We remember the faculty and staff of St. Xavier High School who contributed to our education and formation as Men for Others. May they rest in peace.

TOM BALLABAN

Thomas N. Ballaban beloved husband of Claire Ballaban (Hennekes) of 62 years died peacefully in his sleep Christmas morning 12-25-14. Loving father of Patti Klotz, Sue (Jerry) Cash, Karen Ballaban, Sandy (Rick) Mueller, Lorie (Tom) MacDonald & Nicole (John) Prather. Pops of Thomas (Cindy) & Julia Klotz, Matthew & Sarah Cash, AJ (Ryan), Maggie & Kate Mueller, Brian (Jess), Patrick & Will MacDonald, Nicholas, Luke & Claire Prather. Great grandfather of Isabelle, Reagan & Dylan Klotz and Skylar Mueller. Brother of Pete (Ann) & Matt (Mary) Ballaban. Brother-in- law of Janet (Charles) Ellis & Ed (Margy) Hennekes. BAL will be greatly missed by the entire St. Xavier High School and Xavier University communities.

In addition to 45 years at St. Xavier and head football coach for the Bombers from 1953 to 1977, he was a standout athlete at Xavier University, which reports that Bal, as we all fondly remember him, was one of the unsung heroes on the Xavier front line when the Musketeers won the 1950 Salad Bowl, the forerunner of today’s Fiesta Bowl.

Bal was a fiery 6-foot, 200-pound offensive guard from Donora, Pennsylvania and had an outstanding high school career before enlisting into the Army, where he continued to play football. While in the Army, he was named Army All-America and All-Pennsylvania.

Bal was a three-year starter on the offensive line and was an instrumental force on the Salad Bowl team that finished 10-1. Xavier posted victories over Dayton, Miami of Ohio, Cincinnati and Arizona State (33-12 in Salad Bowl on New Year’s Day, 1950) that year.

During that 1949 season, he established himself as one of the premier offensive linemen in the area. At the conclusion of the season, he was named to the All-Ohio Team and was named 1950 Honorable Mention All-Ohio.

PAUL LAMMERMEIER

Paul lives on through the legacy of the work of the Paul Lammermeir Foundation, https://www.lammermeier.org/,  which provides housing  in Lima, Peru, to children without parental support centered on family and the Jesuit values of education and service to others. The foundation fulfills this work by operating three homes in Lima. Below is an excerpt from Paul’s obituary. It is hard for me to add to this tribute to his life and his life’s work.

PAUL J. LAMMERMEIER August 21, 1939 – August 17, 2022 On August 17, 2022 in Lima, Peru, Paul “Pablo” Lammermeier slipped quietly away to God and the eternal bliss of that warm embrace. And as St. Augustine noted, “Our loved ones only go from us to God….and God is very near.” Paul was born in suburban Cleveland, Ohio, August 21, 1939. Paul’s working class parents, Howard and Lucille, decided early on that Paul and his two younger brothers, Jim and Ken, would benefit from a Catholic education. So, at significant financial sacrifice, the three brothers attended St. Francis Xavier Parochial School and later, St. Ignatius High School. Paul blossomed both academically and spiritually at St. Ignatius. Upon graduation in 1957, Paul entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). As a Jesuit scholastic, he returned to St. Ignatius from 1964-1967, teaching History and Latin and serving as Assistant Athletic Director and as Prefect at the morning Liturgies. On weekends, he ran the local Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) basketball league. During his ten years in the Jesuits, Paul received an excellent education in Philosophy and the Humanities. He received an AB degree from Loyola University (Chicago) in 1963 and an MA in 1968, majoring in History. More importantly, he embraced Ignatian spirituality, seeing God in every person and every thing – and made this central to his life.

In 1968, Paul made a major life change and withdrew from the Jesuits. During his years teaching at St. Ignatius High School, Paul had found his true calling as a teacher. To further prepare, he returned to school, entering a doctoral program at Kent State University, where he majored in American History with an emphasis on African American History. Those years were integral to the formation of Paul’s social consciousness as he studied the American Black experience and that of other minorities within American society. In the spring of 1974, St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio hired Paul to teach and formally establish its Community Service Program. Over the next fourteen years, Paul dedicated his life to instilling in his students the attitudes consistent with Jesuit philosophy and service to the needy in one’s community. This service included assistance to the terminally ill, tutoring disadvantaged youth, a Junior Big Brothers Program, canned food drives, etc. During his final year at St. Xavier, over five hundred students, just under 50%, participated in the Community Service Program. The program continues to thrive and has become a hallmark of the school on a national basis, even though Paul has been away from the school for almost thirty-five years.

In 1983, Paul made the first of several mission trips to Peru, each trip longer than the last. After a six-month visit teaching, learning the language, and working with the poor, Paul felt a calling to be a missionary in Peru. Five years later, in 1988, Paul sold his house and belongings, left everything that he loved and put himself in the hands of the Lord. Paul was hired to teach English and History and begin a small community service program at Colegio San Francisco Javier, a Jesuit high school in the Brena neighborhood of Peru’s capital, Lima. Through Paul’s community service work, he came to know many homeless Peruvian boys.

In 1992, he took one and later a second teenage boy into his small, 400 square foot apartment. With his meager teacher’s salary of $250. per month and unsolicited financial assistance from a handful of friends in the States, Paul was able to provide the essentials for these two boys: Edgar and Donato. Yet, Paul sensed that God was calling him to do more. On a trip back to the United States, Paul told some of his former St. Xavier students and friends of a home he envisioned for homeless boys. A dozen of these friends formed a non-profit organization with the sole purpose of providing funds for Paul’s efforts. Thus, the Paul Lammermeier Foundation (PLF) was created in 1995. PLF board members administer the foundation and the raising of its funds. By April 1997, the foundation, with the financial support of hundreds whom Paul had met while living in Cincinnati and Cleveland, had raised enough money to purchase Casa Javier (Xavier House) in Breña, a working class neighborhood in Lima. Casa Javier serves up to eight boys — all studying, all from desperate circumstances in the provinces of Peru and all provided an opportunity to further their education in a family environment. At that time Fr. Robert J. Welsh, President of St. Ignatius H.S., noted: “Clearly, the Lord has done something wonderful with Paul Lammermeier. He must have a knowledge of Christ that has transformed him into a man who is forgetful of himself and consistently alert to the needs of others – especially those in grave need.”

A few years later, the Paul and the foundation opened a second home for boys, Casa Ignacio (Ignatius House), and in 2011, Paul and the foundation opened Casa Teresa (named in honor of Mother Teresa) for girls. Paul always saw himself continuing in this project as long as God gave him the strength to do so, and presumably he still will. In early August 2022, Diego Vilela, Director of Casa Javier and longtime friend and companion to Paul commented: “Being a saint is not being extraordinary or performing miracles; it is simply being a reflection of a human Jesus on a daily basis. Transmit light and hope to other lives. I believe that Pablo is that for each one of us…”

Paul is survived by his brothers, Jim and Ken, his dear aunt, Sister Madeline Lammermeier, numerous cousins, and his wider family, including the dozens of boys and girls he raised in Lima (many now with their own children and some Paul’s Godchildren), board and staff of the Paul Lammermeier Foundation in Cincinnati and Asociacion Casa Javier in Lima, and hundreds of friends, colleagues and benefactors worldwide.

PAUL ZOOK

ZOOK, PAUL R. St. Xavier ’57 born July 22, 1939 passed away peacefully at home at age 86 on November 9, 2025. Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marianne (nee Fellinger), survived by his children, Sarah Koetting (Steve), Paul (Michelle), and Annie Lawrence (Patrick). He was the doting grandfather of Noah, Dalton Lawrence ’29, and Joey. Paul was a proud graduate of St. Xavier High School (class of 1957), and of Xavier and Loyola universities. He went on to a successful career at St. Xavier HS as a teacher, coach, and eventually Director of Development. He will be remembered for his integrity, humor, and ability to build lasting friendships. But Paul is most known for his love and devotion to his family, especially his wife, Marianne, and truly lived his life as a “Man for Others”, in the Ignatian principle of “ad mojorem Dei glorium”- for the greater glory of God. As a good friend said, “Your dad’s spirit was larger than life, and now it’s released into the heavens”. He will be deeply missed and remembered by the countless lives he touched.

DENNIS AHERN

AHERN, DENNIS ’56 (FORMER ST. XAVIER FACULTY/STAFF) – “‘Rev. Dennis P Ahern, S.J., was born in Cincinnati on October 14, 1938, to Jean and Paul and siblings Patricia, Kathleen Marcum, Ann Baird, Neal, and Mark ’73. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1957 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1970. In Cincinnati, he ministered at St. Xavier High School, Xavier University, St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, and Community of Hope parish. He also served at Loyola University Chicago. He died on June 13 at the Colombiere Jesuit community, Clarkston, Michigan.

RICHARD B. BERNING

Born 23 August 1931 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Died 4 Oct 1995 at age 64 in Franciscan Hosp Mt. Airy Campus, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Dick Berning retired after 40 seasons as basketball coach at St. Xavier High School, remaining a teacher until his death. Mr. Berning’s teams won nine Greater Cincinnati League championships or co-championships, six district titles, and one regional title. His 1965 team was state runner-up. His record was 566-300, 1 .654 winning percentage.

PAUL JOSEPH BORGMANN

Paul Joseph Borgmann, age 81, of Venice, Florida passed away on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. Paul Joseph was born April 10, 1940.

Remembering the Legacy of Paul J. Borgmann ’58

Information compiled by Richard P. Klus, Nicholas B. Kemper ’06 and Tony E. Schad ’81

The St. Xavier community lost a legendary leader with the passing of Paul J. Borgmann from the St. Xavier Class of 1958. As a student at St. Xavier, Paul was class president and was involved in Sodality, the X-Club as well as football and track. He entered the Jesuits shortly after graduating from St. X. He earned an A.B., M.A. and M. DIV from Loyola University in Chicago. He began teaching at St. Xavier in 1971 in the religion department and was chair of the department during the 1975-76 school year.

Paul was named the 37th President of St. Xavier High School and began his service to the school on July 1, 1976. During his St. Xavier presidency many significant changes and impactful events occurred:

• In 1977 the first “lay” board members were appointed and included

Bill Besl ’45, Bill Blum ’38, Clem Buenger ’44, Mike Conaton and

Paul Sittenfeld. • During the incredible winter of 1977, St. X was closed by CG & E and, under Borgmann’s direction, classes were moved back downtown to the Mabley and Carew Company. • New concrete bleachers were built and named after Tom Ballaban and the Bombers had a new 4,500 seat stadium. With that, Harry Foley ’27, whose construction company built the bleachers, donated a new cinder running track. It was the first track St. Xavier had on campus. • For the 1978-79 school year Borgmann appointed the school’s first

“lay” principal, Mr. Mike Trainor. • In 1979 the school’s first President’s Dinner was held in honor of the newly formed St. Francis Xavier Society, which is still the backbone of fundraising to this day. • In 1979 Sr. Grace Marie Hiltz, S.C. was the first woman appointed to the Board of Trustees • In 1981 the 150th anniversary of the school was celebrated with numerous events including, May Fete festival, Sesquicentennial

Speakers Series, Founders Day Mass and Brunch with Xavier

University, and the newly established Magis award for service was awarded to Mike Conaton. • The Magis Campaign was directed and raised $2.9 million for endowment for faculty salaries, student financial aid and building and grounds maintenance. • In 1983 Paul Sittenfeld was appointed the first “lay” chairman of the board of trustees. • The Boys Hope program came to the St. X campus in the fall of 1983. • In 1984 St. X was one of the 60 schools honored nationwide by the

Exemplary Private Schools Recognition Project. • The St. X Legacy of Leaders Campaign, conducted from 1988 through 1990, raised more than $11 million and helped to complete such projects as the Barrett Center, construction of the Jesuit residence on View Place and increased the school’s endowment for need-based tuition assistance. • Paul Borgmann completed his 15-year presidency at St. Xavier on

June 30, 1991. He still holds the longest tenure of any St. Xavier

High School president.

Paul’s sense of humor, contagious laugh and spirit will be missed and his legacy of accomplishment for the mission of St. Xavier High School will never be forgotten.

REV. JOSEPH BRENNAN

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. Joseph T. Brennan, S.J., who died on October 17, 2015, at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Mich. He was 79 years old, a Jesuit for 58 years, and a priest for 46 years. Father Brennan was born in Rochester, N.Y. on October 10, 1936. He grew up in the Chicago area and attended the University of Notre Dame, remaining a strong supporter of the “Fighting Irish” for the rest of his life. Joe entered the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus on September 1, 1957, at Milford, Ohio. He was ordained a priest on May 29, 1969, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Aurora, Ill., and professed final vows on September 17, 1983, at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. As a Jesuit, Father Joe earned a bachelor’s degree in Latin (1961) and master’s in English (1966) from Loyola University Chicago. He earned a Licentiate in Philosophy from West Baden College in Indiana (1963) and a Master of Divinity from Bellarmine School of Theology in North Aurora, Ill. (1970). Father Brennan spent most of his Jesuit life counseling students, obtaining a Master of Education in Counseling from Xavier University in Cincinnati. During his regency, he taught Latin and English at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, Ill. (1963-1966), and after his ordination, he spent nearly 20 years at St. Xavier High School. In addition to student counseling, he was a teacher (1971-1983) and director of the guidance department (1983-1989). He also served as rector (1983-1989). In 1990, after a sabbatical at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., Father moved to Chicago, where he counseled students and worked as a faculty chaplain, sacramental minister, and rector at Saint Ignatius College Prep. He also served as a Chicago Province Consultor (1986-1992). He moved to Colombiere Center in 2010 to care for his health. Father Joe was very well respected for his friendships and collaboration with his lay coworkers. He was a valued colleague, pastor, and friend to many women and men at both St. Xavier High School and Saint Ignatius College Prep. He was instrumental in founding the Chicago Province high school “PPR,” the group of presidents, principals, and rectors that developed strategies for integrating Jesuit ethos within school policies and curriculum. While rector at St. Xavier, Father Brennan developed the first province high school “Sustaining Agreement,” which articulated points of collaboration among the school’s Board of Trustees, its Jesuit community, and the province. He helped develop a similar document during his years as rector of Saint Ignatius.

Dear brother of Thomas P. Brennan (Gale Dreas-Brennan). Cousin of Patti Tobin and Sr. Sarah Brennan, RSCJ.

JAMES CAHILL

CAHILL, JAMES F. “JIM” (’64, Former St. Xavier Fac/Staff), 66, beloved husband of Dianne (Gray) Cahill, died peacefully on Monday, May 6th, 2013. Loving father of Therese (St. Xavier Fac/Staff) (Philip) Bower, Jim (’92) (Beth) Cahill and Laura Cahill. Proud grandfather of Will, Charlie, P.J. and Nora Bower and Aidan and Colin Cahill. Jim is survived by his dear brother Tom (’56) (Claire) Cahill as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews (Brian T. Cahill (’83), Daniel J. Cahill (’85), Kevin J. Cahill (’97), Sean P. Cahill (’89 and St Xavier Fac/Staff), Timothy J. Cahill (’90)) and dear friends. A graduate of St. Xavier High School and Xavier University, Jim recently retired from teaching English Literature and Shakespeare after 43 years at St. Xavier High School.

DONALD DILG

DILG, Donald Michael “Dilger”, beloved husband of Sharon M. Dilg (nee Schmolt), loving father of Shari L. Dilg, loving step-father of Stephanie M. (Jack) Volker and Emily N. (Mark) Bayer, cherished grandfather of Madeline Volker, Logan Bayer, Ava Volker, Evelyn Bayer and baby-to-be Volker. Retired Teacher and Coach from St Xavier HS, LaSalle HS and Fenwick HS. Died, Friday, September 12, 2008, in his 70th year.

KARL HAUCK

HAUCK, KARL L. (FORMER SAINT XAVIER FACULTY/STAFF) (PARENT OF ALUMNUS) (GRANDPARENT) – Karl B., aged 87 of Cincinnati, passed away peacefully on Wednesday April 6, 2022. Karl was a 1952 Graduate of Roger Bacon High School, after which he served honorably in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Stoddard In the Korean War. Upon returning to Cincinnati, Karl earned the first of multiple degrees from Xavier University and embarked upon his lifelong devotion of educating young minds, first at his Alma Mater, and then for the next 38 years as a mainstay with the Social Studies department at St. Xavier High School. The streets of Cincinnati and multiple other locations are filled with men whose minds were molded by Karl’s gifts. Karl lived life to its fullest, dabbling with fervor at painting, carpentry, wine-making (all with minimal success) but also with his true passions: WWII history, travel, and his family. He took special pride in his 18 grandchildren and traveled far and wide to attend their games, performances and academic endeavors. Karl’s second ‘career’ was centered around volunteerism, both as the founding Archivist at St X, as well as a 20 year volunteer at Matthew 25 Ministries, packing boxes and dispensing advice to the younger generation. Karl was preceded in death by his parents Bernard Hauck and Florence (Bothe) Hauck, his brothers Roger and Dick, and the love of his life and soulmate, his wife of 50 years, Patricia (Williams). He is survived by his children: Andrew (Stephanie Trautman) Hauck ’79, Barbara (Tom Riddle), Amy (Pam Roehling), Emily (David Yungblut) and Alex (Katie Crowley) Hauck ’91, as well as his grandchildren: Nick (Paula) Lewis ’10, Patrick, Sam Hauck ’12, Isabel (John Berdux), Cooper (Autumn), Jack Hauck ’21, Annie (Jake Spurgeon), Claire, Alex, Sophie, Charlotte, Lucy, Pete, Jack, Will, Henry, Caroline and Emma. Karl will be remembered fondly by his friends, his St X family, his Matthew 25 family, and the scores of former students his life positively influenced. Special thanks to the staff at the Lodge Rehab Center for providing him comfort in his final days.

JOHN HUSSONG

HUSSONG, JOHN FRANCIS – (PARENT OF ALUMNUS) (GRANDPARENT) (FORMER ST. XAVIER FACULTY/STAFF) – Cincinnati – John (Jock) Hussong, age 87, of Cincinnati, passed away peacefully on October 23rd, 2021 after listening to the St X football game. John is preceded in death by his dear parents, John and Freda; brother Fred, and his nephews and in-laws. Those left to celebrate John include wife Joan (nee Hoersting, married 57 years); daughter Mara (Kurt), Nick and Katie Maurer ’87, grandson Nicholas Maurer ’22; son John (Rachael) Hussong ’89 and Harrison Hussong; son Dan Hussong ’93, brother Nick Hussong, extended family Glen, Colleen, Liz, and Christina Steyer, and numerous friends and family. A special thanks to faithful friend, John Gray. Jock grew up in Dayton, Ohio during the Depression. Generations came together to live in a family home on Wyoming Avenue where he fine-tuned his imagination and good humor. He was a member of the Inland Children’s Chorus, attended St. Anthony Grade School, Chaminade High School ’52, University of Dayton ’56, University of Detroit, and Miami University. He served honorably as an officer in the U.S. Army. He taught at Chaminade High School and Miami University. He made his biggest contribution teaching 50 years at St. Xavier High School (1964-2014). For additional details about Jock’s life, go to www.springgrove.org/obituaries <https://www.springgrove.org/obituaries>. His eye for justice, sharp wit, compassion, and unending patience were loved and respected by all who knew him.

JO ANN KREMER

KREMER, Jo Ann.  Preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Stella (nee McCabe) Kremer.  Dear sister of Mary Ellen (Robert) Ohr, Martin (Joyce) Kremer, Angeline Kremer and Sr. Patricia Kremer, CPPS.  Aunt of Lisa Padhy, Kim Carney, Joseph Kremer, Nikki Kremer and Matt Kremer.  Also survived by 2 great nieces and 2 great nephews.  Jo Ann taught at McAuley High School for 7 years and at St. Xavier High School for 31 years until her retirement in 2004.  Passed away Friday, September 16, 2016, at the age of 77. 

BRO. JACK MARTIN

MARTIN, JACK ’55 (FORMER ST. XAVIER FACULTY/STAFF) – Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of our brother, Br. Jack (John) Martin, S.J., who died on April 24, 2024, at Colombiere Jesuit Retirement Center. He was 87 years old. He is survived by his sibling Mary Martin. He is preceded in death by his parents Madeline and Fred Martin, his brother James Martin. Jack was born on June 30, 1937, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He entered the Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus September 11, 1955, at Milford Novitiate, Milford, Ohio. He professed final vows on August 15, 1968, at St. Xavier High School Cincinnati, Ohio. While in the Society Jack worked as a cook at the novitiate in Milford, Ohio, and West Baden College, West Baden, Indiana and at Bellarmine School of Theology, North Aurora, Illinois. He also served as the Secretary to the Assistant Principal at St. Xavier High School, Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the Manager/Director of Mary Magdalen House in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jack was a devoted Jesuit and Brother. He had a great love of the Society of Jesus and Mary Magdalen House in Cincinnati. He was caring, thoughtful and supportive to those he served and lived with in the Society of Jesus.

EDWARD MCDONNELL

MCDONNELL, EDWARD G. Cincinnati – Edward G. McDonnell, Loving husband of Huguette McDonnell (Former St X Faculty Member). Loving father and father-in-law of Matthew (Cecile) Magner ’72 and Mark (Beth) Magner ’73. Devoted grandfather of Alexandra (Robert) Buchanan, Mark (Kristin) Magner, Tony (Jillian) Magner, Matthew (Michelle) Magner, and Marie Magner. Survived by 11 great and great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Dear brother of Claudette (Charles) Harrer and Kathryn (Martin) Zizzi. Preceded in death by his parents, George and Myrl and his sister Carolyn (Robert) Brennan. Passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 3, 2019. Edward was a college counselor and teacher at St. Xavier High School for over 30 years. He loved to play and watch tennis.

REV. FRANCIS X. MOAN, S.J.

Remembering Fr. Francis X. Moan, SJ, beloved teacher, minister and advocate for refugees
Rev. Francis X. Moan, SJ, was born in Baltimore , MD., on February 19, 1927. He graduated from Loyola Blakefield High School and entered the Novitiate of St. Isaac Jogues in Wernersville, PA in 1945. He attended Spring Hill College in Alabama where he received his degree in English. He also received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology from Woodstock College in Maryland and later a Doctorate in Education from Columbia Teacher’s College in New York. He was ordained a priest on June 23, 1957
Following ordination, Fr. Moan began teaching Latin, Greek and religion at St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, where he would remain for ten years. He also served as superior of the Ferdinand Farmer House his final two years there.
After completing his Doctorate in Education in 1971, Fr. Moan became Headmaster at his alma mater, Loyola Blakefield in Baltimore. He served for three years before becoming Assistant Dean for a year at Saint Joseph’s University and then Headmaster at Xavier High School in Cincinnati for another three years.
Following a brief assignment at Holy Trinity Church in Washington, D.C. as Parochial Vicar and director of religious education, while also contributing as an editor for the National Jesuit News, Fr. Moan became Chaplain for the Georgetown University Law School. In 1983, still in Washington, he began a four-year tenure as the coordinator of the American Refugee Project. He also started serving as the superior of the Jesuit community on K Street, remaining in that role for six years.
In the 90’s, Fr. Moan continued his advocacy work for refugees, serving as the director of “Refugee Voices” at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. Then, in 1998, he moved to Holy Name Church in Camden, NJ, where he served in administrative and pastoral ministries for seven years.
Fr. Moan retired from active ministry in 2005, moving to the Colombiere Jesuit community in Baltimore and then to Manresa Hall in Philadelphia in 2016, praying for the Church and the Society of Jesus. A former student of his from St. Joseph’s Prep recently visited to reminisce about his Latin and Greek Classes more than fifty years ago. Fr. Moan commented that, “I hope I was doing God’s will when I was teaching you boys.”
Fr. Francis X. Moan, SJ died on April 17, 2020 at the age of 93.

REV. ROBERT C. O’CONNOR, S.J.

O’Connor, Rev. Robert C., S.J. age 82, May 23, 2009 in Clarkston, Michigan. A Jesuit for 54 years, he served in several ministries including St. Ignatius High School and Loyola University, dear brother-in-law of Shirley O’Connor and Joseph Remkus, also survived by many nieces and nephews, predeceased by his brothers, Joseph, Arthur, Gerald, and Raymond O’Connor, and by his sister, Mary Remkus.

Father O’Connor was best known as a French teacher at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati. He also taught Latin, speech and theology at the school.

A native of Chicago, he served in U.S. Army Air Forces, where he worked as a weather observer, following high school. He went on to attend the Chicago Musical College. In 1955 Father O’Connor entered the Jesuits at the former novitiate in Milford. He attended Loyola University Chicago and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science in 1956.

Father O’Connor completed his philosophy and theology studies at the former West Baden College in Indiana. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1964.

In 1966 Father O’Connor joined the faculty of St. Xavier High School, where he remained for 33 years. Father O’Connor also served as assistant pastor of St. Xavier Francis Xavier Church in downtown Cincinnati. He moved to the Colombiere Center in 2008.

REV. EDWARD L. PIGOTT, S.J.

December 27, 2020

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of our brother, Fr. Edward L. Pigott, SJ, who died on December 27, 2020, at St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He was 83 years old. May he rest in peace.

Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of our brother, Fr. Edward L. Pigott, SJ, who died on December 27, 2020, at St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He was 83 years old. May he rest in peace.

Ed was born in Cincinnati on August 28, 1937. After graduating from St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, he entered the former Chicago Province of the Society of Jesus at Milford Novitiate on August 8, 1955. Ed was ordained on June 6, 1968, made tertianship during the summers of 1972-1973, and pronounced final vows on September 2, 1973.

During regency, Ed taught Latin at Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago (1962-1965). After ordination, Ed spent fifty years ministering at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati where he was a student counselor, religion teacher, and campus minister.

RALPH PRANGER

PRANGER, RALPH (FORMER ST. XAVIER FACULTY/STAFF) – Ralph Joseph Pranger passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, just 14 days shy of his 98th birthday. He was born on January 23, 1928 in Covington, Kentucky, the son of Frank Nicholas and Mary Georgina (Harmeling) Pranger. He graduated from Covington Catholic High School and earned a B.S. in Education and an M.A. in History from the University of Dayton. He then earned an M.S. in Guidance Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh. He was a teacher at many schools in his career. He specialized in English, French, history, Latin, mathematics and science and performed various Catholic missionary work in Africa, including establishing a technical school in Malawi. He finished his career as a Guidance Counselor for 18+ years at St. Xavier High School, Cincinnati before retiring in 1994. When he wasn’t teaching, he was painting and cartooning. He was preceded in death by his wife Jeanette Carolyn Pranger (née Mudd), sister Mary Louise Pranger, brother Arthur B. Pranger (Rose), and sister Mary Joan Saalfeld (née Pranger). Cherished uncle to Gary Pranger (Mary), Patricia (née Pranger) Enzweiler (Steve), Christopher Pranger (Denise), John Pranger, Mary (née Pranger) Brown (Jim), Larry Pranger (Michelle), Donna (née Pranger) Gurren (Bob), and many other nieces and nephews.

GENE THOMAS

Thomas, Gene E. , age 77, passed Tuesday, June 14, 2011. Loving Husband of Claudette; Father of Jana Brown (Mike) Mullins, Laura (Igor) Radetic and LATE G. Mark Thomas; Grandfather of Logan Brown. Gene and his wife Claudette were in charge of computer operations at St. Xavier High School for many years.

HOWARD TOLBERT

TOLBERT, HOWARD (PARENT OF ALUMNUS) (GRANDPARENT) (FORMER ST. XAVIER FACULTY/STAFF) – Proud graduate of Norwood High School class of 1941 and Xavier University class of 1948. Answered the call and enlisted in the United States Army in December of 1941. Married June Haake, his high school sweetheart, on a weekend pass in Biloxi, Mississippi, in February of 1942. He would not see her again for four years. During these years, he would earn combat ribbons for Normandy, Ardennes and Rhineland, a bronze star, a purple heart, and witness the horror in liberating several camps. Upon returning home, he enrolled at Xavier University, where he pursued a degree in education. As a member of the football team, he would throw a touchdown pass on the first play against Miami and later lead the Muskies to a stunning upset of U.C. Four decades of teaching and coaching would follow at Purcell, St. Xavier and Colerain. Loving father of Steve ’69 (Susan Laker) (PARENTS OF ALUMNUS), Mike ’71 (Jean Tepe) (PARENTS OF ALUMNUS), Amy (Tony) Kenny (PARENTS OF ALUMNUS), cherished grandfather Colette, Steve Jr. (Stephanie) Tolbert ’09; Michael and Molly Tolbert ’12; Jennifer (Josh) Baughan and Ryan Kenny ’11, dearest great-grandfather of Andrew, Maddison, Aiden and Sam. Howard passed away on Sunday April 7, 2024 at age 101.