By Ricky Rieckert
Dear readers,
This week, I’m writing about some of the mentors I’ve had in life. I have always had an ear for the old timers (older guys), when I grew up.
Through these mentors I learned about the history of Aurora, running functions, and just getting involved with functions in and around a few Catholic parishes in Aurora.
I’ll start out with a mentor I met at Sacred Heart Parish on Fulton Street. The old Church was at the southeast corner of Fulton Street and State Street. I went to the new Sacred Heart School on Fulton Street. I attended the school, first grade through fifth grade.
I first met Father Jerome “Jerry” Leake there, when I was in fifth grade, I believe. I would go over to hang out at the rectory, on the weekends, while they worked on Fr. Jerry’s vehicle, Padres Goat, a Pontiac GTO.
He has had quite a career. He started at Our Lady of Good Council (O.L.G.C.), then went to Sacred Heart, for a few years. After that he taught religion classes and coached basketball at Aurora Central Catholic High School.
He became the pastor of St. Joseph Parish until he retired. He was chaplain of the Knights of Columbus there as well.
Now, he’s at O.L.G.C., more than 50 years later where he is a residence priest. He is still active chaplain for the Aurora Police Department and he is the chaplain for the Knights of Columbus at O.L.G.C..
He still says masses, visits the sick, and speaks on various subjects at O.L.G.C.. No signs of slowing down. He prays the Rosary, swiftly walking up and down each aisle in Church, if the weather is bad outside, before saying mass.
In closing, I am pleased to know a man of his distinction.
He has character, knowledge, charisma, and humor. I am truly blessed to have known him, all these years.
Have a great week.