Father William B. Gubbins, 92, died March 14. He was pastor emeritus of St. John Berchmans Parish.

Born in Chicago, Father Gubbins attended St. Philip Neri School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1955.

Father Gubbins’ first assignment was as assistant pastor at Holy Name Cathedral for nine years before serving in the same role at Our Lady of Knock, Calumet City; St. Nicholas, Evanston; and St. Sylvester. He was associate pastor of Our Lady of Mercy; Divine Providence, Westchester; and St. Aloysius.

After a five-month stay in Israel to study Scripture, Father Gubbins became pastor at Queen of Martyrs Parish, Evergreen Park. In 1992, he became pastor at St. John Berchmans, where he served until 1999. He received the title of pastor emeritus when he retired.

Father William Corcoran, pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in Orland Hills, lived at the parish with Father Gubbins for about eight years.

“He was 92 going on 60,” said Corcoran, who remembered his friend as thriving and being mentally sharp in his final years. Even after retirement, Father Gubbins heard confessions, celebrated Masses, and facilitated Bible studies, Corcoran added. “He was incredibly kind, a good listener and always serving people.”