Right Reverend Monsignor John J. Charlebois (“Mons”), of Chesterton, passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at Horton Hospice Center in Valparaiso. He was 83.

He was born August 20, 1926 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. He was baptized on September 9, 1926 by Fr. Facutte in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in the city of his birth. Msgr. Charlebois was ordained a priest on May 1, 1954 at St. John the Baptist Church in Whiting, Indiana by Archbishop John F. Noll.

He is survived by his brothers, Right Rev. Robert L. Charlebois of Chicago and Thomas E. (Dolores) Charlebois of Hobart; his sisters, Jeanne Marie Rodriquez of Colorado and Noreen Charlebois of Opportunity Enterprises in Valparaiso and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas E. and Mary (Henderson) Charlebois and a brother William A. Charlebois.

“Mons” will be waked Sunday, September 27 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Queen of Apostles Chapel in St. Paul Catholic Church, with night prayers at 9 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday at St. Paul Catholic Church from 8 a.m. until the time of services.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd. in Valparaiso at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 28, and will be celebrated by Monsignor’s brother, Right Rev. Robert L. Charlebois. Burial will be at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Valparaiso.

Memorial donations may be made to Opportunity Enterprises, P.O. Box 1206, Valparaiso, Indiana 46384, in memory of Msgr. Charlebois. Bartholomew Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To sign a guestbook for Rt. Rev. Monsignor Charlebois, please visit www.bartholomewnewhard.com

Posted 9/23/2009