Fr. Patrick J Lee

Fr. Pat was the beloved son of the late James and Mary Lou Lee (née Booth). He grew up in Alsip and began his education at St. Christina Elementary School, later attending Marist High School. Feeling a strong calling to the priesthood early in life, he pursued his vocation at Quigley South and then continued his theological and academic formation at Mundelein Seminary.

He was ordained to the priesthood on May 12, 1976, and went on to faithfully serve the Archdiocese of Chicago for nearly five decades. His pastoral assignments included associate pastor at St. Christopher Parish in Midlothian and St. Matthias Parish on Ainslie Street in Chicago. He served on the faculty of Quigley Preparatory Seminary North and was later appointed associate pastor at St. Giles Parish in Oak Park.

Fr. Pat also held pastor roles at Immaculate Conception Parish in Chicago, St. Joseph Parish on North Orleans Street, and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, where he ministered with deep compassion and leadership.

A gifted scholar and teacher, Fr. Pat earned a B.A. in English from Loyola University, a Master of Divinity from the University of St. Mary of the Lake, and a Master’s in Literature from Middlebury College in Vermont. He also pursued postgraduate studies in literature and writing at Lincoln College, Oxford University in England.

Beyond his parish duties, Fr. Pat served as a moderator for the Gay and Lesbian Outreach for the Archdiocese of Chicago and ministered to those affected by AIDS with profound empathy and care. He was also a valued member of the Board of Advisors for the Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese, dedicating himself to the spiritual and educational well-being of the wider community.

Fr. Pat was a devoted and loving brother to John (the late Dorothy) Beckman, James (Patricia) Lee Jr., the late Terrence (survived by Patricia) Lee, Catherine (Terence) Moeller, Mary (Steven) Silvestri, Susan (Lawrence) Kane, Geraldine McGuire, and Margaret (Michael) Maziarka. He was also a cherished uncle and great uncle to many.

He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his intellectual curiosity, his boundless compassion, and his deep commitment to service. His life touched countless hearts, and his legacy will endure in the communities he served so faithfully.

A visitation for Fr. Pat will be held Monday, April 21, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. A lying in state will occur Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 708 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment private.