Holy Cross Father Kenneth Michael Molinaro, 77, died Feb. 9 in Notre Dame, Indiana.

Born in Chicago, he attended St. Patrick Elementary School in South Bend, Indiana, and graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1966 before enrolling in the Holy Cross candidate program at the University of Notre Dame.

He entered the Holy Cross novitiate in 1968 and made his first vows in 1969. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1971 with a degree in sociology and spent the next two years teaching at St. Catherine Laboure School in Glenview. During that time, he received a degree as a reading specialist from the National College of Education in 1973. He returned to Moreau Seminary and was ordained a Holy Cross priest in 1976.

After ordination, Father Molinaro served as principal at Sacred Heart Grade School in Winnetka until 1981. He ministered in South Bend before being assigned as principal (1986-1998) and then president (1998-2000) of Notre Dame High School in Niles.

He then served in leadership positions in his community until he retired in 2021.

He is survived by his brothers, Joseph and Daniel, and his sisters, Anna Grace Riblet and Kathleen Carpenter.

Viatorian Father Donald J. Fitzsimmons, 93, died Feb. 13 in Arlington Heights.

Born in Pontiac, Illinois, he graduated from Cathedral Boys High School in Springfield before entering the community. He made his first vows in 1951 and was ordained in 1960.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and history from Loyola University Chicago; a master’s degree in history from St. Louis University; a diplôme in religious studies from Lumen Vitae: Institut Science, Brussels; and a master’s degree in doctoral studies and religious education from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.

Father Fitzsimmons taught in Peoria before becoming a teacher and counselor at St. Viator High School, Arlington Heights (1970-1988). From 1988 to 1997, he was a drug abuse counselor at Lutheran General Recovery Center, Vernon Hills. He also served as a substance abuse counselor in the Keys to Recovery Program at Holy Family Hospital, Des Plaines (1998-2001). In 2001, Father Fitzsimmons retired to the Viatorian Province Center, Arlington Heights.

He is survived by his brother, Robert, and his sister, Patricia Andreatta.

Notre Dame de Namur Sister Mary Lou Stoffel, 90, died Feb. 16 in Cincinnati.

Born in Chicago, she was in the 72nd year of her religious life.

Sister Mary Lou’s ministry as educator and administrator took her to various communities in Ohio and to Chicago, where she ministered for many years at St. Robert Bellarmine School.

After her retirement, Sister Mary Lou served her community in her ministry of presence and prayer, and in cheering on her beloved Chicago Cubs.

Viatorian Father Daniel J. Mirabelli, 94, died Feb. 21 in Moline.

Born in Chicago, he graduated from Fenwick High School in Oak Park. He made his first vows in 1952 and was ordained in 1960.

Father Mirabelli earned a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Ambrose College, Davenport, Iowa, and a master’s degree in American history from Loyola University Chicago. He taught in Peoria before serving as business manager and teacher at St. Viator High School, Arlington Heights (1961-1966). After that, he ministered in Rock Island.

He is survived by his sister, Marianna Dituro.

Father James W. Kinn, 94, died Feb. 8. He was the pastor emeritus of Santa Maria del Popolo, Mundelein.

Born in Chicago, Father Kinn attended Maternity BVM School, Quigley Preparatory Seminary and the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary before being ordained in 1957. He also earned a master’s degree in math education from DePaul University.

After being ordained, he continued his studies at the University of St. Mary of the Lake before serving as assistant pastor at St. Victor, Calumet City. He then resided at St. Bartholomew Parish, St. Bridget Parish and Our Lady of Charity Parish, Cicero, while teaching math, German and religion at Quigley North.

He then was associate pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle before being named pastor of St. Bride in 1978. In 1982, he was named pastor of Santa Maria del Popolo, a post he held until he retired in 2002 and was named pastor emeritus.