1889 – 1920 (January 26)
John William Dwyer, son of Patrick Dwyer and Elizabeth Lawler, was born in Hellertown, Pennsylvania, on January 22, 1889. His primary education was obtained at Holy Infancy Parochial School, South Bethlehem, Pa, after which he attended Villanova Preparatory School for four years. He was received into the novitiate on June 25, 1909, made his simple profession of vows the following year, and in September, 1911, was sent to Saint Monica's International College in Rome for his theological training. He was solemnly professed in Rome on October 22, 1913. Forced to return to the United States at the outbreak of World War I, in June 1915, he was ordained to the priesthood in Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, by Bishop McCort on July 1, 1915, and offered his first Mass in Holy Infancy Church, South Bethlehem on July 4.
Father Dwyer was appointed rector of Saint Rita Hall at Villanova. In 1918, he was appointed Vice President of the College. The following year he was rector of postulants, and in December became assistant at Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish.
Father Dwyer developed pneumonia and died within days at Villanova on January 26, 1920, at the age of 31. Prior Provincial, Nicholas Vasey, O.S.A. celebrated the Solemn Requiem Mass, at which Father Paul Cotter, O.S.A., a classmate of Father Dwyer, preached.
Father Dwyer is buried in the monastery cemetery at Villanova.
