Former pastor in Palatine, Wauconda dies

The Rev. Thomas Michael Enright, former pastor of St. Theresa Parish in Palatine and Transfiguration Parish in Wauconda, has died.

Enright, 75, most recently served as an associate pastor at Our Lady of Ransom Parish in Niles for the past six years. He died Saturday at his home in Seneca.

His colleagues remembered Enright as a caring and gentle pastor.

“He welcomed everyone with a smile and had the gift of presence whether it was during a wake or at someone's bedside,” said the Rev. Christopher Gustafson in a statement. “He was approachable and worked well with all age groups and he lived Gospel simplicity.”

Enright was born in Oak Park and attended Presentation and St. Frances of Rome Catholic schools before going on to Archbishop Quigley Preparatory Seminary and then University of Saint Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary.

He was ordained in 1966.

His first pastoral assignment was assistant pastor of St. Mary of the Woods Parish on Chicago's Northwest Side. Beginning in 1973, he spent six years as pastor of St. Theresa Parish in Palatine. From 1979 to 1983, he served as associate pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Wilmette.

In 1983, he became pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish in Lemont, serving there for 13 years before going on to Transfiguration in Wauconda, where he was pastor until 2007.

Visitation will take place from 3 to 9 p.m., Tuesday at Our Lady of Ransom Parish, 8624 W, Normal Ave., Niles. Cardinal Francis George will lead the funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Ransom.