Archpriest Thomas Succarotte, who was attached in retirement to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church, Madison, IL, feel asleep in the Lord on Saturday, August 8, 2015.
Born in Wilmington, DE on September 16, 1944, a son of the late Francis and Olga (Herosik) Succarotte, he married the former Tanya Button on August 14, 1965. After graduating from the Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University), from which he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Corporate Finance, he was employed by the DuPont Company, Wilmington, for 12 years. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY on May 1, 1978 and was subsequently ordained to the diaconate and priesthood.
Father Thomas was appointed Rector of the Nativity of the Holy Virgin Church, Madison, IL on August 1, 1979. He served the parish until his retirement due to health issues on December 31, 2010. In addition to his pastoral duties, he served as Dean of Saint Louis Orthodox Deanery for many years. He also served as the police chaplain for Madison, Granite City, Pontoon Beach, the Madison County Sheriff’s Department, State Police, FBI, and the ATF during this time. He was also Chaplain for the Missouri and Illinois Railroad Police Association. He was instrumental in establishing the Chaplain Program for the ATF. His greatest joy was serving the Lord and spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren, whom he adored. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Father Thomas is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Matushka Tanya; loving son and daughter-in-law, Mark Edward Francis and Angela (Moore) Succarotte, Pontoon Beach, IL; beloved grandchildren Elijah Thomas and Sophia Kathleen; dear sister and brother-in-law Barbara Ann and Paul Schmidt, Wilmington, DE; two nephews, Eric and Andrew; and his extended family and many friends.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11 at the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church, Madison, IL. The Funeral Service for a Priest will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12 at the church. His Grace, Bishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest will preside. Also serving will be Archpriest John Zdinak, Chancellor of the Midwest Diocese; Archpriest Timothy Sawchak, Dean of the of Kansas City Deanery; Priest Nicholas Finley, Rector of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church; and other clergy. Interment will follow at the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Cemetery, Edwardsville, IL. Memorial donations may be sent to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Church, 416 Ewing Avenue, Madison, IL 62060-1456. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.irwinchapel.com.
May Father Thomas’ memory be eternal!