Rev. Raymond J. Tillrock, Pastor Emeritus of St. Barnabas, Dies At 82

CHICAGO – Rev. Raymond J. Tillrock, pastor emeritus of St. BarnabaS Parish on Longwood Drive in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, died April 27. He was 82 years old.

He was born on July 29, 1940, in Chicago. He attended St. Rita High School, Loyola University and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein. Tillrock was ordained to the priesthood on May 14, 1969, by Cardinal John Cody, and celebrated his first Mass on May 18 at St. Mary of Mount Carmel in Chicago.

Tillrock served the people of the Archdiocese of Chicago as assistant pastor at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Wilmette. He was on the faculty of Niles College Seminary from 1974 to 1979. Later, Tillrock served as associate pastor at St. Mary of Celle Parish in Berwyn and pastor at St. Barnabas Parish. In addition, he was a long serving board member of the Priests' Retirement and Mutual Aid Association (PRMAA). He retired in 2003.

Rev. William J. Zavaski, pastor emeritus of St. James Parish in Arlington Heights, was a good friend and classmate of Tillrock.

“He was a very important member of our group (of classmates),” Zavaski said. “He was a great sailor – he was sailing until this past year.”

Zavaski described Tillrock as “a fun person to be with, very kind and loving,” and remembered how much his classmate loved his dog Barney, a close companion for years.

“Ray was a hardworking and thoughtful pastor,” said Msgr. John F. Canary, former rector of Mundelein Seminary. Canary remembered his classmate when they started seminary.

“He came in with a lot of his background in finance and accounting but also with a good caring side which he always showed to the people in need.”

Canary described Tillrock as an excellent preacher and a good, loyal friend, “You could count on him and he was always there for you.”

Visitation for Fr. Tillrock will take place from 3 to 9 p.m., with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 4. The funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 5. All services will be at St. Barnabas Church, 10134 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago. The Most Rev. Francis J. Kane, auxiliary bishop emeritus of Chicago and seminary classmate, will be the main celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Evergreen Park.