Father Dominic J. Grassi, 79, died Aug. 25.  He was pastor emeritus of St. Josaphat Parish, a professor and an author.

Born in Chicago, Father Grassi attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary, Niles College of Loyola University and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1973.

He was assistant pastor of St. John De La Salle Parish and Immaculate Conception Parish (Aberdeen Street). He was on the faculty of Quigley Preparatory Seminary for about 13 years, teaching religion, speech and media studies. He was a member of the Pastors’ Review Board and served as pastor at St. Josaphat Parish for 18 years. Afterward, he served at St. Gertrude Parish (Granville Avenue) for 11 years. According to the biography on his website called “Bumping Into God,” he was also an associate chaplain of the Arthur J. Audy Detention Center for Youth. Grassi was named pastor emeritus of St. Josaphat Parish in 2022.

A 2007 profile captured in the archdiocesan newspaper shared his love for storytelling. Years later, after retiring from parish ministry, he published “Death in Chicago: Winter,” his first mystery novel set in Chicago.

Grassi was the author of several books including “Bumping Into God: 35 Stories Of Finding God In Unexpected Places,” “Still Called by Name” and “Living the Mass,” as well as numerous articles for many publications.