MONROE — Fr. Daniel Complo, the longtime pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Harper Woods, was a mentor to countless souls in southeast Michigan, including Detroit's retiring archbishop, who recalled the priest's humility and patience.
Fr. Complo, 96, passed away Feb. 27.
Fr. Complo served as pastor of Our Lady Queen of Peace for almost 28 years and was the first vicar of the Detroit-Grosse Pointe vicariate.
Fr. Complo’s sister, Sr. Jannita Complo, IHM, wrote in his obituary that her brother wanted to be a priest ever since he was a boy.
“Fr. Dan wanted to be a priest since the first grade,” Sr. Complo wrote. “He felt that there was no better ministry than that of a parish priest. No greater name than the name, ‘Father.’ He was a devoted and dedicated pastor who faithfully served and cared for his people, young and old. He is remembered for his gentle spirit, kind leadership and devotion to the people of God.”
Daniel C. Complo was born June 7, 1928, to Daniel and Mary (nee Sauro) Complo in Monroe.
Fr. Complo was baptized at St. Michael Parish in Monroe, where he also received his first Holy Communion and was confirmed.
After finishing eighth grade at St. Michael School, Fr. Complo moved on to Monroe High School for two years before transferring to the Cardinal Mooney Latin School on the campus of Sacred Heart Seminary to finish high school.
Fr. Complo went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Philosophy from Sacred Heart in 1950 and a Master’s in Theology from St. John’s Provincial Seminary in Plymouth in 1954.
Fr. Complo was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit by Cardinal Edward A. Mooney of Detroit on June 5, 1954, at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit. He served as an associate pastor at St. Catherine Parish in Detroit (now St. Augustine and St. Monica Parish) from 1954-59, St. Elizabeth Parish in Detroit from 1959-63, the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament from 1963-67, and St. Matthew Parish in Detroit from 1967-70.
Fr. Complo’s first pastor assignment was at St. Martin of Tours Parish in Detroit in 1970, where he served for a year before moving to what would become his mainstay assignment, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Harper Woods.
Detroit Archbishop-emeritus Allen H. Vigneron reflected on his time with Fr. Complo at Our Lady Queen of Peace during farewell vespers on March 2 at Sacred Heart Major Seminary with nearly 100 priests. Archbishop Vigneron was ordained a priest in 1975 and served his first assignment as a priest as associate pastor at Our Lady Queen of Peace under Fr. Complo's mentorship.
“I think especially of my first assignment,” Archbishop Vigneron said, reflecting on his priestly ministry. “Like all of you, it’s a most precious experience to me. You can recall that first assignment with great vividness. I think about Fr. Dan Complo, who recently passed to the Lord, who helped me understand what it is to be a priest, how it is to serve, and what it is to be patient day in and day out.”
Fr. Complo was granted senior status in 1998 when he moved back home to Monroe to assist area parishes with confessions and liturgies while maintaining a priestly presence in the community, his sister said.
“He was also a gifted musician,” Sr. Complo said. “Many were entertained by his playing the accordion, piano and saxophone. Through the years he enjoyed getting together with his musical relatives and friends. His rectory was always filled with music. He was even a member of the Michigan Accordion Society.”
Fr. Complo also served as a past chairman of the Archdiocesan Development Fund.
Fr. Complo was predeceased by his parents, Daniel and Mary; and his brother, Sonny. He is survived by his sister, Sr. Jannita Complo, IHM.
Fr. Complo’s funeral was March 6 at his home parish, St. Michael Parish in Monroe, with Archbishop Vigneron serving as the funeral celebrant. Fr. Complo was buried at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe.
