Fr Michael O’Toole, a priest of the Diocese of Broken Bay for 30 years passed away early on Monday afternoon at the age of 77.
Fr Michael joined the Diocese in 1994 and served as parish priest of Northbridge, Naremburn, and French’s Forest parishes.
Michael John O’Toole was born in Sydney on 29 May 1947, to Winefred nee Dempsey and Thomas Lawrence O’Toole.
He grew up in Panania, in Growing up in Panania, near Bankstown, and was educated at De La Salle College, Revesby Heights. He completed his priestly formation at St Patrick’s College, Manly and St Columba’s College, Springwood.
He was ordained by Archbishop James Freeman at St Mary’s Cathedral on 26 August 1972, and ministered within the Archdiocese of Sydney.
He served as assistant priest in several parishes across the Archdiocese of Sydney, including Chatswood and The Entrance, prior to the formation of the Diocese of Broken Bay.
He became administrator of the parish of Northbridge in 1994 and on 24 January 1996, he was incardinated into the Diocese of Broken Bay.
Here, as parish priest he served the parishes of Northbridge, Naremburn, and French’s Forest. He also fulfilled appointments to the Diocese as Dean of the (then) Peninsular Deanery and as a member of the Council of Priests and College of Consultors.
He retired from full-time ministry in 2014 and resided in Belrose.
In July 2018, he was diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease in and his health declined. He moved to an aged care facility in Bronte, closer to his sister Francine Darvill and brother Phillip O’Toole, as well as Peter O’Toole, Bernadette Fisk and other members of his extended family.
He celebrated his 77th Birthday in May this year and on the 26 August 2024, celebrated his 52nd Anniversary of Ordination to Catholic priesthood.
He passed away peacefully at St Vincent’s Nursing Home, Bronte early on the afternoon of Monday 25 November 2024.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Mary Mother of Mercy, Rookwood on Wednesday, 4 December at 11.00am.
A Memorial Mass for Fr Michael will be celebrated in our Diocese on Thursday, 5 December at 7.30pm at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Forestville with Bishop Anthony presiding.
Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. And may his soul and the soul of all the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.