1942 – 1990 (December 18)
Richard Louis DeFulgentiis, the son of Louis De Fulgentiis and Rose Aleli, was born on May 2, 1942, in Philadelphia, Pa., and was baptized at the Church of Saint Cyril in Upper Darby. He attended St. Laurence Grammar School in Highland Park, and Monsignor Bonner High School. He afterwards became a postulant of the Order at Augustinian Academy, was received as a novice in September, 1960, at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, and was simply professed as a member of the Good Counsel Vice-Province on September 10, 1961. He made his solemn profession on the same date in 1964. Following studies at Villanova University, from which he received his BA degree in 1965, he pursued theological studies at Augustinian College and received his Masters Degree in 1969. He was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Denis Church, Havertown, Pa., by Bishop Gerald McDevitt on June 7, 1969.
From 1969 to 1978, Father Richard served on the faculties of Saint Augustine Prep, Richland, and Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Newfield, both in South Jersey. From 1971 to 1978 he was also prior of the community in Richland. In 1978 he was assigned as pastor to Our Lady of Pompeii Parish in East Vineland where he served for 12 years up until the time of his death. Additionally, he was a member of the Board of Trustees of Saint Augustine Prep and served on the research committee for the federal correctional system in South Jersey.
On May 3, 1990 Father Richard was elected to lead the Good Counsel Vice-Province as major superior, while continuing his duties as pastor of Our Lady of Pompeii.
Father Richard died suddenly of a massive heart attack on December 18, 1990, moments after participating in a community celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation at the parish. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, December 22, 1990 at Our Lady of Pompeii. Burial followed in the Augustinian Plot of Saint Mary’s Cemetery, East Vineland, New Jersey. At the time of his death, Father Richard was survived by his parents and one brother.
