We Remember | Father Robert Tamminga (1945-2020)

Father Robert Tamminga, the pastor of Saint Francis de Sales Parish in Tucson, passed away shortly before 9:00 AM on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, from a short, non-covid related illness. Please keep him, his family, and his parish community in your prayers.

Father Robert Tamminga, long time, beloved pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Tucson, Arizona died the morning of June 17, 2020 after a short illness. His funeral Mass was Wednesday June 24 at 10 AM.
 

Father Bob was born in 1945 in Chicago, Illinois to Ernest and Ann Tamminga. The family moved to Tucson where he attended St. Ambrose School and Regina Cleri Seminary. Father Bob received his Bachelor of Arts in 1967 and his Master of Divinity in 1971 from St. John’s Seminary College in Camarillo, California. He was ordained a priest at St. Augustine’s Cathedral on May 23, 1971 by Most Reverend Francis Green. His assignments included serving as the associate pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Douglas as well as at St. Ambrose Parish and St. Odilia Parish in Tucson. In 1978 he was appointed pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Safford, Arizona. He served there until he began his pastorship of St. Francis de Sales in 1984.

Known for his quick wit and sharp intellect, he served the people of God in various capacities throughout his almost 50 years of ministry. His dedication to his fellow priests was evidenced by his service as a member of the Diocesan Ministry to Priests Program, and the Presbyteral Council. Serving on the Vocations Board and as the Chaplain of the Diocesan Search Program showed his unwavering commitment to the growth of the Church. His love for all of God’s children was expressed through his ministry to the incarcerated and to the survivors of clergy abuse. His deepest commitment, however, was to the people of St. Francis de Sales Parish. Under his guidance the parish developed and continues to have a vibrant youth ministry program. In 2009 he received the St. John Paull II Distinguished Service in Youth Ministry Award for his tireless “service and commitment to the youth of the Diocese” as stated by then Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas. Father Bob also helped nurture countless other ministries in the parish from the Altar servers to the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Father Bob’s life was marked by extraordinary devotion and faithfulness. You are kindly asked to remember him, his family, friends and the parish community in prayer.

Eternal rest grant unto Father Tamminga, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.