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Rev. Richard J. Preston, O.S.A. (1927 - 1990)

Rev. Richard J. Preston, O.S.A. entered eternal life December 8, 1990.

Richard John Preston was born July 17, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois to John R. and Barbara (Cholewinski) Preston. He was baptized at St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Church, Chicago.

He first attended Shield Elementary School, Chicago, and then transferred to St. Rita Catholic School, Chicago, from which he graduated in 1941. He began his secondary education at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. After completing his freshman year, he attended St. Monica Seminary High School, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, for two years. He returned to Augustinian Academy for his senior year, earning his diploma there in 1945.

Richard was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1945. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1946 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1949.

He received a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1950. He did his theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., from 1950 to 1954. He was ordained a Priest September 19, 1953. Villanova College awarded him an M.S. in Library Science in 1954.

Father Preston's first assignment was to Austin Catholic High School, Detroit, Michigan, where he served as Librarian, Teacher and Business Manager of the Augustinian Friary.

In 1965 Father Preston was elected to the Province Council and appointed to head the Augustinian Seminary Guild, which raised funds to support Augustinian programs of formation. Originally headquartered at St. Rita Monastery, Chicago, the Guild relocated in 1971 to Tolentine College, Olympia Fields, Illinois.

A personal interest of Father Preston from the time he first arrived at Tolentine College was a special apostolate to the disenfranchised. He was called upon by the local judicial system to confer with and counsel young men. For many years he continued this avocation. The work was meaningful to him, and many young men benefitted from his time and his concern.

Having suffered for several years from diabetes and emphysema, Father Preston was stricken by a heart attack just before Thanksgiving of 1990. He suffered a massive coronary at Olympia Fields Osteopathic Hospital, Olympia Fields, on the morning of December 8 and died on that day.

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.