Michael Joseph Rochford : born August 12,1884 in Swinford Mayo Ireland. Died January 1969 in Chicago Illinois USA. arrived in the USA in 1907. Michael met and married Marie Noone on Oct. 20,1920. Michael filed his draft card in 1942 during World War II. On it he lists his birthday as being August 5,1885 and lists his wife Marie Rockford as his primary contact. Michael did not serve in the war as he was too old and had a family. Michael initially worked as an elevator operator but after his marriage he went to work as a motorman for the street cars. Michael and Marie had three children; John, Rita and Thomas Rockford. After arriving in the USA several of the Rochford siblings took the American spelling of their names , Rockford.
John Rochford was born in 1927. He joined the priesthood and served as Pastor of St. Emeric's Catholic Church in Country Club Hills Illinois. Below you will find a nice write up about St. Emeric's which includes mention of Father John:
History Saint Emeric began in the late 1950's as a mission church of Saint Joseph in Homewood. But the people of Saint Emeric were a determined lot, and they began building their first church, with a great deal of help from the whole city, many of whom were not Catholic. The founding pastor, Father Stephen Ryan was appointed in 1960, when Saint Emeric became a parish in its own right. The patron saint of the parish, a young Hungarian prince who died in 1031 was chosen because of the youth of the parish. In fact, at the time, Country Club Hills had the second highest birthrate in the state!
In October, 1961, ground was broken for the current church and school, which was officially dedicated by Albert Cardinal Meyer on March 24, 1963. In 1963, Father William Mannion was appointed the first associate pastor, succeeded by Father Richard Bulwith in 1967. Father Ryan died in October, 1971, and was followed by Father John Rochford as pastor.
For twenty years, Father Rochford led Saint Emeric in the ways of faith. Assisted first by Father Dennis Roth, and later by Father Jeremiah Rodell, the parish continued to grow, especially through a program called Christ Renews His Parish. Other programs of spiritual development flourished, and Bible Study groups were formed. Father Rochford's years were marked by racial change in Country Club Hills. While many were threatened by this, others were anxious to welcome all believers to Saint Emeric. This is the greatest part of Father Rochford's legacy to our parish.
In 1991, Father Rochford retired and Father Paul G. Seaman was appointed pastor in March, 1992. In 2001, our school closed, but new ministries were developed. Among the initiatives begun under Father Paul was the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, for helping local families in emergencies; PADS, for sheltering the homeless; expanded Bible study; Disciples In Mission; Growing A Parish, a program of evangelization; the "Over 21" Club; the Peace & Justice Committee and an expanded social life for the parish. "The best part, "Father Paul said, "is that most of these ministries are lead by our deacons or the laity, they are making it happen!"
Working to touch as many people as possible, while still maintaining our family atmosphere, Saint Emeric works hard to bring the light of the Gospel to all people!
Cardinal Francis George appointed Father Martin T. Marren as the new pastor of St. Emeric Catholic Church beginning June 27, 2004.
Fr. Marren the oldest of 10 childten, was born in 1958 to Luke and Eileen Marren. He graduated from Quigley South in 1976 and from Niles College of Loyola University in 1980 with a B.A. in Fine Art and English Literature. He studied Theology at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mudelein.
Fr. Marren was ordained in 1984 after serving a deacon internship at St. Bernadette parish in Evergreen Park. His first assignment was at St. Gerald Parish in Oak Lawn.
An artist interested in liturgical art, he painted "Echo of Freedom," the cover of the 1976 Chicago Telephone Directory, while at Quigley. He serves on the Archdiocesan Presbyteral Council and serves as art director on Upturn, the periodical of the Assiciation of Chicago Priests.
Fr. Marren is the fourth pastor at St. Emeric.
http://stemeric-countryclubhills.myownparish.com/history.htm
Rita Rockford ,born about 1924, married William R. Tarad in Chicago on August 26,1953. ( Information from the family indicate Bill's last name was Parad but the marriage license information indicate the last name was Tarad.) Shortly after their marriage Rita became pregnant with their first child and they purchased a new home. They were preparing to move into the their new house in anticipation of welcoming their first baby when Rita collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. Rita died from a blood clot in the brain. The doctors were able to save the baby, William Jr. William was raised by widowed father. Bill Senior never remarried.
Thomas Rockford, born1926, Married Henniatta ? and had one daughter, Mary Lou Rockford. Henniatta died around 1976 or 77.
Mary Rochford: Born 10/10/1885 in Swinford Mayo Ireland. Arrived in the USA at New York Harbor on June 10,1905 aboard the Lucania. On her ship passenger list she stated she was heading to Chicago to live with her Aunt Annie Heil. Mary moved in with the Heil's until she found employment and found herself a room to rent. By 1910 Mary was living on her own. Mary met and married Irish immigrant John Armstrong , born 1887, on November 13,1912. Michael also immigrated in 1905. He worked as a motorman for the Chicago street car. Mary and Michael Armstrong had two children; Marguerite Armstrong born in 1915 and John Armstrong born in 1917. Mary Died on June 4,1949.
Marguerite Armstrong, born in 1915 married George R. Taylor, born May 10,1909, on June 15,1937. George worked as a clerk in the newspaper and completed 2 years of college before joining the military. When he married Marguerite he was working 42 hours a week and making 1,300 a year. George enlisted on May 17,1942 and served as a Captain until his discharge on July 9,1947. Marguerite and George Taylor had three sons; Robert Taylor, John Taylor and William Taylor. George died on July 23,1948, a year after leaving the service. Marguerite later moved to Austin Texas where she met and married Woody C. Baker on Oct.8,1971. Marguerite died in 1987 in Austin, Williamson, Texas.
John Armstrong, born 1916, work as an electrician prior to his marriage to Mary Caffey (Marriage information spells last name as Coffey) on June 13,1942. Shortly after their marriage John enlisted in the service on Sept. 14,1942. for the duration of the war and 6 months. At the time of his enlistment and had completed one year of college and was skilled in the occupations of manufacture of electrical machinery and accessories, n.e.c.e field of electronics. John and Mary had three sons; John Armstrong, Michael Armstrong and William Armstrong.
Bridget Rochford: Born in Swinford Ireland in 1888 followed sister Mary to America. She arrived in the US in 1909 and, like Mary, she stayed briefly with her a Aunt Annie until she could find work and move to a room of her own. In 1910 Bridget worked as a servant for the Hartford family of Chicago. On June 24,1914 she married Michael Joseph Leonard, born 8/6/1888 in Sligo Ireland. Michael worked as a locomotive engineer for the Chicago Junction railroad. Bridget and Michael had two children; John Leonard , born 1916 and Florence Leonard, born 1918.
John Leonard married Katherine"Kitty Keating and had four children; Michael Leonard, Jack Leonard, Kathleen Leonard and Robert "Bob" Leonard.
Michael Leonard married Peggy Fahey and had four children; Michael Leonard Jr., Catherine, Peggy Eileen and one whose name is unknown to me at this time.
Jack Leonard married Linda Tomczyk . They had no children that I know of.
Kathleen Leonard and Robert Leonard there is no data for at this time.
Florence Leonard married John Shaughnessy and had six children; Mary Rita Shaughnessy, John Shaughnessy, Michael Shaughnessy, Joan Shaughnessy, Florence Shaughnessy, and Jean Shaughnessy.
Mary Rita married Robert Freudenthal and had three children; Maura Freudenthal, Michael Freudenthal, and Brian freudenthal.John Shaughnessy married ( name unknown) and had at least one child, Bridget Shaughnessy. Joan and Florence Shaughnessy were married ( spouses names unknown at this time) in a double ceremony on February 13,1977.
Patrick Rochford remained in Ireland where he married Mary (unknown) and had two children; Beatrice Rochford and John Rochford.
Beatrice married Jim Goldrick and had six children; Mary Rochford, Brendan Rochford, Martina Rochford, Decklin Rockford, Michael Rockford and Noel Rochford.
Sarah Rochford , born 1890 in Swinford, mayo Ireland, traveled to the US with her sister Norah, arriving on April 29,1923 aboard the ship Caronia. Sarah married Thomas McGaldrick. They had no children.
John Rochford arrived in the US around 1939. He worked for the railroad and boarded with the Powers family of Chicago. John had his ankle crushed in a Rail road accident. He lost his leg and spent a great deal of his life in and out of the hospital. He never married.
Norah Rochford, born 1900 in Swinford, Mayo Ireland arrived in the US with her sister Sarah on April 29,1923.
Norah married Michael McClarey and had five children; Thomas McClarey, Veronica McClarey, Rose McClarey,John McClarey , and Noreen McClarey.
Thomas McClarey married Marion Schmidt and had four children; Thomas, Veronica, Rose, Mary Kay, Mary Rose, and maureen.
Veronica McClarey married Jim Boylan and had five children; Jim Boylan Jr., Kathleen Boylan, Michael Boylan, Thomas Boylan and Timothy Boylan.
Rose McClareymarried John Curran and had two sons; John Curran and Stephan Curren.
John McClarey married Mary Ann Whitehead and had six children; John McClarey, Kevin McClarey, Barry McClarey, Michele McClarey, Michael McClarey and Jeffery McClarey.
Noreen McClarey married John Sullivan and had six children; Janeen Sullivan, John Sullivan, Sharon Sullivan, Donna Sullivan, Stephen Sullivan, and Susan Sullivan.
Margaret Ann Rochford: remained in Ireland and joined the convent, becoming Sister Enda,
Sister Enda Rochford was stationed in London England.
Enda was a warrior-king of Oriel in Ulster, converted by his sister, Saint Fanchea, an abbess. About 484 he established the first Irish monastery at Killeaney on Aran Mor. St. Enda is described as the "patriarch of Irish monasticism". Most of the great Irish saints had some connection with Aran.
Kate Rochford remained in Ireland and married at the age of 15. spouses name is unknown to us at this time.
Thomas Rochford Also elected to serve the church and joined the Brother's of Charity, becoming Brother Fintan. He was stationed in Philadelphia PA, USA.
Abbot and disciple of St. Columba. Fintan was a hermit in Clonenagh, Leix, Ireland. When disciples gathered around his hermitage he became their abbot. A wonder worker, Fintan was known for clairvoyance, prophecies, and miracles. He also performed very austere penances.
Well, that wraps things up on Bridget Tunney- Rochford's family. Remember to like us on facebook and come back in a day or two when we will look at some of Bridget's siblings. Until then may the snow fall lightly upon your roof and your hearth be warm and welcoming.
John Rochford was born in 1927. He joined the priesthood and served as Pastor of St. Emeric's Catholic Church in Country Club Hills Illinois. Below you will find a nice write up about St. Emeric's which includes mention of Father John:
History Saint Emeric began in the late 1950's as a mission church of Saint Joseph in Homewood. But the people of Saint Emeric were a determined lot, and they began building their first church, with a great deal of help from the whole city, many of whom were not Catholic. The founding pastor, Father Stephen Ryan was appointed in 1960, when Saint Emeric became a parish in its own right. The patron saint of the parish, a young Hungarian prince who died in 1031 was chosen because of the youth of the parish. In fact, at the time, Country Club Hills had the second highest birthrate in the state!
In October, 1961, ground was broken for the current church and school, which was officially dedicated by Albert Cardinal Meyer on March 24, 1963. In 1963, Father William Mannion was appointed the first associate pastor, succeeded by Father Richard Bulwith in 1967. Father Ryan died in October, 1971, and was followed by Father John Rochford as pastor.
For twenty years, Father Rochford led Saint Emeric in the ways of faith. Assisted first by Father Dennis Roth, and later by Father Jeremiah Rodell, the parish continued to grow, especially through a program called Christ Renews His Parish. Other programs of spiritual development flourished, and Bible Study groups were formed. Father Rochford's years were marked by racial change in Country Club Hills. While many were threatened by this, others were anxious to welcome all believers to Saint Emeric. This is the greatest part of Father Rochford's legacy to our parish.
In 1991, Father Rochford retired and Father Paul G. Seaman was appointed pastor in March, 1992. In 2001, our school closed, but new ministries were developed. Among the initiatives begun under Father Paul was the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, for helping local families in emergencies; PADS, for sheltering the homeless; expanded Bible study; Disciples In Mission; Growing A Parish, a program of evangelization; the "Over 21" Club; the Peace & Justice Committee and an expanded social life for the parish. "The best part, "Father Paul said, "is that most of these ministries are lead by our deacons or the laity, they are making it happen!"
Working to touch as many people as possible, while still maintaining our family atmosphere, Saint Emeric works hard to bring the light of the Gospel to all people!
Cardinal Francis George appointed Father Martin T. Marren as the new pastor of St. Emeric Catholic Church beginning June 27, 2004.
Fr. Marren the oldest of 10 childten, was born in 1958 to Luke and Eileen Marren. He graduated from Quigley South in 1976 and from Niles College of Loyola University in 1980 with a B.A. in Fine Art and English Literature. He studied Theology at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mudelein.
Fr. Marren was ordained in 1984 after serving a deacon internship at St. Bernadette parish in Evergreen Park. His first assignment was at St. Gerald Parish in Oak Lawn.
An artist interested in liturgical art, he painted "Echo of Freedom," the cover of the 1976 Chicago Telephone Directory, while at Quigley. He serves on the Archdiocesan Presbyteral Council and serves as art director on Upturn, the periodical of the Assiciation of Chicago Priests.
Fr. Marren is the fourth pastor at St. Emeric.
http://stemeric-countryclubhills.myownparish.com/history.htm
Rita Rockford ,born about 1924, married William R. Tarad in Chicago on August 26,1953. ( Information from the family indicate Bill's last name was Parad but the marriage license information indicate the last name was Tarad.) Shortly after their marriage Rita became pregnant with their first child and they purchased a new home. They were preparing to move into the their new house in anticipation of welcoming their first baby when Rita collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. Rita died from a blood clot in the brain. The doctors were able to save the baby, William Jr. William was raised by widowed father. Bill Senior never remarried.
Thomas Rockford, born1926, Married Henniatta ? and had one daughter, Mary Lou Rockford. Henniatta died around 1976 or 77.
Mary Rochford: Born 10/10/1885 in Swinford Mayo Ireland. Arrived in the USA at New York Harbor on June 10,1905 aboard the Lucania. On her ship passenger list she stated she was heading to Chicago to live with her Aunt Annie Heil. Mary moved in with the Heil's until she found employment and found herself a room to rent. By 1910 Mary was living on her own. Mary met and married Irish immigrant John Armstrong , born 1887, on November 13,1912. Michael also immigrated in 1905. He worked as a motorman for the Chicago street car. Mary and Michael Armstrong had two children; Marguerite Armstrong born in 1915 and John Armstrong born in 1917. Mary Died on June 4,1949.
Marguerite Armstrong, born in 1915 married George R. Taylor, born May 10,1909, on June 15,1937. George worked as a clerk in the newspaper and completed 2 years of college before joining the military. When he married Marguerite he was working 42 hours a week and making 1,300 a year. George enlisted on May 17,1942 and served as a Captain until his discharge on July 9,1947. Marguerite and George Taylor had three sons; Robert Taylor, John Taylor and William Taylor. George died on July 23,1948, a year after leaving the service. Marguerite later moved to Austin Texas where she met and married Woody C. Baker on Oct.8,1971. Marguerite died in 1987 in Austin, Williamson, Texas.
John Armstrong, born 1916, work as an electrician prior to his marriage to Mary Caffey (Marriage information spells last name as Coffey) on June 13,1942. Shortly after their marriage John enlisted in the service on Sept. 14,1942. for the duration of the war and 6 months. At the time of his enlistment and had completed one year of college and was skilled in the occupations of manufacture of electrical machinery and accessories, n.e.c.e field of electronics. John and Mary had three sons; John Armstrong, Michael Armstrong and William Armstrong.
Bridget Rochford: Born in Swinford Ireland in 1888 followed sister Mary to America. She arrived in the US in 1909 and, like Mary, she stayed briefly with her a Aunt Annie until she could find work and move to a room of her own. In 1910 Bridget worked as a servant for the Hartford family of Chicago. On June 24,1914 she married Michael Joseph Leonard, born 8/6/1888 in Sligo Ireland. Michael worked as a locomotive engineer for the Chicago Junction railroad. Bridget and Michael had two children; John Leonard , born 1916 and Florence Leonard, born 1918.
John Leonard married Katherine"Kitty Keating and had four children; Michael Leonard, Jack Leonard, Kathleen Leonard and Robert "Bob" Leonard.
Michael Leonard married Peggy Fahey and had four children; Michael Leonard Jr., Catherine, Peggy Eileen and one whose name is unknown to me at this time.
Jack Leonard married Linda Tomczyk . They had no children that I know of.
Kathleen Leonard and Robert Leonard there is no data for at this time.
Florence Leonard married John Shaughnessy and had six children; Mary Rita Shaughnessy, John Shaughnessy, Michael Shaughnessy, Joan Shaughnessy, Florence Shaughnessy, and Jean Shaughnessy.
Mary Rita married Robert Freudenthal and had three children; Maura Freudenthal, Michael Freudenthal, and Brian freudenthal.John Shaughnessy married ( name unknown) and had at least one child, Bridget Shaughnessy. Joan and Florence Shaughnessy were married ( spouses names unknown at this time) in a double ceremony on February 13,1977.
Patrick Rochford remained in Ireland where he married Mary (unknown) and had two children; Beatrice Rochford and John Rochford.
Beatrice married Jim Goldrick and had six children; Mary Rochford, Brendan Rochford, Martina Rochford, Decklin Rockford, Michael Rockford and Noel Rochford.
Sarah Rochford , born 1890 in Swinford, mayo Ireland, traveled to the US with her sister Norah, arriving on April 29,1923 aboard the ship Caronia. Sarah married Thomas McGaldrick. They had no children.
John Rochford arrived in the US around 1939. He worked for the railroad and boarded with the Powers family of Chicago. John had his ankle crushed in a Rail road accident. He lost his leg and spent a great deal of his life in and out of the hospital. He never married.
Norah Rochford, born 1900 in Swinford, Mayo Ireland arrived in the US with her sister Sarah on April 29,1923.
Norah married Michael McClarey and had five children; Thomas McClarey, Veronica McClarey, Rose McClarey,John McClarey , and Noreen McClarey.
Thomas McClarey married Marion Schmidt and had four children; Thomas, Veronica, Rose, Mary Kay, Mary Rose, and maureen.
Veronica McClarey married Jim Boylan and had five children; Jim Boylan Jr., Kathleen Boylan, Michael Boylan, Thomas Boylan and Timothy Boylan.
Rose McClareymarried John Curran and had two sons; John Curran and Stephan Curren.
John McClarey married Mary Ann Whitehead and had six children; John McClarey, Kevin McClarey, Barry McClarey, Michele McClarey, Michael McClarey and Jeffery McClarey.
Noreen McClarey married John Sullivan and had six children; Janeen Sullivan, John Sullivan, Sharon Sullivan, Donna Sullivan, Stephen Sullivan, and Susan Sullivan.
Margaret Ann Rochford: remained in Ireland and joined the convent, becoming Sister Enda,
Sister Enda Rochford was stationed in London England.
Enda was a warrior-king of Oriel in Ulster, converted by his sister, Saint Fanchea, an abbess. About 484 he established the first Irish monastery at Killeaney on Aran Mor. St. Enda is described as the "patriarch of Irish monasticism". Most of the great Irish saints had some connection with Aran.
Kate Rochford remained in Ireland and married at the age of 15. spouses name is unknown to us at this time.
Thomas Rochford Also elected to serve the church and joined the Brother's of Charity, becoming Brother Fintan. He was stationed in Philadelphia PA, USA.
Abbot and disciple of St. Columba. Fintan was a hermit in Clonenagh, Leix, Ireland. When disciples gathered around his hermitage he became their abbot. A wonder worker, Fintan was known for clairvoyance, prophecies, and miracles. He also performed very austere penances.
Well, that wraps things up on Bridget Tunney- Rochford's family. Remember to like us on facebook and come back in a day or two when we will look at some of Bridget's siblings. Until then may the snow fall lightly upon your roof and your hearth be warm and welcoming.
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