1889 – 1966 (October 27)
John Michael Fagan was born in Hoosick Falls, New York, on July 3, 1889, the son of Michael J. Fagan and Helena Quinlan. After receiving his early education in Hoosick Falls, he entered Saint Rita's Hall in Villanova, Pennsylvania, in September 1905. He entered the novitiate at Villanova on July 4, 1907 and made simple profession of July 14, 1908. He professed solemn vows on July 14, 1911. On December 13, 1912, while a sub-deacon, he was assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois. He was ordained to the priesthood in the Chicago Cathedral by Archbishop Quigley on June 6, 1914. Father Fagan received his A.M. degree from Villanova College that same year.
Father Fagan continued to serve in Chicago until June, 1918, when he joined the faculty of Villanova College. The following year, he was assigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Lansingburg, N.Y. On September 21, 1922, when Malvern Preparatory School opened, Father Fagan was appointed Prefect of Discipline. He served at Malvern for ten years during which time he also held the positions of Procurator and Sub-Prior.
At the Chapter of 1932, Father Fagan was appointed prior and pastor of Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish, Rosemont, where he served for the next six years. He later served in our parishes in Carthage, N.Y., and Atlantic City, New Jersey. On January 7, 1957, he returned to Villanova in poor health. Father Fagan celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood on June 6, 1964, at Villanova. On October 27, 1966, he died at Fairmount Farms, Philadelphia, where he had been for the previous two months. He is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.
