Rev. Richard J. Lo Bianco, a retired priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and former pastor of Holy Cross Parish in Deerfield, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at the age of 70.
Born on Nov. 8, 1954, in Chicago, Lo Bianco attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary, Niles College Seminary of Loyola University, and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 9, 1979, by Cardinal John Cody and celebrated his first solemn Mass at St. Christina Parish in Chicago.
Following his ordination, Lo Bianco served as associate pastor at St. Denis Parish, St. Walter Parish, and St. Germaine Parish. He later became pastor at St. Gerald Parish and served as associate pastor at St. Alexander Parish in Palos Heights and Our Lady Mother of the Church in Chicago. In 2009, he became pastor of Divine Savior Parish in Norridge, where he served for approximately 10 years before leading Holy Cross Parish in Deerfield in 2021. He retired in 2024.
Lo Bianco’s classmates and fellow priests remembered him as a kind, compassionate, and devoted pastor. Rev. Gregory Sakowicz recalled his friend’s “love for life” and his deep faith, while Rev. Thomas Cabala described him as “a compassionate person who cared for people.” Rev. Dean Semmer remembered him as a hard worker and a very kind man, and Rev. Daniel Steiner described him as “kind, generous, and a devoted priest and pastor.”
Visitation was held on March 6, 2025, at St. Gerald Parish in Oak Lawn and on March 7 at Holy Cross Parish in Deerfield. A funeral Mass followed at Holy Cross Parish, celebrated by Rev. James F. Blazek. Interment took place at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Orland Park.
Lo Bianco’s legacy of faith, kindness, and dedication to his parish communities will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.