DAPRAI, Father Damien (Anthony Frederick "Tony") OSB died Friday June 11, 2010 at the age of 46. Tony was enjoying his regular daily exercise and suffered a heart attack while jogging on the grounds of the monastery where he lived. His passing occurred on the day of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the closing day of the Church's Year of the Priest. Father Damien "Tony" was an ordained Roman Catholic priest and Benedictine monk at Marmion Abbey monastery where he also taught theology and physical education to the young men of Marmion Academy high school. Tony was born at the United States AirForce base in Tripoli, Libya July 1, 1963 and grew up in Grand Blanc, Michigan. A Grand Blanc HS graduate of 1981, Tony attended Western Michigan University, earned an associate degree from Baker College, Flint, Michigan, and a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from the University of Michigan. Tony attended minor seminary at Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo, North Dakota and major seminary at Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburgh, Maryland and earned a masters degree in theology from Mundelein Seminary in Mundelein, Illinois. Before his calling to the priesthood, Tony was employed by General Motors Corporation at the Buick City auto factory in Flint, MI. He was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church where he was an usher and dedicated to the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. He kept a regular 2 a.m. holy hour until leaving for the seminary. Tony was a veteran of the United States Army where he served honorably for 3 years as a combat engineer. He was based at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Tony was always a competitor. He enjoyed many physical pursuits and all sports including running, biking, golf, and especially hockey. Tony played hockey for Grand Blanc High School (captain), Stroh's Beer Hockey Club, Mount Saint Mary's University club team, North Dakota State University, and many pick up games with friends and family. He was a sports fan and continued to follow Detroit teams even after he moved out of state. Tony loved to run in local races and workout with his family. In the years leading to his ordination on May 10th 2008 until his death, Tony was a seeker of the Truth. He was an avid reader. He loved to read philosophy, theology and the classics. He traveled to many places of religious significance in Turkey, Spain, Italy, the Vatican, and Israel. He was committed to the rigors of monastic life and stayed dedicated to daily prayers. Tony was an organ donor. In his death, he will help as many as 50 people through organ and tissue donations. Tony loved his family and predeceases his mother: Mary Andrews, father: Dr. Frederick P. Daprai; sisters: Theresa Bills (Scott), and Maria Hobson (Dave); brother: Paul (Carol); aunt: Rita Lorden (Dr.Leon Isagolian); nieces and nephews: Stefi (his "Little Precious"), Nick, Avery, Joey, Vinny, Gianna, and Carmella, and many cousins in Saginaw, Michigan and Bresimo, Italy. Tony touched lives everywhere he went. He was a caring priest, who was passionate in his vocation, and a dedicated, wonderful son, brother, nephew, and friend. He will be missed by his fellow brothers at Marmion Abbey as well as his family and friends. The funeral will be held Monday June 14, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. at Marmion Abbey, 805 Butterfield Rd, Aurora, IL. Burial will be Tuesday June 15, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. also at Marmion Abbey. On Thursday June 17, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., a memorial mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 1227 E. Bristol Rd, Burton, MI. A reception luncheon and visitation with the family will follow mass at the parish family life center.