James Laughlin MacDougall, O.S.A.

1932 – 2024 (March 9)

James Laughlin MacDougall, O.S.A., was born on November 12, 1932, in New York, New York, the son of Donald H. and Catherine A. (Loftus) MacDougall.  He had 2 brothers. He was baptized on December 4, 1932, at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, Bronx, New York. He attended elementary school first at Good Shepherd Parish from 1938 to 1941 and then at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish from 1941 to 1946, where he continued in the parish high school from 1946 to 1949.  He then entered as a postulant for his fourth year of high school at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, in September 1949, and graduated in 1950.  He was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1950, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on September 10, 1951. He then attended Villanova University from 1951 to 1955 and graduated with a BA in Philosophy. Next, he went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, for his theological studies from 1955 to 1959.  He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1954.  He was ordained to the priesthood on June 6, 1959, by Bishop John McNamara at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC. In 1960, he received an MA in American History from Villanova University.

 Fr. Jim’s first assignment was to Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, where he served for ten years from 1959 to 1969 as a teacher of History and Religion.  In 1969, he went to Biscayne College (later named Saint Thomas University) in Miami, Florida, where he served from 1969 to 2015.  He resided at the community friary, Casa San Lorenzo, where he served for many years as the prior of the Augustinian community.  In the school, he served in many capacities: as teacher of History, Religious Studies, and American Political Science; as campus minister; as chair of the Social Sciences Division; and as prefect in the student dormitory.  In 2005, he went from full time to part time teaching and continued to help in campus ministry.  He studied Spanish and throughout his years at the school he worked with both the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking students, staff and faculty of the school. When the decision was made to close Casa San Lorenzo, Fr. Jim was assigned on July 25, 2015, to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Friary, Bronx, New York.  In July 2019, he was assigned to live at St. Thomas Monastery.  Fr. Jim found blessing and joy in the simple things like traveling with his brother, solving the New York Times crossword puzzle, walking to the Goodwill store in the Bronx to browse through used books, or simply sitting in quiet prayer.  Fr. Jim passed away peacefully March 9, 2024 at the Monastery.  

Funeral arrangements for
Fr. James Laughlin MacDougall, O.S.A. are as follows:

Viewing and Funeral Mass:

Friday, March 15, 2024
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Villanova University Campus
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA

9:00-10:00 AM (Viewing)
10:00 AM (Mass)

Burial:
Following the Funeral Mass

Friday, March 15, 2024
Calvary Cemetery
West Conshohocken, PA

Martin Lawrence Smith, O.S.A.

1945 – 2024 (January 19)

Martin Lawrence Smith, O.S.A., was born on July 6, 1945, in New York City, New York, the son of James A. and Agnes R. (Kollenz) Smith. He had one brother. He was baptized on July 22, 1945, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bronx, New York. He attended Sacred Heart Parish School from 1950 to 1959 and Samuel Gompers Vocational and Technical High School, Bronx, New York from 1960 to 1967. He then attended Biscayne College, Miami, Florida from 1967 to 1971 and received his BA degree. It was here that he met the Augustinians. He was received into the Order as a novice on August 29, 1972, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on August 28, 1973. He then went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC from 1973 to 1977, and studied at the Washington Theological Union, receiving an MDiv in Theology in 1977. He professed solemn vows on September 11, 1976. He was ordained to the priesthood on October 15, 1977 in his hometown parish, Saint Ann Catholic Church, Freeland, Pennsylvania, by Bishop James C. Timlin, Bishop of the Diocese of Scranton.

Fr. Marty was first assigned to Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts, where he served as the Director of Student and Social Activities, Director of Residential Life, Campus Minister, Resident Hall Minister and campus liaison to the college food service program from 1977 to 1980. 

In 1980, he was assigned to Biscayne College, (later, Saint Thomas University), Miami, Florida. During his seven-year tenure (1980-1987), he held the positions of Assistant to the President, Director of Maintenance, Director of Student Activities, Dean of Student Life, Campus Minister, Resident Hall Minister and Instructor in the Theology Department. As the Director of Maintenance, Fr. Marty was responsible for the athletic fields and worked closely with the Miami Dolphins football team and their coach Don Shula. He also worked closely with the Baltimore Orioles baseball team. Both sports teams had their training camps on the main campus of the university. Fr. Marty won several awards for his work with students at Biscayne College.

In 1987, Fr. Marty was transferred to Villanova University where he served five years as Assistant Director of Resident Life and the Assistant Director of Athletics (1987-1992). As the Assistant Director of Resident Life, he was responsible for the facilities management of 20 residence halls on the university’s three campuses. As the Assistant Director of Athletics, he was responsible for the scheduling of practice times for all athletic teams at the university as well as the care of the athletic facilities and fields. He also coordinated the security details at all athletic events. 

In 1992, Fr. Marty was transferred to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, as the prior and treasurer of the community. He also served on the formation team at the college and as the Chair of the Formation and Vocation Commission of the province. While at Augustinian College, he coordinated major renovations to the building and the grounds. He served in this capacity for six years (1992-1998). 

In 1999, after a year of sabbatical studies, Fr. Marty was assigned to Saint Augustine College Preparatory School, Richland, New Jersey. During his five years there (1999-2004), he served as the Director of College Guidance, Registrar and he taught part-time in the Theology Department. 

In 2005, he was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery on the campus of Villanova University. He served as facilities manager of the monastery from 2005 to 2008, in which he oversaw the completion of the renovations of the monastery. He served as treasurer of the community from 2006 to 2010. He designed and built the Heritage Room for the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova in 2006 and served as its Curator.

At the Provincial Chapter of 2010, he was elected Treasurer of the Province and served in that position until June of 2014. He retired in 2014 and continued living at St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery.  In his retirement, Fr. Marty continued with his hobby of refurbishing old computers which he donated to families and students in need of them, especially during the time of the pandemic. Faced with his illness, he went into hospice care with faith, and he peacefully passed away January 19, 2024 at St. Thomas Monastery. 

Funeral arrangements for
Fr. Martin Lawrence Smith, O.S.A. are as follows:

Viewing and Funeral Mass:

Monday, January 29, 2024
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Villanova University Campus
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA

9:00 -10:30 AM (Viewing)
10:30 AM (Mass)

Burial:
Following the Funeral Mass

Monday, January 29, 2024
Calvary Cemetery
West Conshohocken, PA

William Howard McGraw, O.S.A.

1931 – 2023 (September 15)

William Howard (Howie) McGraw, O.S.A., was born on March 19, 1931, in Watertown, New York, the son of Lawrence H. and Melina M. (St. Louis) McGraw. He had two sisters. He was baptized on June 28, 1931, at Saint James Minor Catholic Church, Carthage, New York. He attended Carthage Elementary School from 1935 to 1941 and Carthage Augustinian Academy from 1942 to 1948, completing his elementary and secondary education. He then served in the United States Army before and during the Korean War.

Howie was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1953, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on September 10, 1954. He then went to Villanova University from 1954 to 1958 and received a BA in Philosophy. He did his theological studies at Collegio Santa Monica in Rome, Italy from 1958 to 1962, receiving an STB. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1957. He was ordained to the priesthood in Rome on April 7, 1962, in the Chapel of the motherhouse of the Vincentians on the Via Cola di Rienzo.

Fr. Howie returned to the United States in 1962 and was assigned to Saint Joseph Friary and Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, where he taught modern languages from 1962 to 1968. During this time, he received an MA in Modern Languages from Villanova University. From 1968 to 1972 he was assigned to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, where he taught and did graduate studies at Georgetown University. From 1972 to 1994 he served in parish ministry in the Province: Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York (1972-1973); Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, New York (1973-1978); Saint Joseph Parish, Greenwich, New York (1978-1980 and 1983-1988); Saint Patrick Parish, Cambridge, New York (1980-1983); Holy Rosary Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts (1988-1994).

In 1994, with permission from the Provincial, Fr. Howie began the Marian Healing Ministry. While fostering this ministry in various parishes around the country, he was assigned to the following communities: Saint Mary Parish Friary, Waterford, New York (1994-1997); Saint Augustine Parish Friary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1997-2004); Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish Friary, Philadelphia, PA (2004-2018). And then to St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery from 2018 to the present. For those who knew him well, Fr. Howie was known for being jovial, kind-hearted and spiritual. He demonstrated a grateful spirit, especially for the people who cared for him at the Monastery. Fr. Howie passed away peacefully September 15, 2023 at the Monastery. 

Funeral arrangements for
Fr. William Howard McGraw, O.S.A. are as follows:

Viewing and Funeral Mass:

Thursday, September 21, 2023
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Villanova University Campus
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA

9:00 -10:30 AM (Viewing)
10:30 AM (Mass)

Burial:
Following the Funeral Mass

Thursday, September 21, 2023
Calvary Cemetery
West Conshohocken, PA

Edward John Dixey, O.S.A.

1929 – 2023 (August 31)

Edward John Dixey, O.S.A., was born on May 31, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Joseph N. and Mary A. (Walsh) Dixey. He had two brothers and one sister. He was baptized on June 15, 1929, at Saint Vincent’s Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended St. Barnabas Parish School (1935-1940), and Most Blessed Sacrament Parish School (1940-1943), and West Catholic High School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1943-1947). He served two years in the United States Army (1947-1949). He then attended Villanova College from 1949 to 1952. He was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1952, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on September 10, 1953. He then returned to Villanova University (1953-1954) and received a BA in Philosophy. He then went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, for his theological studies from 1954 to 1958, and received an MA in Religious Education. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1956. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1957, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop John McNamara.

Fr. Ed was first assigned to Saint Joseph Friary and Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, where he taught from 1958 to 1965. In 1965 he was assigned to Saint Mary’s Hall, the Augustinian Collegiate Seminary, Villanova University, where he was the sub-master of professed from 1965 to 1969. He returned to Msgr. Bonner High School, to teach from 1969 to 1970, and then returned to Saint Mary’s Hall as the Master of Professed from 1970 to 1975 and was also the Director of the Augustinian Seminary Guild. In 1975 he was appointed associate pastor at Saint Genevieve Parish, Flourtown, Pennsylvania from 1975 to 1979. He returned again to Saint Joseph Friary and Msgr. Bonner High School (1979-1982). From 1982 to 2008, Fr. Ed served in various parishes of the Province: Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, New York (1982-1987); Our Mother of Consolation, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1987-1994); Saint Thomas Parish, Rosemont-Villanova, Pennsylvania (1994); Saint Augustine Parish, Troy, New York (1998-2002); Assumption/Saint Paul Parish, Mechanicville, New York (2002-2008); from 2005 to 2008 he lived at Saint Mary Parish, Waterford, New York, and served at both the Mechanicville and Waterford parishes. He served as the Prior of Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova University, from 1994 to 1998. In 2008 he was assigned to Saint Augustine Friary, Villanova, Pennsylvania, and served as weekend assistant at various parishes of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. In February 2022, he was transferred to the St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery where he continued to participate in community activities as he was able. Fr. Ed faced the decline in his physical mobility, the way he faced everything in life, with a peaceful and prayerful demeanor. He passed away peacefully on August 31, 2023 at Genesis Wayne Center. 

Funeral arrangements for
Fr. Edward J. Dixey, O.S.A. are as follows:

Viewing and Funeral Mass:

Thursday, September 7, 2023
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Villanova University Campus
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA

9:00 -10:30 AM (Viewing)
10:30 AM (Mass)

Burial:
Following the Funeral Mass

Thursday, September 7, 2023
Calvary Cemetery
West Conshohocken, PA

Michael Patrick Sullivan, O.S.A.

1940 – 2023 (August 3)

Michael Patrick Sullivan, O.S.A., was born on March 11, 1940, in New York, New York, the son of Thomas and Margaret (Connaire) Sullivan. He had one brother and one sister. He was baptized on May 31, 1940, at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic Church, Bronx, New York. He attended elementary and high school at the parish schools of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish (1946-1954 and 1954-1957), and for his last year of high school he attended Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a postulant. He was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1959, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on September 10, 1960. He then attended Villanova University from 1960 to 1964 and received his BA in Philosophy and English Literature. He then went to Augustinian College for his theological studies and received his MA in Theology (1964-1968). He also pursued graduate studies in English Literature at the Catholic University of America, in Washington, DC. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1963. He was ordained to the priesthood on September 9, 1967 at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop Edward Herman. 



Fr. Michael’s first assignment was to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Jamaica, New York, as associate pastor from 1968 to 1970. From 1970 to 1975, he directed the Augustinian Seminary Guild and resided at the Provincial Residence in Malvern, Pennsylvania. During this time he obtained an MA in Counseling from Saint John’s University, Queens, New York (1971). Also, during this period, he was appointed full time to the Marriage Encounter movement and established its presence in the Delaware Valley region. From 1975 to 1978, he served as the Pastor in Mechanicville, New York, where he combined the two Augustinian parishes of Saint Paul and Assumption into one parish community. From 1978 to 1980, he was pastor of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York. Beginning in 1980, Fr. Michael became full-time in the Preaching Ministry of the Province. He was temporarily assigned to Mt. Augustine Retreat House, Staten Island and then to the Augustinian Community at Overbrook, Pennsylvania from 1981 to 1983, and then to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, Pennsylvania from 1983 to the present. During the years he was preaching ministry, Fr. Michael spent most of his time traveling around the United States, as well as Australia and South Africa, giving retreats to parishes and to other groups. He was the author of many CDs and DVDs. In 2007 he was the recipient of the Villanova Distinguished Alumni Award. He served two terms on the National Board of Directors of the Worldwide Marriage Encounter Movement. When asked about his life in ministry, he said that he was profoundly grateful for good friends, for a wonderfully rewarding life as a preacher of the Gospel, for the opportunity to help fellow travelers along the road with Jesus, the compassionate Savior. Even in the last few years of declining health, Fr. Michael demonstrated a strength of spirit and deep love for the Augustinian community by continuing to serve in the Province Advancement Council. He passed away peacefully on August 3, 2023 at Temple Hospital. 

Funeral arrangements for
Fr. Michael P. Sullivan, O.S.A. are as follows:

Viewing and Funeral Mass:

Thursday, August 17, 2023
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Villanova University Campus
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA

9:00 -10:30 AM (Viewing)
10:30 AM (Mass)

Burial:
Following the Funeral Mass

Thursday, August 17, 2023
Calvary Cemetery
West Conshohocken, PA

John Joseph Ferrence, O.S.A.

1926 – 2023 (February 26)

John Joseph Ferrence, O.S.A., was born on May 8, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Andrew and Margaret (Kalavsky) Ferrence. He had two brothers, William and Andrew. He was baptized on May 16, 1926, at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Saint Augustine Parish School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1932 to 1940 and Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York from 1940 to 1944.

He was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1944, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on September 10, 1945. He then attended Villanova College from 1945 to 1949 and received his BA in Philosophy. He then went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, for his theological studies from 1949 to 1953. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1948. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1952, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop John McNamara. He completed MS degrees at Villanova University in Chemistry and Biology.

Fr. Ferrence was first assigned to Saint John of Sahagun Friary and Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, DC, where he taught from 1953 to 1956. He then was assigned to Augustinian Academy, first as Vice Rector and then Rector of Postulants as well as Principal of the school from 1956 to 1962. He then was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York, where he worked in the parish and taught in the high school from 1962 to 1964.

In 1964, he was assigned to Saint Joseph Friary and Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. There he was to spend the next 38 years teaching Chemistry and moderating school activities, as well as assisting on weekends at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish, Coatesville, Pennsylvania. He retired from teaching in 2002, but continued to reside in the friary, to help out when needed in the school, and to remain connected with many of his former students and their families. He officiated at the weddings of many of these former students. He said that his success in teaching was credited to his “way of making sure that the students are treated as young adults”.

Fr. Ferrence moved to St. Thomas Monastery in 2009 and continued to assist on weekends for a few more years. Due to illness these past few days, he was admitted to Bryn Mawr Hospital and he passed away peacefully February 26, 2023.

Funeral arrangements for
Fr. John J. Ferrence, O.S.A. are as follows:

Viewing and Funeral Mass:

Friday, March 3, 2023
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Villanova University Campus
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA

9:00 -10:30 AM (Viewing)
10:30 AM (Mass)

Burial:
Following the Funeral Mass

Friday, March 3, 2023
Calvary Cemetery
West Conshohocken, PA

John Joseph Sheridan, O.S.A.

1929 – 2023 (February 9)

John Joseph Sheridan, O.S.A., was born on April 16, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Elizabeth Sheridan, and he was baptized at Saint Vincent’s Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 4, 1929. He entered the Order as a brother candidate on June 19, 1944, at Augustinian College, Washington, DC. After a period of postulancy, he was received as a novice on September 14, 1947 and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on September 15, 1948. His name in religious life was Brother Patrick. He professed solemn vows on September 15, 1951.

In 1953, Brother Pat was assigned to Saint John of Sahagun Friary and to Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, DC, where he taught (1953-1955). He then was assigned to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a teacher from 1955-1958. He volunteered for the Japanese mission and was assigned to Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Nagasaki, Japan where he served for five years from 1958-1963. He returned to the United States and was assigned to Austin Preparatory School, Reading, Massachusetts, as a teacher from 1963-1967. He then volunteered for the Peru Mission, where he spent five years from 1967-1972.

On December 20, 1970, he was ordained to the diaconate. In 1972, after returning to the United States, he was assigned first to Saint Mary’s Hall, and then to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, Pennsylvania from 1972-1976. In 1976, he was assigned to Saint Denis Parish, Havertown, Pennsylvania (1976-1981) as parochial vicar and assisted in the mission office as Assistant Director of Missions. In 1981 he was assigned to Austin Preparatory School’s Friary in residence and completed his theological studies in preparation for ordination to the priesthood (1981-1985). These theological studies were done at Pope John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, Massachusetts. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John McNabb, O.S.A., Bishop of Chulucanas, Peru, on May 4, 1985, at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.

Fr. John was assigned as associate pastor to Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania from 1985-1987, and then as associate pastor to Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, New York from 1987-1988. In 1988 he was assigned as pastor to Saint Rita of Cascia Parish, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1988-1992). He next was assigned as pastor to Saint Patrick Parish, Cambridge, New York from 1992-1993. From 1993 to 1997 he was pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, New York and also named pastor of Saint George Parish, Pittstown, New York. He then was assigned as associate pastor to Saint Katharine Drexel Parish, Cape Coral, Florida from 1997-1998. In 1998 he was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, Pennsylvania, and was appointed Archivist of the Province. As Archivist, he oversaw the move of the Province’s Archives from Saint Augustine Friary, the Provincial Offices, Villanova, Pennsylvania, to a larger, state-of-the-art archives facility, consisting of a large vault and work room, called the Middleton Room, located in Saint Thomas Monastery, adjacent to the Province’s Heritage Room. He also oversaw the copying of Province documents on to DVD recording, so that the documents could be electronically accessed and not physically handled, thus assuring their preservation.

Due to illness, Fr. John had moved to the nursing unit of the Monastery a few years ago. He was placed on hospice care a few days before passing away peacefully on February 9, 2023. 

Funeral arrangements for
Fr. John J. Sheridan, O.S.A. are as follows:

Viewing and Funeral Mass:

Thursday, February 16, 2023
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Villanova University Campus
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA

10:00 AM (Mass)

Burial:
Following the Funeral Mass

Thursday, February 16, 2023
Calvary Cemetery
West Conshohocken, PA

Joseph John Getz, O.S.A.

1924 – 2022 (October 21)

Joseph John Getz, O.S.A., was born on July 14, 1924, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the son of Peter F. and Eleanor A. (Herbert) Getz. He had two brothers and three sisters. He was baptized on July 27, 1924, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Atlantic City, New Jersey. He attended Saint Malachy Parish School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1930-1938), and LaSalle High School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1938-1942).

He went as a postulant to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York (1942), and he was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1943. After a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on September 10, 1944. He then went to Villanova College (1944-1948), and received a BA in Philosophy. He next went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC (1948-1952) for his theological studies. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1947. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 5, 1951, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop John McNamara.

Fr. Getz was first assigned to Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, as assistant novice master (1952-1954). He then served as associate pastor at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Jamaica, New York (1954-1959). In 1959, he was assigned to Saint Denis Parish, Havertown, Pennsylvania, as associate pastor (1959-1971). While at Saint Denis, he embellished the cemetery with its shrines and Stations of the Cross. From 1971 to 1981 he served as pastor at Saint Patrick Parish, Cambridge, New York, and he built the new rectory. He then served as pastor at Saint Augustine Parish, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1981-1983).

In 1983, he was asked to serve as the friar who coordinated the care of the sick and elderly of the Province and he was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery and its health care facility (1983-1993). He also taught religion at the Day School of the Sacred Heart in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania (1988-1992). In 1993 he returned as pastor of Saint Patrick Parish, Cambridge, New York (1993-1997). In 1997 he was assigned to Assumption/Saint Paul Parish, Mechanicville, New York (1997-2005), and in 2005 he was assigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Troy, New York (2005-2010). During these years (1997-2010), he helped at Saint Joseph Parish, New Windsor, New York, and Saint John Parish, Goshen, New York, and spent time visiting local nursing homes and hospitals. In July of 2010 Fr. Getz returned to St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery.

Fr. Joe continued to serve in parish ministry, even as he grew older. He said that it was his “ardent desire to save souls, to teach the young and to care for the elderly.” He was a man of prayer and an example of commitment and dedication to Augustinian values. After a time of illness, Fr. Joe passed away October 21, 2022 at the St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery. 

Funeral arrangements for
Fr. Joseph J. Getz, O.S.A. are as follows:

Viewing and Funeral Mass:

Monday, October 31, 2022
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Villanova University Campus
800 E. Lancaster Ave. Villanova, PA

9:00 -10:30 AM (Viewing)
10:30 AM (Mass)

Burial:
Following the Funeral Mass

Monday, October 31, 2022
Calvary Cemetery
West Conshohocken, PA

John Peter Stack, O.S.A.

1947 – 2022 (October 13)

John Peter Stack, O.S.A., was born on September 20, 1947, in Darby, Pennsylvania, the son of John P. and Helen (Fitzgibbons) Stack. He had one brother and three sisters. He was baptized on October 12, 1947 at Saint Madeleine Sophie Catholic Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Saint Andrew Parish School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania (1953-1961), and Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania (1961-1965). 

He was received into the Order as a novice on September 5, 1966, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on September 6, 1967. He then attended Villanova University (1967-1971), and received his BA in Philosophy. He then went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC (1971-1974), and attended the Washington Theological Union, where he received an MA in Theology. He professed solemn vows on September 11, 1971. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 18, 1974 at Saint Thomas Church on the campus of Villanova University by Bishop James Malone, Bishop of Youngstown, Ohio.

Fr. John was first assigned to Msgr. Bonner High School, where he taught, was school chaplain and the senior class studies counselor (1974-1979). He received an MA in education from Villanova University in 1977. From 1979 to 1982 he served the Province as the Vocation Director and resided in Burns Hall, the Pre-Novitiate house on the Villanova University campus. In 1982 he was assigned to the Saint Thomas Monastery community at Villanova. From 1982 to 1999 he served as the Dean of Students at Villanova University, and from 1999 to 2021 he served as the university’s Vice President for Student Life. At the time of his retirement from Villanova, he was one of the longest-serving administrators at the University. 

It was during his tenure when Villanova changed from a largely commuter campus to a residential experience. He was known to have been a tireless advocate for students at Villanova and truly committed to the values of the University. During those years at Villanova, he also served in local parishes for weekend ministry: Saint Dorothy Parish, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania (1974-1979), and Saint Laurence Parish, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania (1980-2021). After a period of illness, Fr. John passed away October 13, 2022 in Bryn Mawr Hospital.

Funeral arrangements for
Fr. John P. Stack, O.S.A. are as follows:

Viewing and Funeral Mass:

Friday, October 21, 2022
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Villanova University Campus
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA

9:00-11:30 AM (Viewing)
11:30 AM (Mass)

If you are unable to join on the first link above, please use this backup livestream link to be able to watch the ceremony online.

Burial:

Following the Funeral Mass

Friday, October 21, 2022
Calvary Cemetery
West Conshohocken, PA

Reception:
Following the burial, everyone is invited to:

The Inn at Villanova
Radnor, PA
(hosted by the University)

George Francis Riley, O.S.A.

1935 – 2022 (September 16)

George Francis Riley, was born on November 2, 1935, at Winchester, Massachusetts, the son of George E. and Teresa (Barry) Riley. He had one brother and one sister. He was baptized on November 15, 1935, at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church, Lawrence, Massachusetts. He attended St. Laurence O’Toole Parochial School, (1941-1949), and Central Catholic High School, (1949-1953), Lawrence, Massachusetts, and then Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts, for two years, (1953-1955).

He was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1955, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on September 10, 1956. He then went to Villanova University where he received his BA in Philosophy, graduating in 1958. He went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, for his theological studies, (1958-1962) and also received an MA from the Catholic University of America, and from Villanova University. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1959. He was ordained to the priesthood in the Chapel of Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts, by Richard Cardinal Cushing, Archbishop of Boston, on February 3, 1962.

Fr. George was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery and Villanova University in 1962. From 1962 to 1972, he taught religious studies and ethics. From 1965 to 1968, he also served as the Province’s Vocation Director. He received his PhD in Education from the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, in 1969. From 1969 to 1971, he served as the Province Secretary and Archivist. From 1972 to 1991 he was the Vice President for University Relations, and from 1991 to 2016 he was Special Assistant to the President of Villanova University and also worked in Alumni Relations. Fr. George served on various boards, among them the Board of Trustees of Merrimack College.

He also served on the board of the American Catholic Historical Society, wrote a number of historical publications, as well as compilations of his sermons. He began the “Villanova Magazine” in 1984 and served on many of the fund-raising Capital Campaigns for Villanova University. During the weekends, Fr. George ministered to different parishes in South Jersey for 50 years. He was known for his sense of humor and friendliness.

His dedication to the Augustinian community, to Villanova University and the parishes where he ministered was an inspiration to many. Fr. George passed away in the early morning of September 16, 2022 at the St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery.

Funeral arrangements for
Fr. George F. Riley, O.S.A. are as follows:

Viewing and Funeral Mass:

Monday, September 26, 2022
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Villanova University Campus
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA
3:00 -7:00 PM (Viewing)
7:00 PM (Mass)

 If you are unable to join on the first link above, please use this  backup livestream link to be able to watch the ceremony online.

Burial:

Burial will be at the Augustinian plot at
St. Mary's in Lawrence, MA
at a later date.

Francis Anthony Sirolli, O.S.A.

1939 – 2022 (September 9)

Francis Anthony Sirolli, was born on December 9, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Nicholas A. and Marrianne (Cermele) Sirolli. He had one brother and one sister. He was baptized on July 28, 1940 at Saint Monica Catholic Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended Sacred Heart Parish School, Riverside, New Jersey, (1946), and Saint Cyril’s Parish School, East Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, (1947-1952). He then attended Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, (1953-1957).

He entered the Order as a novice on September 9, 1957, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on September 10, 1958. He then attended Villanova University, (1958-1962), and received a BA in Philosophy. He went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, (1962-1966) for his theological studies, receiving an MA. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1961. He was ordained to the priesthood on November 6, 1965, at Saint Denis Parish, Havertown, Pennsylvania, by Bishop Yuen.       

Fr. Frank was first assigned to Saint John of Sahagun Friary and Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, DC, as a teacher, (1966-1974). From 1974 to 1980, he served as associate pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, New York. He then served as pastor at Holy Rosary Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts, (1980-1983). From 1983 to 1991, he ministered as associate pastor at Saint Denis Parish, Havertown, Pennsylvania. From 1991 to 1999, he served as pastor of Our Mother of Consolation Parish, (Chestnut Hill), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1999 he attended the sabbatical program at the Sangre de Cristo Program in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 2001 he returned to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, New York as pastor, (2001-2007). He then served as associate pastor at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, (2007-2013).

In March of 2013 Fr. Frank was transferred to St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova, Pennsylvania and continued to minister in local parishes and preached parish missions. He had the ability to bring people into a deep relationship with Christ through his preaching, writing, and spiritual direction. In the midst of it, he had the gift to laugh at his shortcomings. Fr. Frank died on Friday, September 9, 2022 in Arden Courts.

Funeral arrangements for
Fr. Francis Anthony Sirolli, OSA are as follows:

Viewing and Funeral Mass:

Thursday, September 15, 2022
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Villanova University Campus
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA

9:00 -10:30 AM (Viewing)
10:30 AM (Mass)

Click Here for the Livestream Link

Burial:

Following the Funeral Mass
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Calvary Cemetery
West Conshohocken, PA

Thomas Michael Murnane, O.S.A.

1939 – 2022 (August 7)

Thomas Michael Murnane, was born on January 30, 1939, in New York, NY, the son of Thomas P. and Susan S. (Hughes) Murnane. He had one brother. He was baptized on February 14, 1939, at Saint Jerome Catholic Church, Bronx, NY. He attended Saint Ann Parish School, Bronx, NY, (1945-1949), and when his family moved to Washington, DC, he attended Saint Francis Xavier Parish School, (1949-1952), and Archbishop Carroll High School, (1952-1956). He was received into the Order as a novice on September 8, 1956, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY, he professed first vows on September 10, 1957.

He attended Villanova University and received his BA in Philosophy, (1957-1961). He went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, for his theological studies, (1961-1965) and received an MA in Religious Education. During the same time he completed an MA in Education/ Guidance at Villanova University, (1962-1966). He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1960. He was ordained to the priesthood on February 13, 1965, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop John Spence.

Fr. Tom was first assigned to Austin Preparatory School, Reading, MA, (1965-1970), where he served in various capacities over the years, as teacher, guidance director, registrar, and headmaster. From 1970 to 1996, he was assigned to Saint Joseph Friary and Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, PA, as guidance counselor and teacher, as moderator of the Mother’s Club and Alumni Association, and as the school’s Business Manager. He spent a sabbatical year at the Washington Theological Union, Washington, DC, (1996-1997).

In 1997 he was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery and worked in the Admission Resource Center of Villanova University. Fr. Tom loved all of his ministerial and community assignments and took great joy in walking the campus and greeting everyone he met with his warm, welcoming smile.

Last week, Fr. Tom was admitted to Bryn Mawr Hospital, where he was placed in comfort care. He passed away in the early hours of Sunday, August 7, 2022.

Funeral arrangements for Fr. Thomas M. Murnane, OSA are as follows:

Viewing and Funeral Mass:

Saturday, August 13, 2022
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Villanova University Campus
800 E. Lancaster Ave.
Villanova, PA

9:00 -10:30 AM (Viewing)
10:30 AM (Mass)

Livestream Link

Burial:

Following the Funeral Mass
Saturday, August 13, 2022
Calvary Cemetery
West Conshohocken, PA

Michael Herbert Stanley, O.S.A.

1951 – 2022 (March 21)

Michael Herbert Stanley, was born on June 1, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Herbert A. and Teresa (Finnegan) Stanley. He had three brothers and two sisters. He was baptized on June 24, 1951, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He attended St. Laurence Parochial School, [Highland Park] Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, (1957-1958), and St. Denis Parochial School, Havertown, Pennsylvania, (1958-1965). He then went to Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, (1965-1969). He then attended the University of Dayton, Dayton, Ohio, (1969-1971) and Villanova University, (1971-1973), graduating with a BA in Sociology. He was accepted into the Pre-Novitiate program at Villanova in August 1972 and received into the Order as a novice on August 29, 1974. After a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on August 23, 1975. He then went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, and attended the Washington Theological Union, (1975-1978), where he completed his theological studies, graduating with an M.A.  He professed solemn vows on January 20, 1979. In 1979, he went to Japan, where, from 1979 to 1981, he attended language school in Tokyo. He returned to the United States to serve as a deacon at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.  After ordination to the priesthood at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church by Bishop Patrick Ahern, Auxiliary Bishop of New York, on September 19, 1981, he returned to Japan, where he served from 1981 to 2002.

From 1981 to 1989, Fr. Michael was stationed in Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Nagasaki, and from 1989 to 2002 he served in Tokyo as the Formation Director, the Vicariate Treasurer and Vicar of the Japan Vicariate. In 2002, he returned to the United States and was stationed in Upstate New York, first at Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish, Waterford, (2002-2003), and Saint Augustine Parish, Troy, (2003-2009). In August of 2009 he returned to St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Waterford, New York.

From his early days in formation, Fr. Michael was eager to work in the missions, particularly in Japan.  He was known for his quiet and cheerful manner, always supportive and ready to serve the people entrusted to his care.   In declining health in recent years, he remained active as he was able.  He died at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, New York, on March 24, 2022, at 70 years of age, in the 47th year of his profession and 41st year of priesthood. 

William Alphonse Recchuti, O.S.A.

1934 – 2022 (January 28)

William Alphonse Recchuti, was born on July 29, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Alphonse and Mary (Geis) Recchuti. He had one brother and one sister. He was baptized at Saint Gregory Catholic Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 12, 1934. He attended Saint Gregory Parish School, (1940-1948), and Saint Thomas More High School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1948-1952). He then went to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a postulant (1952-1953) and then to Villanova University as a student (1953-1954). He was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1954 and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on September 10, 1955. He returned to Villanova University (1955-1958) and received a BA in Philosophy. He then went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, for his theological studies (1958-1962) and received an MA in Religious Education. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1959. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1961, by Bishop Philip Hannon, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC.

Fr. Bill was first assigned to Saint Joseph Friary and to Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, (1962-1988). During his twenty-six years at the high school, he taught theology and Latin, was moderator of the school band, moderator of the Father’s Club, and was prior of the friary community from 1985-1988. In addition, he was a faithful caregiver of Fr. Bill Atkinson from 1975-1988. From 1988 to 1998 he was assigned to Saint Genevieve Parish, Flourtown, Pennsylvania, as associate pastor (1988-1994) and pastor (1994-1998). In 1998, for his sabbatical year he went to the Washington Theological Union, Washington, DC, and to the Collegio Santa Monica, Rome, Italy. In 1999, he was assigned to Assumption/St. Paul Parish, Mechanicville, New York, where he served as pastor (1999-2005). From 2005 to 2006 he was associate pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Waterford, New York. In September 2006, he was assigned as associate pastor and as prior at Saint Rita of Cascia National Shrine and Parish, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In March 2019, he was assigned to Our Lady of Good Counsel Friary in South Philadelphia and continued ministry at the Shrine.

In whatever ministry he performed, Fr. Bill was always a kind and gentle priest. He was generous in giving of himself and his time to his brothers and to the people he served. After two hospitalizations beginning in early January with a brief period of rehabilitation following a fall and having been diagnosed with pneumonia, Fr. Bill was transferred to the hospice unit of Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, where he passed on the evening of January 28, 2022. At the time of his death, he had been a priest for 60 years and a friar for 66 years.  

James Edward Martinez, O.S.A.

1929 – 2021 (December 16)

James Edward Martinez was born on December 2, 1929, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the son of Vincent and Anna (Lynch) Martinez. He had two brothers and a twin sister. He was baptized on December 22, 1929, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Atlantic City, New Jersey. He attended Holy Spirit Parish School, (1935-1942) and Saint Benedict Parish School, (1942-1944), and Holy Spirit High School, (1944-1948). He then worked in the Atlantic City area for a year, before going to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a postulant in September 1949. He was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1950, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed first vows on September 10, 1951. He then attended Villanova University, (1951-1954), and received his BA in Philosophy. Then he went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, for his theological studies, (1954-1958), and did graduate study in Biology at the Catholic University of America. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1954. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1957, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop John McNamara.

Fr. Jim was first assigned to Saint Joseph Friary at Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, as a teacher, (1958-1959). In 1959, he was assigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Troy, New York, as associate pastor and as a teacher in Troy Catholic High School, (1959-1969). In 1969 he went to the Diocese of Orlando, Florida, to establish Saint Augustine Parish, Casselberry, Florida, and to be the founding pastor, (1969-1977). In 1977 he was assigned as pastor to Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, where he served for two years, (1977-1979). In 1979 he was assigned as pastor to Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, where he served for thirty-one years, (1979-2010). In January of 2011, he was named Pastor Emeritus of Good Counsel Parish and assigned to St. Augustine Friary, Villanova, Pennsylvania. Fr. Jim continued to be active in ministry celebrating the sacraments when requested. In October of 2014, for reasons of health, he was assigned to St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova, Pennsylvania.

Except for a short time in the education apostolate, Fr. Jim ‘s priesthood was exercised primarily in parochial ministry. His kind, gentle and prayerful demeanor as a pastor in three assignments, and especially during his long and faithful tenure at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Bryn Mawr was a gift to all who knew him. He began every homily with the prayer: “Let us pray for a moment in the silence of our hearts that the Holy Spirit will enlighten us and guide us as we reflect briefly on the readings given to us in this liturgy.” Fr. Jim died suddenly of a heart attack on the afternoon of December 16, 2021. At his death, he was 92 years old and a friar for 70 years.  

James V. Vitali, O.S.A.

1952 – 2021 (September 4)

James Victor Vitali was born in Philadelphia, PA on October 26, 1952, the son of Albert John Vitali and Rosemary Lucy Procopio. He had three brothers, Steven, David and Andrew, and a sister, Monica. Shortly after birth, he was baptized in Our Lady of the Angels Parish in Philadelphia. Jim began his elementary education at St. Rose of Lima Parish School in Philadelphia and, when the family moved to Ardmore, PA, he continued his education at St. Denis Parish School. He enrolled at Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, PA, and completed his education in 1970 at Archbishop Carroll High School in Radnor, PA. After graduation, he did construction work and then entered the novitiate at New Hamburg, NY in August of 1972, making his profession of simple vows on August 28, 1973. He professed his solemn vows on January 8, 1977. Jim received a degree in Philosophy from Villanova University in 1975 and then pursued theological studies until 1978 at the Washington Theological Union, Washington, DC. In June of that year, he was assigned to Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY as maintenance facilitator and then for a short time to Mount Augustine Retreat House with the same responsibility. He was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Rev. Edward Hughes, Auxiliary bishop of Philadelphia, on February 14, 1981, at St. Denis Parish, Havertown, PA.

Following ordination, from 1981 to 1986, he served as parochial vicar at St. Augustine Parish, Andover, Massachusetts. He was then parochial vicar at Assumption/St. Paul Parish, Mechanicville, New York for three months in 1986, and was transferred to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish until October 1987 when assigned to St. Augustine Friary, Villanova. In 1988, he was assigned to Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill where he remained until 1991. He then returned to parish ministry at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Golden Gate, FL from 1991 to 2002. He served briefly at Blessed of Lecceto Friary, Maggie Valley, NC in 2002, then at Augustinian College from 2002 to 2004, when he returned to St. Augustine Parish, Andover. For health reasons, he was stationed at St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery from 2006 to 2009. In June 2009 he moved to St. Augustine Friary, Villanova.  In March 2013, again for reasons of declining health, he returned to St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery where he remained until proper care required that he enter a skilled nursing facility in 2020. During the summer months of 2021 he suffered a stroke which required brief hospitalization but returned to Arden Courts of King of Prussia where he passed over to the Lord on the afternoon of September 4, 2021, the Solemnity of Our Mother of Consolation.

 While Father Jim’s priesthood was exercised principally in parish assignments where his gift as a preacher was especially appreciated, an additional interest and talent he brought to his assignments was in the care of facilities and general handyman. At his death he was 68 years old and a friar for 48 years.  

Fr. Richard L. Foley, O.S.A.

1934 – 2021 (March 12)

Richard Leo Foley was born on May 21, 1934, in Salem, Massachusetts, the only child of Leo B. Foley and Mary E. Hyde, and was baptized on June 12, 1934, at Immaculate Conception Church, Salem. He attended Saint Clement Academy, Canton, MA, Howe-Manning School, Middleton, MA, Richmond School, Danvers, MA, and Saint John’s Preparatory School, Danvers, MA. He transferred in 1951, before his last year of high school, to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a postulant. Dick was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1952, and following a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY, he professed simple vows on September 10, 1953. He then attended Villanova University from which he received a BA degree in Philosophy in 1957. On September 10, 1956 he made his solemn profession of vows at Villanova. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College from 1957 to 1961 and was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, on June 4, 1960, by Bishop John McNamara. He also studied at LaSalle College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he received an MA in Religious Education in 1971.

Father Foley was assigned to Saint Joseph Friary and Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, where he taught from 1961 to 1968. He then taught for a year at Austin Preparatory School, Reading, MA. Beginning in 1969, and for the next forty-three years, he ministered as an associate in various parishes of the Province. From 1969 to 1976, he was assigned to Saint Mary Parish, Waterford, NY. In that latter year he was transferred to Saint Augustine Parish, Andover, MA, where he remained until 1982. He spent one year at Holy Rosary Parish, Lawrence, MA, and then went to Saint Augustine Parish, Troy, NY in 1983. In 1992 he was reassigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Andover, MA, until, in January 2012, he retired for health reasons to Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova, PA. In the last several years there he was cared for in the Health Care Unit where he passed away on Friday, March 12, 2021 at the age of 86, in the 68th year of religious profession and the 60th of priesthood.

Father Foley was a quiet, reserved friar, who carried out his responsibilities with great thoroughness, especially notable in the preparation of his homilies. Though initially hesitant about the thought of leaving the smaller community lifestyle he had become accustomed to for the larger community experience of the Villanova monastery, he quickly adapted to his new environment and spoke gratefully of the opportunity that had been given him.

Joseph F. Girone, O.S.A.

1954 – 2021 (February 13)

Joseph Francis Girone was born on April 12, 1954, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, one of three sons of Joseph Girone and Angela Tate. He was baptized at Saint Denis Church, Havertown, Pennsylvania, on May 9, 1954 and attended Saint Denis School and Archbishop Carroll High School, Radnor, PA. He enrolled at Villanova University in 1972 and was received into the Order as a novice in August 1974. Following his novitiate year in New Hamburg, New York, he professed simple vows on August 23, 1975 and then returned to Villanova where he completed his BS degree in Education in 1977. He pursued theological studies at the Washington Theological Union, Washington, D.C., was solemnly professed in May 1980, and was awarded his MA in Theology in 1981. Joseph was ordained to the priesthood on September 19, 1981 at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church, Bryn Mawr, by Bishop Patrick Ahearn, Auxiliary Bishop of New York.

Father Joe’s first assignment was to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, the Bronx, New York as parochial vicar, where he ministered both to the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking parishioners. In 1988 he was also named director of Casa Tolentino, the initial formation program for Hispanic men discerning a vocation to the Order, and director of Hispanic Vocations for the province. In 1994, he volunteered for the Peruvian Missions and was named pastor of Parroquia San Jose Obrero in Chulucanas. He returned to the United States in 1999 and served as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, New York. From 2001 to 2005, he was a member of the Saint Augustine Friary Community, Villanova, while serving as Assistant Director of Hispanic Ministry for the Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware. In 2005, he returned to the Bronx as pastor of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, where he remained until 2016 when he was transferred to Saint Augustine Preparatory School, Richland, New Jersey, and became a member of the faculty.

In 2019, Father Joe began chemotherapy treatment for cancer but faithfully and determinedly continued his ministry in the classroom. In early 2021, he contracted the coronavirus and shortly after was admitted to the hospital. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 13, 2021 in AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Pomona, New Jersey.

Father Joe was a conscientious and dutiful religious, and a zealous pastor and educator, whose special interest was always for the poor, a significant factor in his apostolic preferences. Even in his last assignment in the classroom, he volunteered to spend the summer months ministering among the poor with our friars in Panama. Father Joe was 66 years old at his death and had been a professed religious for 45 years.

Thomas R. Cook, O.S.A.

1930 – 2021 (January 25)

Thomas Raymond Cook was born on October 30, 1930, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, one of three sons and two daughters of Thomas R. Cook and Catherine Loeper. Thomas was baptized on November 16, 1930, at Saint Francis Church, Norristown, and attended Saint Mauritius School, Ashland, PA., Saint Patrick School, and Saint Patrick High School, Norristown. He entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a postulant in 1949, and was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1950 in New Hamburg, New York. He professed simple vows on September 10, 1951 and then attended Villanova College where he received his BA in Philosophy in 1954. He professed solemn vows on September 10 of that same year and went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, for his theological studies. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1957, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop John McNamara. He received an MA in Education from Villanova University in 1959.

Father Tom’s first formal assignment was to Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, New York, as teacher and as principal of the parish high school. In 1965, he was assigned to the faculty of Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, DC. In 1968, he became Director of the Brothers’ Formation Program at Mount Augustine Retreat House, Staten Island, NY. From 1969 to 1970 he was assigned to the faculty of Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, PA, and from 1970 to 1980 to Biscayne College, Miami Gardens, FL, as Dean of Men, the Development Office, and Assistant to the President. From 1980 to 1983 he was a member of the Saint Augustine Parish Community, Casselberry, FL, while pursuing graduate studies at the University of Florida, Gainesville, where he received the Ed. D.

In 1983, Father Tom moved north to Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery, North Andover, MA, where he taught both at Merrimack College and at Austin Preparatory School, Reading. In 1987, he returned to Casselberry, Florida, and attended the sabbatical program at Notre Dame University. From 1988 to 1995 he was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, as Director of the Augustinian Seminary Guild until 1991, Director of Missions, from 1989 to 1991, and Director of Development, from 1988 to 1995. He then returned to Biscayne, now named Saint Thomas University, where he worked in the school’s admissions office. In 2007 he was assigned to Saint Augustine Friary, Villanova, Pennsylvania where he remained until August 2020 when, due to declining health, he moved to The Willows, Hatfield, PA.

Father Tom Cook, always cordial, friendly and gentlemanly, contributed greatly to the province’s advancement efforts in the early days of its operation. He died unexpectedly and peacefully on the morning of January 25, 2021.

Augustine M. Esposito, O.S.A.

1951 – 2021 (January 9)

Augustine Michael Esposito was born on September 10, 1951, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Augustine M. Esposito and Emma R. Magliocco. He had one brother and four sisters. He was baptized on October 14, 1951 at Saint Edmond Church, Philadelphia, and attended Saint Edmond School and Blessed Virgin Mary School, Darby, and Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill. He then worked for three years while pursuing college studies. He entered the province’s pre-novitiate program in September 1971 and was received into the Order as a novice on August 29, 1972. After a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed simple vows on August 28, 1973. He then attended Villanova University, where he received his BS in Education in 1975. Gus moved to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, where he attended the Washington Theological Union and received his M. Div. degree. He also studied at Middlebury Language School, Vermont, and received an MA in Spanish Language. He professed solemn vows on January 8, 1977. In 1978, he was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 2, 1979, at Saint Denis Parish, Havertown, PA, by Bishop Edward Hughes, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia.

Father Gus continued in Hispanic Ministry at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, until 1980, when he was assigned to Msgr. Bonner High School. He then returned to the Bronx until 1984 when he began PhD studies in Spanish at Temple University, Philadelphia, as a member of Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova. After completing his doctorate, he taught at Villanova University from 1988 to 1990, and from 1991 to 2001, was professor of Spanish, Spiritual Director and Chair of the Pastoral Theology Department at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia. In 2002, he was assigned as president to Msgr. Bonner High School. When Msgr. Bonner and Prendergast High Schools became co-institutional in 2007, Father Gus was named President of the two schools.

Father Gus received the Papal Honor of the Cross in 2006 and was inducted into the Bonner Hall of Fame in 2008. He gave retreats in many places in the United States, and internationally. In 2009, he was assigned to St. Augustine Friary, Malvern, Pennsylvania, and the following year served at St. Augustine Preparatory School, Richland, New Jersey. From 2011 to 2012, he was a member of St. Augustine Friary, Villanova, and in August 2012 of Saxony Hall, Rosemont, while teaching at Villanova University. In 2013 he was engaged as an associate professor at St. Charles Seminary and later appointed temporary Vice-Rector in 2014, and Director of Pastoral and Apostolic Formation the following year. From November 1, 2014, he was a member of St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova.

In the days before Christmas, 2020, Father Gus was admitted to Bryn Mawr Hospital after testing positive for Covid-19. He passed over to the Lord there on January 9, 2021.

Father Gus was a widely known and admired religious and priest, spiritual director, mentor to seminarians, educator, and preacher. He died at the age of 69, in the 47th year of his religious profession.