Marquette University mourns the loss of Rev. Fred Zagone, S.J.

Marquette University and the University Advancement team mourn the loss of Rev. Fred Zagone, S.J., university chaplain, who was beloved by Marquette University alumni across the world. Known simply as "Father Fred" to many, he was the ultimate connector and gained his energy by attending hundreds of university events, and even more so in countless interactions with alumni during life's most meaningful moments. He fought cancer with courage and humility, attending university events until the very end of his life.

Father Fred's Jesuit vocation and career spanned nearly three decades at Marquette. During that time, he traveled coast to coast, showing up to celebrate Marquette weddings, baptize many Marquette alumni babies and share blessings for milestone events. In the hardest of times, Father Fred always showed up to be a comforting presence with those grieving - standing beside alumni families presiding at funerals to anoint the sick and help soothe broken hearts.

An avid Marquette men's and women's basketball supporter, Father Fred's black clerical attire was often complemented with blue and gold.

"Father Fred lived the mission of Marquette in his every interaction, both on campus with students and in the deep relationships he cultivated with alumni," President Kimo Ah Yun said. "We will miss him dearly, and we are so grateful to him for modeling what it means to be a man for and with others."

Nearly 50 years ago, a young kid from the south side of Chicago walked into the Campus Ministry office at Loyola University Chicago as a freshman, and it changed his life. That moment led Fred in the direction to become a Jesuit. He entered the Jesuits in 1982 and was ordained a priest in 1993. After his ordination, he served in fundraising and development at Loyola University Chicago, the University of Scranton and Xavier University, before coming to Marquette.

He passionately served as a chaplain in numerous roles at Marquette, including to University Advancement, the National Alumni Association, the Association of Marquette University Women, the Marquette Parents and Family Leadership Council, the Friends of the Haggerty Museum of Art and the Marquette Women's Council. He also served as Marquette's interim vice president for mission and ministry.

"We have often said that Father Fred was always where you needed him most," said Vice President for University Advancement Tim McMahon. "Our advancement team joins the entire Marquette community as we mourn his passing after a most courageous fight. Father Fred was a unique blessing to all who knew him. He was a gifted writer, a spirited pastor and a one-of-a-kind friend to countless alumni, parents, faculty, staff and students. I will miss his honesty, his wisdom and will never forget his faith in Marquette and what makes our community unlike any other. Our hearts are with his family and the Jesuit community during this difficult time."

Many on campus knew Father Fred for his thoughtful invocations and celebrations of Mass in the St. Joan of Arc Chapel and Church of The Gesu, where he offered real, timely homilies. Always a young spirit, he loved living among the students as the Jesuit in residence at Humphrey Hall. Off campus, he had a special place in his heart for Florida alumni, whom he visited every year.

"Fred was extraordinarily loyal to friends, family and the alumni of Marquette he served so well," said Rev. Gregory J. O'Meara, S.J., rector of the Marquette University Jesuit Community. "He was a survivor who took care to do small things well. His was an infectious enthusiasm! He loved drawing people into a group."

In recent years, Father Fred was honored with numerous awards celebrating his lifetime of achievements and meaningful pastoral care. In 2025, Marquette's Mission and Ministry Office awarded him the Ignatian Educator of Distinction recognition, honoring outstanding contributions to Ignatian education and ministry.

In 2024, he was awarded the Foley Hero Award by the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation in recognition of his faithful commitment to the legacy of Marquette alumnus James Foley. He received the Rev. J. Barry McGannon, S.J. Award in 2019 from the Jesuit Advancement Administrators, recognizing long-term service to Jesuit higher education and advancement.

Father Fred earned degrees from the University of San Francisco, Loyola University Chicago and the Weston School of Theology (now part of Boston College). He previously served on the Board of Trustees at the University of Scranton.

Father Fred is survived by five siblings - two brothers (Jim and Joe Jr.) and three sisters (Carmella, Margie and Rosanne).

Please keep Father Fred, his family and friends in your prayers.