Rev. Jerome J. Taddy

Fr. Jerome Joseph Taddy often told people, “We are all on a journey to heaven.”  On March 23, 2023, he completed his journey on earth and passed into eternal life at the age of 88. His travels took him all over the world.

During his 63 years as a priest, he saw his mission as a guide, helping people in practical and spiritual ways. In a 2020 article in the Compass, the newspaper of the Green Bay Diocese, on celebrating the 60th anniversary of his ordination, Fr. Taddy said, “Working for Jesus is the best job you could ever find. God is so generous. I had a lot of fun being a priest and hope the good Lord will let me into heaven.”

The second of five children of Jerome and Agnes (Schmitt) Taddy, Fr. Taddy was born on April 8, 1934, in Two Rivers. He knew he wanted to be a priest at a young age. After attending St. Luke’s Catholic grade school in Two Rivers, he graduated from high school at St. Francis Minor Seminary in Milwaukee and continued to study theology at the Major Seminary, earning bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts and divinity.

Fr. Taddy was ordained into the priesthood by Bishop Stanislaus V. Bona on June 11, 1960, at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay. He joined his three uncles, Father Henry, Leo and John Schmitt, and cousin, Bishop Mark Schmitt, as a diocesan priest. He would later inspire his nephew Fr. Matthew Foley and cousins Fr. Carl Schmitt and Deacon Frank Birr in their vocations.

He began his ministry at Sacred Heart in Shawano and St. Philip’s in Green Bay before becoming a chaplain in the U.S. Army in 1968. During his military career, he served two tours in Vietnam during the war and three in West Germany during the Cold War with numerous stateside assignments in between. He earned the Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and Civil Action Medal. His awards also include the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star with three Oak Leaf Clusters, two Air Medals, three Overseas Bars, and a Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.

Fr. Taddy received his Master of Divinity degree from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, New York, in 1977.

After 21 years of military service, Fr. Taddy retired from the military in 1989 as a lieutenant colonel and returned to the Green Bay diocese. He served as pastor at St. Francis Xavier in Brussels and St. Mary’s in Namur. Two years later, he became the chaplain at the Green Bay Correctional Institution. In 1999, Fr. Taddy served three parishes in Elcho, Pickerel, White Lake/Langlade. After four years there, he became pastor at St. Mark’s in Redgranite and Sacred Heart in Poy Sippi, adding the duties of chaplain at King Veterans Home in 2004. Before retiring in 2007 at the age of 74, Fr. Taddy led the parish at St. Hubert and St. Peter in Rosiere and Lincoln. In all, he served 11 parishes throughout the Green Bay Diocese.

Fr. Jerry was active during his retirement, celebrating Mass at McCormick Home, local senior citizens homes, King Veterans Home and the Quad Parishes in Green Bay. He moved to King Veterans Home in 2017.

His motto was “work and pray,” and when he worked, he shared everything he had with others. Parishioners and servicemembers remember his exceeding generosity. One parishioner said, “He doesn’t put on airs. He makes himself sound like a human being, yet he’s a very holy man.” He was known to pay utility bills from his own funds, kept bags of food in the rectory for the needy, and was always visiting the homebound. He especially enjoyed bringing holy Communion to the sick. In a 2007 article in the Compass, he said, “To be able to bring our Lord to people inspires me. They are carrying a bigger cross than I’ll ever carry. You go to visit them and they’re wonderful, so grateful and appreciative.”

Fr. Taddy was preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Ann and her husband Richard Foley, brother Tom Taddy, sister-in-law Joanne Taddy, nephews: James Foley and Ryan Taddy, and grandnieces Mae Kisman and Anna Hoffman. He is survived by his twin brothers Peter Taddy and Paul Taddy, sisters-in-law Barb Taddy and Sue Taddy, and countless nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

The Funeral Liturgy, expressing our faith and our hope in the promised glory of the Lord's Resurrection, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 3201 Mishicot Rd., Two Rivers. Most Reverend David Ricken will preside at the Mass of Christian Burial, with Reverend Matthew Foley, a nephew, the homilist. Also assisting will be cousins, Fr. Carl Schmitt and Deacon Frank Birr. All priests are invited to concelebrate.

Visitation for Fr. Jerry will be held at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, Saturday morning, April 1st from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m. There will be no Friday evening visitation. Military graveside rites will accorded at the church immediately following the mass by members of VFW Post #1248 and American Legion Post # 165 of Two Rivers. Burial will take place on Monday at Holy Cross Cemetery, Two Rivers.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dejamartin.com.

The Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels of Two Rivers is assisting the Taddy family with funeral arrangements.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff and hospice at King Veteran’s home, doctors and nurses at Theda Clark in New London, and Chaplain Sister Martha Mafurutu for their compassion and care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal at the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Green Bay.