December 18, 2018 — Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. Thomas H. Radloff, SJ, who died at 11:40 a.m. (EST) on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at Colombiere Center in Clarkston, Michigan. He was 88 years old. May he rest in peace.

Fr. Radloff was born on February 11, 1930, in Cleveland. He entered the Society of Jesus on August 19, 1948, at Milford Novitiate in Milford, Ohio. He was ordained on July 15, 1961, at Colombiere College in Clarkston. He took final vows on August 22, 1977, in Detroit.

Fr. Radloff graduated from St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland before he entered the Society. 

While in the Society, he earned a bachelor's degree in arts and sciences (1953) and a master's degree in English (1958) from Loyola University Chicago. He also earned a master's degree in psychology from the University of Detroit (1976). In addition to these degrees and through coursework at Michigan State University, Fr. Radloff became a CMC Certified Marriage Counselor, a CSW Certified Social Worker, and a CLP Certified Limited Psychologist. 

During regency, Fr. Radloff taught Latin and English at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School (UDJHS). After completing his studies, he returned to UDJHS and spent 22 years there. At UDJHS, Fr. Radloff taught religion, was a student counselor and did many other jobs: director of alumni relations (1963-1965), campus minister (1965-1967), president (1967-1968), director of campus ministry (1968-1969), and director of student counseling (1969-1971). 

After a well-earned sabbatical, in 1988 Fr. Radloff moved to Ohio and was a retreat director at Jesuit Retreat House in Parma, Ohio (1988-1993). Fr. Radloff then spent two years as an assistant campus minister at UDJHS before, at the age of 65, moving to Rome where he was director of spiritual formation at the North American College in Rome (1995-2002). Fr. Radloff moved back to the States and was superior of the St. John's Jesuit High School Jesuit Community while he was the assistant to the vicar for priests for internal forum and spiritual director for priests in Diocese of Toledo (Ohio). Fr. Radloff moved to Colombiere Center in 2013, missioned to pray for the Church and the Society.

Fr. Radloff was a wonderful high school teacher who loved engaging students both inside and outside of the classroom. He preferred talking with the students and allowing them to come to their own conclusions rather than giving the "correct" answer. He was also was an excellent and well-sought student counselor, marriage counselor, and spiritual director. He listened attentively and with a welcoming attitude. His demeanor and presence fostered trust and openness in the person he was talking with. Through words and deeds, Fr. Radloff encouraged everyone to take responsibility for their actions and be a mature, caring adult. 

Fr. Radloff loved Jesus and the Society of Jesus. His love of Christ helped him to be an incredibly gentle, loving, and attentive community member and priest. He was gracious to all he met and worked at nourishing and fostering friendships. Fr. Radloff's friends visited him often and, de facto, became an extended family for him.

He was a great gift not only to the Society of Jesus but also to the worldwide Catholic Church. As the spiritual director for many priests who studied at the North American College in Rome or worked in the Diocese of Toledo, his guidance and care have influenced the thoughts and actions of many diocesan priests throughout the world.

Wake

Thursday, December 20, 2018 
4:00 - 8:00 p.m. 
Wake Service 7:00 p.m. 
Colombiere Center 
9075 Big Lake Road 
Clarkston, MI 48346

Funeral Mass

Friday, December 21, 2018 
10:45 a.m. 
Colombiere Center 
9075 Big Lake Road 
Clarkston, MI 48346 

Burial Service 

Immediately following the funeral