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Rev. Thomas E. Nash, O.S.A. (1912-1983)

Rev. Thomas E. Nash, O.S.A. entered eternal life October 23, 1983.

Thomas Edward Nash was born September 9, 1912 in Chicago, Illinois to Thomas and Barbara (Cullen) Nash. He was Baptized September 15, 1912 at Good Counsel Catholic Church, Chicago. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation October 11, 1924 at St. Rita Catholic Church, Chicago.

After his graduation in 1931 from St. Rita High School, Thomas undertook pre-law studies at DePaul University, Chicago, from 1931 to 1935. He then worked for a short time as a bank teller.

He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate December 10, 1936. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine December 11, 1937 and solemn (permanent) vows December 11, 1940. He completed his undergraduate college education at Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, earning a B. A. in 1940.

He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., from 1940 to 1944. He was ordained a Priest May 29, 1943. He received an M.A. in Sociology from Catholic University of America, Washington, in 1944.

Father Nash was assigned in 1944 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, as a Teacher. When Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, opened its doors in 1951, Father Nash became a member of its first faculty.

In 1958 he was appointed Associate Pastor at St. Matthew Catholic Parish, Flint, Michigan. Two years later, in 1960, he returned to Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, as a Teacher. From 1961 to 1967 he taught at Cascia Hall School, Tulsa, Oklahoma. He again returned in 1967 to Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, where he taught until 1971.

Father Nash was assigned in 1971 to St. Augustine Seminary, Holland, Michigan, where he was Prior (local superior) of the Augustinian community. He served as Prior at St. Monica Monastery, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, from 1972 to 1979.

Declining health caused him to be assigned to St. Rita Monastery, Chicago, where, after a lengthy struggle with cancer, he died October 23, 1983.

Father Nash was known for his wit and his dedicated love for God and God's people. He was both poet and Priest, and shared his heart, his talents and his love of God with many people.

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, 5401 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago, IL 60615-5664, or via Augustinian Guild Secure On-line Giving.