Robert J. Maternoski

Rev. Robert J. Maternoski, age 77, of Romeoville, passed away April 15, 2011. Robert Maternoski was born on April 10, 1934 in Manistee, Michigan to Dominic Maternoski and Elsie Kowalski Maternoski and was baptized at St. Joseph Church in Manistee. Following studies at St. Joseph Elementary School in Manistee, St. Michael Elementary School and St. Joseph High School in Muskegon, he attended St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids, St. Mary Seminary in Baltimore and St. John Seminary in Plymouth.

Robert Maternoski was ordained to the priesthood on June 2, 1962 by Bishop Allen Babcock at the Cathedral in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He served in ministry for 15 years in the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Father Maternoski began serving in the Diocese of Joliet in 1977 at Visitation Parish in Elmhurst, IL. The following year he was assigned to St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Hinsdale. In 1980, he served at St. Petronille Parish in Glen Ellyn and in 1985 served as pastor of St. Dennis Parish in Lockport for 12 years.

In June of 1997, Father Maternoski was named pastor of St. Lawrence Parish in South Wilmington, and in August of 1997 was named pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Kinsman. During that time, he served as pastor of St. Lawrence O"Toole Mission in Essex.

Father Bob retired on June 23, 2004; however, he continued his ministry in numerous parishes in the diocese.

The body of Father Maternoski will lie-in-state at St. Mary Nativity Church in Joliet on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 from 3 to 8 pm and Wednesday April 20, 2011 from 9 am to 10:45 am.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 11 am at St. Mary Nativity Church. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Joliet.