Viatorian Father Thomas Kass, 70, died March 13.

Born in Chicago, he graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1964 and entered the Clerics of St. Viator novitiate that year. He professed first vows in 1965 and final vows in 1973. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1977 at St. Hedwig Church.

He earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in English language and literature, specializing in the life and works of Samuel Johnson.

He taught in Springfield, Illinois; served as a deacon at St. Viator Parish (1976-1977); and then taught at St. Viator High School, Arlington Heights (1977-1979). He taught at St. Anselm College, New Hampshire, from 1984 to 2008, then served the Viatorians as director of pre-novices, novices, priestly formation and as the formation team chair from 2008 to 2015.