Br. Edward "Ed" Joseph Arambasich, O.F.M.

Celebrating a Life of Service and Love 

 

Brother Edward Arambasich OFM, aged 73, was born to eternal life on the morning of Wednesday, March 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving siblings and friends. Born on October 7, 1951, in Joliet, Illinois, to the late Joann (nee Mulvey) and Edward J. Arambasich Sr, Ed's life was marked by a profound dedication to service and compassion. 

 

Ed began his journey as an altar boy, demonstrating early on his commitment to helping others. He volunteered tirelessly for children and adults with cerebral palsy, organizing outings and providing care characterized by patience, kindness, and love. His weekends were spent assisting nuns with cleaning and organizing classrooms, a testament to his   willingness to contribute wherever he could. 

Drawn to feminine energy, Ed was a staunch advocate for the underprivileged and offered support to anyone in need. His entire life was dedicated to service, starting from his days as an altar boy, through his time as a dean of students, and as a fire chaplain in three cities. He was known for raising funds for the poor and walking with the homeless on retreats, listening to their stories, and providing unconditional love and understanding. 

 

Ed had a passion for ghost hunting, organizing spooky and creepy adventures that invited everyone to embrace the thrill of fear. Despite his love for the supernatural, he was a true Christian who led by example, embodying the principles of kindness and selflessness without preaching. He was a Good Samaritan, devoid of any selfishness, always fighting injustices with steadfast truth and unconditional love. 

Brother Ed cherished and honored his parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and those who would become friends. His faith and love for God and the Church never wavered, mirroring the dedication of Jesus, whom he saw as a man of God. Ed spent 20 years as a Benedictine monk before becoming a Franciscan Friar in 1992, a role he held until his passing. 

 

He was known as "everybody’s man," always ready to listen to the heartache of others, even when battling cancer himself. His role as a fire chaplain for Joliet, Illinois, Quincy, Illinois, and New Orleans was marked by unwavering dedication. He supported firefighters tirelessly, from comforting survivors of 9/11 to baking dozens of banana bread loaves. 

 

Brother Ed's legacy is one of profound love, service, and dedication to his faith and fellow human beings. He will be remembered as the essence of Christ, always truthful and compassionate, fighting injustices with love. 

Rest in peace, Brother Ed, your life of service and love will continue to inspire all who know you. 

 

Brother Ed’s survivors include his siblings, Thomas (fiancée Deborah Kilhafner), Pamela (Jeffrey) Walker and Lori (Rick) Wrobel; cherished nieces and nephews, Melissa, Debbie, Erica, Jillian, Tracy, Matthew, Joshua & Tara; as well as his aunt, Judith Wetherbee and many great nieces and nephews. 

 

He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles, and 1^st cousins, Patty Jo Arambasich Craft, Bill and Mike Telfer, Timmy Arambasich Sr., and sister-in-law April Arambasich.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Upper Room Crisis Hotline http://www.catholichotline.org/  or mail donations to P.O. Box 3572, Joliet, IL 60434

 

Visitation for Brother Ed will be Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd (at Essington Rd) Joliet. Funeral services will begin Wednesday morning, April 2, 2025, with prayers at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home then to St. Ambrose Church, 1705 Burry Circle, Crest Hill, IL, where Brother Ed’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Committal prayers and Entombment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery Mausoleum in Romeoville, IL.