Community

In Memoriam

The community of Regis Jesuit remembers and prays for those among us who have passed away and offers condolences to their families. Prayers for the deceased are offered at school.
We make every effort to account accurately for the passing of any alumnus/a, student, faculty or staff member as well as that of any of their parents, spouses or siblings. If we are aware of other relationships the deceased had to members of our community, we do our best to list them as well. We sincerely regret any oversights or errors that may occur.

Memorial donations can be designated to support the education of future generations of young men and women at Regis Jesuit. If you make a memorial gift, the family will be notified of your donation and you will receive an acknowledgment. Please note that memorial gifts are not limited to those listed. Please click here to make a Memorial Gift.

First Friday Mass in  November is offered as a special Remembrance Mass honoring those in our community and their loved ones who have passed away in the preceding year. All are invited to attend.

The names on this page date back to June 2019 and are listed in descending order by the date they were posted.

Please contact us if you would like to submit an obituary for this page.

In Memoriam

List of 5 news stories.

  • Fr. James Baker, SJ

    Fr. James Baker, SJ, passed away on June 25, 2025, at the age of 87 in Florissant, Missouri. 

    Fr. Baker served as principal at Regis Jesuit High School from 1970-73 and again from 1976-79.

    “James Baker was born on January 8, 1938, in Quincy, Illinois, to Walter W. and Esther J. Schoenekase Baker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother William and his sister Marcia. He is survived by his brothers John and Robert Baker.

    He entered the St. Stanislaus Seminary of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in Florissant, Missouri, on August 17, 1956. He pronounced first vows on August 22, 1958, and was ordained a priest on June 4, 1969, at the St. Louis Cathedral. He professed final vows on December 8, 1975, at St. Francis Xavier College Church.” Read the full obituary.

    Memorial gifts in his name may be made to the USA Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus at 4511 West Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 or online at www.JesuitsCentralSouthern.org.

    We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Fr. Baker's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

  • Danny Lee Passerella '69

    Danny Lee Passerella '69 passed away on June 25, 2025. 

    "Danny Passerella was a CS3 US NAVY and cook on the USS Enterprise during the VietNam War and an avid family chef afterward. He became the Deputy Chief of South Metro Fire District and was a skilled golfer, enjoyed yard work, and was very close to his family. He was the widower of Lori Jean Kodweis, father of Marc Alan ISSA US NAVY, and is survived by his daughter, Michele and grand twins, Miles and Liam." Click here to view the full obituary. 

    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to UCHealth for ILD research and patient care here or by calling 303.752.8120.

    A reception will be held at 3 Sons Italian Restaurant in Arvada on Friday, July 11 at 1:00 pm. 

    We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Danny's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

  • John J. Towey

    John J. Towey, father-in-law to Administrative Assistant to the Principal Brian Murphy, died on June 27, 2025. Click here to read the full obituary.

    We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of John's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

  • Dr. Joseph Hakala '48

    Dr. Joseph Hakala '48, father of Jim ’83 and Charles ’84, died on May 31, 2025. Click here to read the full obituary.

    A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 27, at 10:00 am, at Mother of God Catholic Church in Denver.

    We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Joe's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.

  • Matthew Braun

    Matthew Braun, son of former Girls Division Principal's Administrative Assistant and Registrar Ann Braun and brother of Kelly Murray '10, passed away on May 28, 2025. 

    "Matt was a graduate of St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, and The University of North Carolina School of Information and Library Science. Post-academic studies, Matt served at the George Washington University Law School, the Law Library of Congress, The University of Iowa College of Law, University of Illinois College of Law, and the Vincent C. Immel Law Library at St. Louis University School of Law where he was the current Director. Matt was passionate about law librarianship, and few things made him more proud than seeing his students succeed in their post-law school legal careers. Matt was an avid hiker who enjoyed spending time in nature. He had an encyclopedic memory for maps and travel. His keen ability to find his way wherever he went, whether on an interstate or down a ski slope, left all in awe and assured friends and family that he would always find his way home. He loved learning the history of a place and how the past shaped the present, and looked forward to learning more about St. Louis. Some of Matt’s favorite musical groups included Rush, The Beatles, The Police, REM, U2, the Grateful Dead, many classic jazz artists, and, most recently,y ambient electronic artists. Another favorite interest of his was collegiate football and athletics, especially the Ohio State and Notre Dame football programs. Matt loved the teams of cities where he lived, particularly the Detroit Lions, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Washington Nationals. Whenever something captured his interest, he learned about it thoroughly, to a level of detail that people found surprising and impressive." Click here to view the full obituary.

    Memorial donations may be made to St. Louis Area Foodbank, UNICEF or the Xavier Winter Inn program at St. Francis Xavier College Church. 

    We join the prayers of the community of Regis Jesuit with yours for the repose of Matthew's soul and the consolation of his family and all those who loved him. May he rest in peace.
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Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

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