his friend’s good sense of humor and how he kept his classmates in good spirits. Marren added that Lamping was very dedicated to those he served, especially the Spanish-speaking community.”

A memorial Mass will be held in the Archdiocese of Chicago at a later date.