Br. John J. Stobba, O.S.A. (1930 - 2018)

John Joseph Stobba was born May 14, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois to Hugo J. and Catherine Stobba. He was Baptized May 18, 1930 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, Chicago. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation on October 29, 1941 at St. Rita Catholic Church, Chicago.

John received his elementary education at St. Raphael and St. Rita Schools, both in Chicago. He studied for two years at St. Rita High School, Chicago. He then entered the Augustinian program of formation, studying for one year at St. Monica Seminary, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and completing his secondary education in 1948 at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York.

He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1948. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1949 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1952. He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1953. He pursued theological studies from 1953 to 1956.

Brother Stobba was assigned to Cascia Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, as a Teacher in 1956. In 1958 he was transferred to St. Rita High School, Chicago. He served there until 1995 in several different capacities at various times. He was a Teacher, Sacristan and Director of Audio-Visual Media. He worked in the book store and the school office. He oversaw the Student Work-Study Program and the school’s bus service. From 1993 to 1995, he lived with the Augustinian Community at St. Rita Parish, Chicago, while continuing his work at St. Rita High School.

In 1995, Brother Stobba was named Director of the Augustinian Mission Office. At that time, he relocated to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields, Illinois. He served in this role until the end of 2006.

He was assigned in January 2007 to St. Peter Parish, Douglas, Michigan, where he assisted in parish ministry. He returned to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields, in March 2010. When St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery closed in December 2010, Brother Stobba relocated to St. John Stone Friary, Chicago.

Because of declining health, Brother Stobba was transferred in 2014 to Bl. Stephen Bellesini Friary at St. Anthony Home, Crown Point, Indiana, where he received appropriate care. On August 14, 2018, Brother John Joseph Stobba entered eternal life.