LARGO, FLA.--Reverend David R. Engbarth died peacefully on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, in Largo, Florida, where he was a resident since retiring from active ministry in the Diocese of Rockford in 2014.
Father was born on August 24, 1948, in Rockford, to Joseph M. Engbarth and Frances E. Giovingo. Father attended Lewis University, Lockport, IL (1967-1969). Father Engbarth attended Niles College, Chicago, IL (1969-1971). He then attended St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, MD (1971-1975) and Aquinas Institute, Dubuque, IA (1975-1976) where he received his Theological Formation. In 1979 Father attended Loyola University, Chicago, IL where he received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.
Father Engbarth was ordained a priest by the Most Reverend Arthur J. O’Neill at St. Joseph Parish, Freeport, on November 20, 1976. Father’s first assignment was in 1976 as Parochial Vicar at St. Mary Parish, Sterling. Father was then assigned Parochial Vicar at Holy Angels Parish, Aurora (1979-1984). In 1984 Father Engbarth traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico where he took bilingual and multi-cultural studies. Later that same year he was appointed as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Elgin (1984-1986). He then was assigned as Pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Elgin (1986-1992). Father Engbarth then served as Sacramental Moderator at St. Nicholas Parish, Aurora (1993-1996). Father was then appointed Pastor at St. Nicholas Parish, Aurora (1996-2005). Father was assigned Pastor at Sacred Heart Parish, Aurora (2000-2003). In 2006 Father was assigned as Administrator at St. Andrew Parish, Rock Falls; and was later assigned Administrator at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Aurora (2006-2007). In 2007 Father was assigned as Pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Aurora (2007-2014).
Father Engbarth, and pastor Dan Haas of Aurora Community Church, co-founded the Prayer Coalition for Reconciliation, a group that held prayer vigils for victims of violence in Aurora; he also served as a volunteer chaplain at the Kane County Jail where he visited inmates.
As an acknowledgement of his dedicated service to the larger community, he was awarded the 2008 Kane County Citizen of the Year. Father retired from active ministry on April 7, 2014.
Since retirement, Father Engbarth provided ministry to both English and Spanish speaking members of the faithful in numerous parishes in the St. Petersburg Diocese and was active in jail ministry. He was known for his deep faith, optimism, love for people, and his infectious smile.
Father is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Frances (Giovingo) Engbarth, and his sister Linda Holtfreter.
Father is survived by his sister Karen Dittmar, his nephews Scott Dittmar (Lisa), Craig Dittmar (Bridget), and nieces Julia Buelow and Jamie Holtfreter, and by several great nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass for Father Engbarth will take place on Friday, December 15th at St. Jude Cathedral in St. Petersburg, FL.
Here in the Diocese of Rockford, a visitation will take place on Thursday, January 4th from 4:00-8:00 p.m., at The Daleiden Mortuary, Aurora. The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 5th at 11:00 a.m., at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 620 S. Fifth Street, Aurora. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Aurora, Illinois.
Arrangements are being completed by The Daleiden Mortuary, Aurora, Illinois.
