Father John J. (Jerry) Bresnahan, 86, died Sept. 26. He was pastor emeritus of the former St. Beatrice Parish, Schiller Park.

Father Bresnahan was born in Chicago and attended St. Ailbe School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1960.

Father Jerry, as he was known by his parishioners, was assistant pastor of St. Joseph, Homewood; St. Andrew (Addison Street); St. Germaine, Oak Lawn; and St. Joseph, Libertyville. He was a U.S. Army chaplain for five years before serving as associate pastor of St. Mary of the Woods and as pastor at St. Beatrice Parish for 22 years. He was named pastor emeritus in 2005.

“Father Jerry was well loved and respected by the people he served,” said Father Robert Schultz, pastor of Holy Virgin Martyrs Parish in Schiller Park. “His influence on St. Beatrice Parish was felt for years after his retirement. He was known for being soft-spoken, a gentle soul and a true gentleman.”