Archdiocesan Priest, Rev. John E. Tilford, Dies
Chicago, IL (August 17, 2017) – Rev. John Edward Tilford passed away on Monday, August 14, at Palos Community Hospital in Palos Heights. Fr. Tilford, Associate Pastor at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Chicago, was 76 years old.
Fr. Tilford was born in Chicago on November 6, 1940. He attended St. Laurence Elementary School for his primary education. Fr. Tilford went on to study at Quigley Preparatory Seminary North and graduated from the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Theology. He later earned a Master’s in Social Work degree from Loyola University Chicago. Fr. Tilford was ordained into the priesthood on April 26, 1966 by Archbishop John Patrick Cody, and celebrated his first Solemn Mass at St. Cajetan Parish on May 1, 1966.
Fr. Tilford served in a number of parochial roles within the Archdiocese. He was Assistant Pastor of St. Thomas of Canterbury Parish (1966-71), Assistant Pastor of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Schiller Park (1974-78), and Pastor of St. Bridget Parish (1981-90). In 1990, Fr. Tilford was named Pastor of St. Michael the Archangel Parish and served in that role until stepping down to Associate Pastor in 2004 and retiring in 2014.
In addition to serving Catholics in parishes around the Archdiocese, Fr. Tilford was the Area Chaplain for Catholic Scouts in 1968, an Assistant Administrator at Angel Guardian Orphanage in Chicago (1971-74) and an Assistant Executive Director at Maryville Academy in Chicago (1978-81). Fr. Tilford was known for his work with underprivileged youth and young adults, especially within Hispanic communities.
Fr. Charles Rubey, Vicar for Senior Priests at the Archdiocese of Chicago, remembers Fr. Tilford for his community work. “He did so much wonderful work, especially for the Hispanic community. Young people respected and gravitated toward him. They loved him and he loved them.”
Fr. William Burke, who was ordained alongside Fr. Tilford and will serve as homilist for his Funeral Mass, fondly recalls Fr. Tilford for bringing much vitality, humor, and joy to those around him. “His faith showed itself in his deep commitment to his people,” said Fr. Burke.
Visitation hours will be held on Friday, August 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Holy Family Villa, 12220 Will Cook Road, Palos Park. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, will be the main celebrant of the Funeral Mass, which begins at 1 p.m. at Holy Family Villa.
Fr. Tilford is survived by his sister, Mary Boettcher.