Fr. Mario Pedi, O.S.B.

Father Mario Pedi, O.S.B., age 88, a Benedictine monk of Marmion Abbey, Aurora, Illinois, died peacefully in the Lord on August 28, 2015. He is survived by members of his monastic community, his brothers Roy (Patricia) and John (Roberta); his sister Marianne (George) Wohn; nieces Debbie Pedi, Beverly (Jim) Crupi, Laura (Joe) Ruddy, Kim Kane, Terrie Foster, Nicole Barzano; nephews Stephen Foster and Brian, David and Michael Wohn, as well as many great nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Mary (Brocato), brothers Sal and Philip, and niece Virginia Wohn. Father Mario was born on November 2, 1926, and was baptized as Stephen at St. Bernardine Parish, Forest Park Illinois. Upon graduation from Proviso High School in 1945 he studied at Loyola University and St. Procopius College. After entering Marmion Abbey in 1952, he professed his first vows and took the name of Mario in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He made his solemn monastic profession August 10, 1956 and was ordained a priest May 11, 1957. From 1957 - 1971 Father Mario served at Marmion Military Academy as an instructor, commandant, and librarian. From 1968 – 1971 he served as Principal of the Lake Street Campus of the Academy. Beginning in 1971 Father Mario taught at Delbarton School, New Jersey (1971-73), Fieldstone School, New York City (1974-76), served as rector of St. Edward’s Hall, University of Notre Dame (1976-86). During his years at Notre Dame he was well known for his hospitality and for the personal contacts he maintained with students after graduation. Father Mario served as pastor of Annunciation Church, Aurora, Illinois, from 1986 – 2009. As pastor he oversaw the restoration of the church’s interior and added a number of new artistic works including a rendering of the Annunciation on the façade of the church and an outdoor Way of the Cross in the parish cemetery. He also introduced the celebration of the Luminary Mass in the cemetery each fall. After his retirement from active ministry in 2009 he returned to Marmion Abbey. During his final years, Father Mario remained faithful to daily prayer with his monastic community and to his priestly pastoral ministry at local parishes. Throughout his life, Father Mario deeply loved the priesthood and his monastic community. When living away from the abbey, he would always make a point to return there for retreats, funerals and other special events. He was noted as a man who liked a good joke, was very close to his family and had a deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He will be deeply missed by his family, monastic community, parishioners and his many friends. Father Mario’s body will be received by his monastic community and family on Tuesday, September 1, at 4:00 P.M. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. in the Abbey Church at 850 Butterfield Road, Aurora. The Office of the Dead will be prayed at 6:30 P.M. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, September 2, from 8:00 A.M. until the Funeral Mass which will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Burial will follow in the Marmion Abbey Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, 630-631-5500 or visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Fr. Mario’s family.

Fr. Mario Pedi, O.S.B.

November 2, 1926 - August 28, 2015