Fr. John Dal Maso, SDB, was called to the Lord on the Octave of Easter, Sunday, April 6, 1997. He had been with the Little Sisters of the Poor at the Jeanne Jugan Residence in San Pedro after being diagnosed with and being treated for a inoperable and malignant brain tumor.
Fr. John first came in contact with the Salesians of Don Bosco when he was seven years old in the town of Schio, Italy, where he was born in 1911. At the age of 17 he came to Richmond, CA, to begin his novitiate at the Salesian House of Studies (now Salesian High School). He took his vows on September 8, 1929. He was a Salesian for 68 years and a priest for 59.
He taught at SS. Peter and Paul Grammar and High School (San Francisco) and St. Francis School (Watsonville).
After ordination on July 4, 1937, he was assigned throughout his career to Richmond, St. John Bosco School (Bellflower, CA), St. Mary’s Junior High School (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), Sacred Heart Church (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada), the Salesian Theologate (Aptos, CA) and Don Bosco Technical Institute (Rosemead, CA).
In 1984 he "retired" to St. John Bosco High School as confessor to the Salesians and students. Fr. John was small in stature but a giant in spirituality and human relations. He was well-loved as a patient and an understanding man with good humor. He was always serene, and no crisis could ruffle him or force him into precipitate action. He filled the office of director for 24 years which demonstrated his common sense and deep spirituality in guiding and forming his fellow Salesians. He had a deep love for Mary Help of Christians and Don Bosco and constantly made reference to them in his dealing with the students.
He will be missed, but we must not be selfish. He has earned his rest. We pray that, through his prayers and intercessions for us, the Salesian Family of the San Francisco Province will grow with many vocations to the Christian way of life among the laity as well as vocations to the religious and priestly life. (SBW)
|
|