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Rev. Casimir A. Pazera, O.S.A. (1925 - 1997)

Rev. Casimir A. Pazera, O.S.A. entered eternal life July 16, 1997.

Casimir A. Pazera was born August 10, 1925 in Wilbaux, Montana to Casimir and Johanna (Zdankus) Pazera. He had three brothers, Francis, Vincent and George, and four sisters, Patricia, Bernadette, Pauline and Marcella. He was Baptized August 13, 1925 at St. Peter Catholic Church, Wilbaux.

Casimir attended St. Michael Parochial School from 1931 to 1932. He next attended Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parochial School, graduating in 1939. He began his high school studies at St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, in 1939. He entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, in 1940. He earned his high school diploma there in 1943.

He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1943. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1944 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1947.

Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, granted him a B.A. in Philosophy in 1948. He then studied Theology at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., completing the program there in 1952.

Chicago Auxiliary Bishop William Cousins ordained him a Priest August 22, 1951.

Father Pazera was in 1952 assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, teaching in the Technical Division of the school. In 1953 he was transferred to Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago, as a Teacher.

In 1961 he returned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, where he remained until 1993. While at St. Rita, in his role as Data Manager, he dedicated his life to the efficient operation of the school through the many services offered by the Data Processing Department. He also was a Teacher there. From 1971 to 1975 he served as Prior (Superior) of the Augustinian community at St. Rita.

Father Pazera in 1993 requested a reduction in his work load. He moved to Providence Catholic High School, New Lenox, Illinois, where he was asked to assist in establishing a new computer laboratory. He brought his expertise and knowledge of computer science to create a new state-of-the-art computer facility. He appeared to blossom in this new assignment.

He was then given a new challenge, and he rose to the occasion. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He remained active in the school even while he was being treated for the cancer. He bore his suffering so as not to be a hindrance to his religious community.

Father Pazera died July 16, 1997 from complications due to his cancer of the pacreas.

"Cas" was a dedicated Augustinian priest. He offered his varied gifts and talents from explaining to his community the process of making honey and wine to the intricacies of electricity and the functioning of computers. He loved people. The high school apostolate was very close to his heart.

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

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.