The Franciscan Friars of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart sadly announce the death of Fr. Elric Sampson, O.F.M., who died Tuesday, March 2 in Chicago.  Fr. Elric, son of Charles and Camille Sampson and brother to six siblings, graduated from Corpus Christi Grammar and High Schools; Corpus Christi Community named him Alumni of the Year in 2003.  He joined the Franciscans in 1957, making his solemn profession as a friar in 1964 and ordained a priest in 1985.

Fr. Elric served many ways in his life as a friar, beginning at Hales Franciscan High in Chicago then on staff of Alverna Retreat House in Indianapolis, IN.  His ministry as a priest was offered at St. Thomas/St. Augustine in Memphis, TN, St. Jude Parish in Warrenville Heights, OH, St. Vincent Parish in Nashville, TN and St. Peter's in the Loop from 1996 until his death.

This gentle friar earned an MA from CTS/Butler University in Education Administration and a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union; he was a multi-talented man, a voracious reader and the world's most devoted news junkie.  During his life he served God's People as teacher, administrator, moderator, assistant principal, retreat leader, asst. pastor and pastor. In his 80's Fr. Elric did research on and wrote about the Gullah People of South Carolina, always learning, always sharing his wisdom.

During his years at St. Peter's in the Loop Fr. Elric was well known as a confessor, counselor and speaker and was also well respected for his compassion, his down-to-earth yet well-developed homilies and a masterful teller of stories and jokes. He was a blessing to countless friars and people in his ministry and life, especially with his family who remain so close.  They and the friars and many he served will miss this man of God a great deal.  May you now, rejoice at the Eternal Banquet, Elric.  May the angels welcome you to the face of God who rewards you now with the glory promised to all people in the Lord you served so beautifully.

Reception of the Body and Wake Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter's Church, 110 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602. Interment in the Friars' Plot at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, Illinois 60162. Anyone wishing to attend the Wake and/or Funeral are asked to register by calling the church office at 312-372-5111 and leaving name and contact phone number. As there is no legal parking on weekdays in front of the church, there will not be a Funeral Procession from the church to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations to St. Peter's Church , 110 West Madison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60602 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.

For further information please call 312-421-0936.