Obituary of Rev. -Coleman-Patrick O-Toole

PORTLAND - Rev. Coleman Patrick O'Toole, 82, died peacefully Nov. 13, 2010, at the family home in Portland, after a 15-month illness of ALS, commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease. He was born Jan. 29, 1928, in Portland a son of Patrick J. and Delia Curran O'Toole. Father attended St. Dominic's Grammar School and was a 1946 graduate of Cheverus High School. As a young man, he worked for Portland Terminal Co. until 1950, when he was drafted into the Army. He served in Fort Benning, Ga., and in Frankfort, Germany, during the Korean War. In 1953 he entered Cardinal O'Connell Seminary, Jamaica Plains, Mass., where he studied for two years. He completed his theological studies at St. John's Seminary, Brighton, Mass., and was ordained Feb. 2, 1961, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception by the Most Rev. Daniel J. Feeney. He celebrated his first Mass at St. Dominic's Church, Portland. Father O'Toole served in the following parishes: St. Mary's Parish, Biddeford, 1961-1967 as parochial vicar; St. Ann's Indian Reservation, Peter Dana Point, 1967-1969 as chaplain; St. Martha's Parish, Kennebunkport, 1969-1970 as parochial vicar; St. Joseph's Parish, Portland, 1970-1975 as parochial vicar; St. Thomas Parish, Dover-Foxcroft, 1975-1981 as pastor; St. Mary's Parish, Houlton, 1981-1987 as pastor; St. Patrick's Parish, Portland, 1987-2003 as pastor; and St. Margaret's Parish, Old Orchard Beach, 2003-2009 as pastor, from where he retired. During his years of priestly ministry, Father O'Toole also served as auxiliary chaplain to the 765th Radar Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base; as spiritual director of Charismatic Renewal in the Bangor, Old Town and Millinocket region; as chaplain to various councils of the Knights of Columbus; as moderator of Maine Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, Houlton, and as vicar forane of Piscataquis Deanery. During his nearly 49 years of ministry, he was a constant supporter of Catholic education and showed concern for the poor. He was known for being never too busy or tired to visit the sick or answer a hospital call or to respond to those in need. Father O'Toole was predeceased by his parents; an infant sister, Theresa Ann O'Toole; and a brother, John Francis O'Toole. Survivors include two sisters, Margaret Berry of Portland and Sister Mary George O'Toole, R.S.M., St. Joseph's College, Standish; two brothers, Deacon Michael J. O'Toole and his wife, Millie, of Wethersfield, Conn., and Patrick J. O'Toole of Portland; sister-in-law, Lauretta O'Toole of Enfield, Conn.; several nieces and nephews. The family expresses gratitude to VNA Home Health & Hospice, particularly to Willow, Jamie and Sarah and Kim, for the generous giving of themselves when caring for Father O'Toole these past several months. There will be Reception of the Body and Liturgy of the Hours 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, at St. Patrick's Church, 1342 Congress St., Portland. Father will lie in state until 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick's Church. The Most Rev. Richard J. Malone, Th.D., bishop of Portland, will be the principal celebrant and the Rev. James Knox will be the homilist. Burial will be afterward at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Arrangements are being handled by Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, 172 State St., Portland. Those desiring may make donations in Father's memory to Sisters of Mercy Retirement Fund, 605 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME 04103 or St. Joseph's College Scholarship Fund, 278 Whites Bridge Road, Standish, ME 04084. Online condolences may be sent to www.ctcrawford.com.