Former Pastor Richard Lo Bianco of Holy Cross Church Dies At 70

CHICAGO – Rev. Richard J. Lo Bianco, retired priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and former pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Deerfield, passed away Sunday, Feb. 23. He was 70 years old.

Lo Bianco was born on Nov. 8, 1954, in Chicago. He attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary in Chicago, Niles College Seminary of Loyola University, and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein.

He was ordained to the priesthood on May 9, 1979, by Cardinal John Cody, and he celebrated his first solemn Mass at St. Christina Parish in Chicago.

After ordination to the priesthood, Lo Bianco was associate pastor at the following parishes: St. Denis Parish and St. Walter Parish, both in Chicago and St. Germaine Parish in Oak Lawn.

He then served as pastor at St. Gerald Parish in Oak Lawn, as associate pastor at St. Alexander Parish in Palos Heights and at Our Lady Mother of the Church in Chicago (now part of Queen of Peace Parish).

Lo Bianco became pastor of Divine Savior Parish in Norridge in 2009 where he served for approximately 10 years. He became pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Deerfield in 2021 and retired in 2024.

Rev. Gregory Sakowicz, archdiocesan priest and one of Lo Bianco’s classmates, recalled his friend’s zest for life, how he “had a love for life and was very passionate about what he did and what he believed.” Sakowicz remembered Lo Bianco as a very kind soul, generous spirit, kind-hearted, with a good sense of humor and deep faith.

“He was a very good and faithful priest,” Sakowicz added. “When you talked to him, he really gave you his attention and focused on you.”

Rev. Thomas Cabala, archdiocesan priest, was also a classmate and remembered Lo Bianco as “a compassionate person who cared for people and was always positive about the people at the parishes he served.”

Rev. Dean Semmer remembered his classmate as a hard worker and a very kind man, and a “kind, generous priest and pastor.”

“I just enjoyed being with him,” said Rev. Daniel Steiner, archdiocesan priest and one of Lo Bianco’s classmates.

Visitation hours will be Thursday, March 6, from 3 to 8 p.m. at St. Gerald Parish, 9310 S. 55th Court, Oak Lawn, and Friday, March 7, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Parish, 724 Elder Lane in Deerfield. The funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Parish and will be celebrated by Rev. James F. Blazek. Interment will occur at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Orland Park.