Brother Rice Teacher and Christian Brother John 'Jay' Toole Dies At Age 76

CHICAGO, IL -- An Irish Christian Brother well known to South Side families has died at age 76. Brother John “Jay” Toole spent 47 years as a Christian Brother, where he taught and moderated sports teams at Brother Rice, St. Laurence and Leo High Schools. Throughout his years as a Christian Brother, Brother Toole earned the respect of students, parents and colleagues.

Brother Toole was born May 29, 1941 in Chicago. He entered the Christian Brothers in 1970. Brother Tool’s first assignment was at St. Laurence High School in Burbank, where he taught science. He also served at St. John’s Indian Mission outside of Phoenix, Arizona. He was made principal at O’Dea High School in Seattle and taught both physics and chemistry at Leo High School in Chicago. Brother Toole’s last assignment has been at Brother Rice High School in Chicago where he spent many years as a chemistry teacher.

In addition to being a teacher and principal, Brother Toole has been moderator of both the football ad volleyball teams at Brother Rice. He has been serving as the moderator of the Alumni Dads’ Club. In recent years, Brother Toole was inducted into both the Hall of Fame and the Circle of Champions at Brother Rice.

Brother Toole is preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother. He leaves behind his sister-in-law, and a niece and her husband.

Visitation is Wednesday, Aug. 2, at 9 a.m. until Mass of the Resurrection 1 p.m. at the Brother Rice High School Chapel, 10001 S. Pulaski, Chicago. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Homes.