Bernard J. Lamond, O.S.A.

1922 – 1993 (November 20)

Bernard James Lamond was born August 15, 1922 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to John J. Lamond and Margaret Hennelly. Baptized in Saint Mary's Church, August 18, he attended the parish school and in 1939 graduated from Central Catholic High School in Lawrence. In that same year, at the age of 17, he was accepted as a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. He entered Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, in 1940, and professed simple vows on September 10, 1941. Three years later he took solemn vows at Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova, Pennsylvania. Graduating from Villanova with an A.B. degree in 1945, he studied theology at Augustinian College in Washington, DC. During the summer months he took graduate courses in education at the Catholic University of America. On February 11, 1949, he was ordained to the priesthood in his home parish of Saint Mary, Lawrence.

Father Lamond’s first assignment was as instructor at Saint Augustine High School, San Diego, California. In 1952 he was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Navy. During his first tour of duty he served in Chelsea, Massachusetts, Atsugi, Japan and Bainbridge, Maryland. Released from active duty, he was assigned to Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, where he taught until 1961. Responding to a shortage of chaplains, the Province permitted Father Lamond to return to active duty in the Navy. Until illness forced his retirement in 1973, he served on the USS Essex and the USS Saratoga; as chaplain for the United States Naval Forces in the Philippine Islands; at the Naval Hospital and the school command at Newport, Rhode Island, and at the National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland. In 1975, when his illness was discovered to be cancer, he was permitted to take up residence at Gaithersburg, Maryland, in order to take advantage of the medical treatment at Bethesda. During those years he assisted at various parishes in the suburbs of Maryland. In 1991 he was transferred to the Augustinian health care program at Our Mother of Good Counsel
Monastery on the campus of Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts. As his condition grew worse, he was moved to the health care unit at Saint Thomas Monastery on the campus of Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania. It was there he died peacefully in his room on November 20, 1993.

Father Bernard's life can be summed up in a brief report he made while a chaplain: "Perhaps the most important result of my life as a religious priest and chaplain has been a small but important understanding of people from all walks of life." Father had a sister who was a religious of Notre Dame and two older brothers who were Augustinians, Father Augustine Lamond, who died in 1991, and Father John Lamond who died less than a month before Father Bernard in October, 1993.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated November 24, 1992 at Saint Mary's Church, Lawrence, Massachusetts. Interment followed in the Augustinian plot of Saint Mary's Cemetery, Lawrence.
 

Augustine B. Lamond, O.S.A.

1914 – 1989 (December 7)

Augustine Benedict Lamond was born on December 12, 1914 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to John Lamond and Margaret Hennelly. He was one of five children, four of whom entered religious life. His older brother, John, and his younger brother, Bernard, both were members of our Province, and one of his sisters, Margaret, entered the Sisters of Notre Dame. Augustine was baptized at Saint Mary's Church, Lawrence on December 16, 1914. His primary and three years of his secondary   education were at the parish schools of Saint Rita and Saint Mary and Lawrence Public School. At the end of his junior year Augustine entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a postulant. He graduated in June of 1932 and that September entered Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, where he professed simple vows on September 11, 1933. The young Augustinian did his college studies at Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova, Pennsylvania, and received his A.B. degree in philosophy in June 1937. On September 11 of that same year, he professed solemn vows. He studied theology at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, where he was ordained to the priesthood  on June 10, 1940, by Bishop Corrigan. While pursuing theological studies, he took summer courses in education and library science at the Catholic University in Washington, DC.

Father Lamond's first assignments were to high schools in the midwest; Saint Rita in Chicago, Illinois, and Saint Thomas High School in Rockford, Illinois. During those years he successfully studied for a B.S. in library science which he received from Rosary College in River Forest, Illinois, in 1944. His next assignments were in Cuba, first at the Universidad de Villanueva in Marianao from 1948 to 1950, and later from 1951 to 1953 at Colegio San Agustin in Havana. Between these two assignments he served as parochial assistant at Our Mother of Consolation in Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania.

On his return from Cuba, from 1953 to 1956, he was assigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Troy, New York, where he taught part-time at Central Catholic High School. He also taught at Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, and was the first librarian at Austin Preparatory School, Reading. Mass., from 1963 to 1966. He also served as assistant at Saint James the Apostle, Carthage, N. Y.; Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, in Bronx, N. Y.; and Saint Laurence O'Toole and Holy Rosary, both in Lawrence, Mass. In 1967 he was transferred to Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, where he served as reference librarian until 1971 when he retired at the monatery there.Although retired,Father Lamond continued to carry out research  work on a subject that had held his interest all his life - tracing. He also became active and well known for his work with Alcoholics Anonymous in the greater Lawrence area, compiling data on the origin of the organization and the possible connection with the ancient "Serenity Prayer" of Boethius. Following a lengthy illness he died on December 7, 1989 at Holy Family Hospital in Meuthen, Massachusetts.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on December 9 at the monastery chapel of Our Mother of Good Counsel. The prior of the community, Father John Driscoll, O.S.A., was the celebrant with Fathers John and Bernard Lamond, O.S.A., concelebrating, and Sister Teresa Lamond, S.N.D., as reader. Father Lamond is buried in the Augustinian plot at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Lawrence, Massachusetts.
 

Alfred J. Lafleur, O.S.A.

1918 – 2003 (December 15)

Alfred Joseph LaFleur was born June 28, 1918 in Aurora, Illinois to Alfred J. LaFleur and Theresa May, and was baptized on July 7th at Holy Angels Church there. Alfred's primary education took place at Good Counsel School, and St. Mary School, both in Aurora. He attended Fox Valley Catholic High School, which became Marmion Academy after his Sophomore Year. Upon graduation in 1935, he spent a post-graduate year at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, and entered Good Counsel Novitiate on September 9, 1936. He professed simple vows on September 10, 1937, and studied at Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, earning a B.A. in Philosophy in 1941. He made his solemn profession on September 10, 1940, and pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. from 1941 to 1945 He was ordained to the priesthood on May 19, 1944. He undertook additional studies at Catholic University of America, Washington; Tulsa University, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Notre Dame University, Notre Dame, Indiana; Stanford University, Stanford, California, and the Nuclear Lab, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He obtained an M.S. in Physics from Villanova.

Father LaFleur was assigned to teach at Saint Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois in 1945. He then spent six months in 1946 as associate pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Rockford, Il. He taught Physics, Chemistry, Math and History at Cascia Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, from 1946 to 1959, and was also Director of Student Activities. When Tolentine College, Olympia Fields, Illinois, was established in 1959, Father LaFleur joined the faculty there, teaching Science and Math. He was President of Tolentine College from 1962 to 1966. He was one of the friars to suggest that Tolentine be transformed from a college exclusively for seminarians to an institution of higher learning that served lay students as well as those preparing for priestly ordination in the Order.

Father LaFleur was assigned as pastor in 1966 to Saint Anthony Parish, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was pastor of Saint Augustine Parish, Detroit, Michigan, from 1982 to 1988. In 1988 he was assigned to the Augustinian Center House Community in Abbott, Texas, and was named pastor of nearby Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Hillsboro, Texas. He served in that capacity until August 2003.

At that time, he moved to the Augustinian Community of St. Mary Parish, Gainesville, Texas, where he was residing at the time of his death on died December 15, 2003 after a short illness. He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
 
Father LaFleur will be remembered as an excellent teacher with a wealth of knowledge. He was bright, cheerful and hard-working. His intellect worked so quickly that his voice could not always keep up, sometimes resulting in sentences that were missing a few syllables. As pastor, he was involved in all aspects of the life of his parish, even into his 80's. Parishioners found him to be kind, caring and creative in his ministry to them.
 

Charles P. Laferty, O.S.A.

1926 – 2012 (October 19)

Charles Patrick Laferty was born on July 13, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of two sons and a daughter of John M. Laferty, M.D. and Laura Shea. Charles was baptized on July 25, 1926, at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Philadelphia, and attended St. Joan of Arc Parochial School, St. William Parochial School, (1936-1940), and LaSalle High School. Upon graduation in 1944, he enrolled at Villanova College, and following one year’s studies, spent a year of service with the U.S. Army. He returned to Villanova in 1946, and on September 9, 1948 was received as a novice at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York. He professed simple vows on September 10, 1949, and returned to Villanova where he received a BA in Chemistry in June 1950. He then went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC for theological studies, and at the same time pursued an MA in Philosophy at the Catholic University of America. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1952, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 6, 1953, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop John McNamara. He pursued further graduate studies in Education at the Catholic University of America.

Father Laferty was assigned to Saint John Parish, Schaghticoke, New York, during the summer of 1954, and then to Saint Joseph Friary at Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. In addition to teaching duties, he served as Director of Activities, Assistant Athletic Director, and Moderator of Dramatics. He also taught part time at Villanova University from 1954-1961. From 1961 to 1968 he was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine High School, Bronx, New York, where he taught, and from 1964-1968 served as Principal. From 1968 to 1971, Father Laferty was Master of Professed Students at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, and Regent of Studies. From 1971 to 1975, he was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, Pennsylvania, while serving as the Province Regent of Studies and Province Director of Formation and President of the Augustinian Educational Association. From 1975 to 1979 he was assigned to Casa San Lorenzo as prior of the Community and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Biscayne College. From 1979 to 1980, while pursuing graduate studies, he completed a federal government grant, while a member of the community of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, New York.

In 1980, he returned to Saint Thomas Monastery and Villanova University, where he worked in a number of capacities: from 1980 to 1986 as Assistant to the President and teacher; from 1986-1990 as Province Director of Development, Director of the Augustinian Seminary Guild, and Director of Augustinian Missions. From 1990 to 2008, he taught at Villanova. Father Laferty taught either full time or part time, every year since his ordination. Though teaching was his passion, he was also known by his monastery community to be a good poker player and a person with a good sense of humor.

Father Laferty died on the evening of October 19, 2012 at St. Thomas Monastery. His Funeral Mass was held on the evening of October 22, 2012 at St. Thomas of Villanova Church on the campus of Villanova University. The Prior Provincial, Father Anthony M. Genovese, O.S.A., presided and the homilist was Father John J. Byrnes, O.S.A. Father Laferty is buried in the Augustinian Plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.
 

Thomas Kyle, O.S.A.

1798 – 1869 (October 23)

James Kyle was born in Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland in 1797, the uncle of Patrick A. Stanton, who also became a member of the American Mission. James began his studies in the Irish house of Callan in 1823, and was received into the novitiate there on September 22, 1828. At his profession the following year, he took the religious name Thomas, by which he thereafter was known. and was a member of the Galway Augustinian Community. Before he left for the United States in 1838, he had been stationed in Callan, Ross, Drogheda and Galway. He arrived in Philadelphia on September 2, and on the following Sunday preached his first sermon in Saint Augustine Church. For a short period in 1839 he ministered at Saint Paul’s in Brookly, N.Y.  It was Father Kyle who, in 1841, purchased the Belle Air Estate for $18,000, against the will of Fathers Moriarty and O’Dwyer. He served as temporary superior of Saint Augustine's when it was burned by the "Know Nothings" in 1844. He later worked with Father Moriarty in Europe in collecting funds to rebuild Saint Augustine's.

Father Kyle served on the missions under the Bishop of Albany for some years. From 1855 to 1859, he was stationed at Villanova. Later he had charge of the missions at Saint Thomas the Apostle in Ivy Mills and at Saint Aloysius in Pottstown, PA.

Father Kyle was 71 when he died in Philadelphia on October 23, 1869. He is buried at Saint Augustine's.
 

William J. Krupa, O.S.A.

1918 – 2001 (September 15)

William Joseph Krupa, son of George Krupa and Elsie Johns, was born on July 30, 1918 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He attended the parochial schools of Sacred Heart, Lancaster; Saint Mary's, Harrisbug; Saint Michael, Wheeling, WV, and then Central High School in Wheeling for one year, and Central Catholic High School in Lancaster for three years. He entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, N.Y., in 1935. On September 9, 1936 he entered the novitiate at New Hamburg, N.Y., where he professed first vows on September 10, 1937. He made his solemn profession on September 10, 1940. He then studied philosophy at Villanova and graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1941. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., from 1941 to 1945, and was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop McNamara at Trinity College Chapter, Washington, on May 18, 1944. After ordination he pursued graduate studies in speech and drama at the Catholic University of America and obtained the master's degree in 1945.

Father Krupa was assigned in June, 1945, to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, PA, but a month later was transferred to Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova, as procurator and sacristan, and in 1950, became sub-master of professed students there. In 1956 he was assigned to Saint Laurence O'Toole, Lawrence, MA, as associate pastor. Three years later, he was transferred again to Saint Mary's Hall, and appointed master of professed students. In 1962 he was appointed master of novices at Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY. He was elected a councilor of the province in 1968 and once more assigned to Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova. From 1969 to 1972 he was pastor of Saint Genevieve Parish, Flourtown, PA, and from 1972 to 1978, pastor of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, NY. In 1979 he was appointed prior and pastor of Saint Thomas of Villanova parish, Rosemont, PA, and in 1986, prior and associate pastor of Saint Augustine Parish, Philadelphia. Father Krupa was appointed to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Atlantic City, NJ, as prior and associate pastor in 1990, and in 1994, was assigned as prior of Saint Augustine Parish, Philadelphia. Due to declining health he was transferred on August 28, 2001, to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova. He died there on September 15, 2001

Father Krupa was at his best in teaching literature, especially Shakespeare, and directing theater. He was always sensitive to the needs of people and endeared himself to many by his pleasant and warm personality. He exemplified well the ideals of Augustinian life through devotion to prayer and appreciation of nature and the beauty of creation.
 
His Funeral Mass took place on September 18, 2001, at Saint Thomas Church, Villanova. He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA. His brother, Father George Krupa, O.S.A., was also a member of our Province.
 

George M. Krupa, O.S.A.

1916 – 1961 (February 19)

George Martin Krupa, son of George Krupa and Elsie Johns, was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on December 12, 1916. His early education was obtained at Sacred Heart School, Lancaster, Saint Mary's, Harrisburg, Saint Michael's, Wheeling, West Virginia, Catholic High School, Lancaster, and Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. One of a family of nine children, he and his brother, Father William Krupa, O.S.A., were received as novices on September 10, 1937, and pronounced solemn vows on September 10, 1940. Majoring in philosophy, George was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree by Villanova College in 1941, and pursued his theological training at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., where he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John McNamara at Trinity College Chapel on May 18, 1944.

Father Krupa's first assignment was to Malvern Preparatory School in 1945. When he learned of plans to open an Augustinian mission in Japan, he was one of the first to volunteer. Together with Fathers Purcell and Robinson he received his mission cross in October, 1952, and departed for Nagasaki to take up the Order’s work in that nation which had ended 300 years previously when persecution wiped out mission efforts. The first two years, 1953 and 1954 were devoted to studying Japanese in Tokyo. At Christmas of 1954 the friars opened a kindergarten at Nagasaki, and on May 1, 1955, a new parish church, Our Mother of Consolation Shiroyama, was blessed and a hostel opened with Father Krupa as the director. With God abundantly blessing their efforts at Nagasaki, new fields beckoned at Fukuoka. On August 5, 1960 Father Krupa was appointed the first prior and he proceeded to repair an old house on the Kukuoka site, and drew plans for a new mission, Saint Augustine Church, monastery, and kindergarten. In October of the same year he opened an Information Center at a bus stop near the construction of the mission center. 

In December, 1960, he had to enter Saint Joseph Hospital in Nagasaki because of a consuming illness, which necessitated his being flown from Tokyo to Bryn Mawr Hospital on December 29. Father Krupa from youth was a happy, effervescent incurable enthusiast, a community man par excellence. He gave himself wholeheartedly to the apostolate of imparting a knowledge of Catholic faith and morals to his students, and desired most intensely to live out his earthly days in the Japanese Missions. His last Mass was offered on the feast of the Immaculate Conception and this was permitted only because of his great devotion to Our Lady. His patience and cheerful good humor and faith in prayer sustained him to the end as he joined in the prayers for the dying, and God took him on February 19, 1961.

A Solemn Requiem Mass was offered on February 23 at Villanova by Father William Krupa with Father John Klekotka as homilist. Father George Krupa is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.  

Charles F. Kropp, O.S.A.

1906 – 1984 (November 25)

Charles Francis Kropp, the son of John Kropp and Mary Hoban, was born in Plains, Pennsylvania, on June 20, 1906. He attended primary school in Plains Township and Coughlin High School in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He worked as a pharmacist until 1935 when he entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a postulant. The following year he was admitted to the novitiate of Our Mother of Good Counsel, New Hamburg, New York, and professed simple vows on September 10, 1937. After obtaing a B.S. degree in science from Villanova College in 1938, he studied theology at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, and made his solemn profession of vows in 1940. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 10, 1941, and completed his studies in science at the Catholic University of America where he earned an M.S. degree in 1942.

In June, 1942, Father Kropp was assigned as professor to Villanova College where he taught for twenty-three years until 1965. While at Villanova he held various positions within the Province: subprior of the monastery from 1950 to 1959, and prior from 1959 to 1965. In June, 1965, he was assigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Andover, Massachusetts. In 1968 he returned to teaching, as professor of biology at Mount Alvernia College, Reading, Pennsylvania. In 1982 he retired at Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova.

Father Kropp suffered from diabetes for many years. While visiting his family for the Thanksgiving holidays, he died suddenly at his sister's home in Plains, Pennsylvania, on November 25, 1984. Funeral and burial took place on November 28, 1984 in his home town of Plains. He is buried in his family plot.

Father Kropp had all the roughness of a son of the coal regions of Pennsylvania and a big heart to help anybody in trouble. His favorite avocation was apologetics.

Charles L. Knapp, O.S.A.

1918 – 1980 (May 12)

Charles Lucien Knapp, son of Charles L. Knapp and Mary Schmidt, was born on August 24, 1918, in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, and was baptized on September 1, 1918, in the German Catholic parish of Holy Family, Shenandoah, where he also received his parochial school education. After graduating from J.W. Cooper High School, where he performed in the dramatic club, wrote for the school paper, and participated in debating, he entered St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia, receiving part of his seminary training at St. Charles College, Catonsville, Md. On February 24, 1945, he was ordained to the priesthood for the Philadelphia Archdiocese.

Father Knapp served as assistant pastor of St. Helena Parish in Center Square, and in St. John the Baptist Parish in Pottsville. He also taught at Southeast Catholic High School. He earned his MA from Villanova University, majoring in French with a minor in other Modern Languages, including Russian Literature, and Philosophy.

Father Knapp sought entrance into our community, and with leave of the Archbishop of Philadelphia, he began his novitiate on September 9, 1952, and professed first vows on September 10, 1953. He was then assigned to the faculty of Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, Pa., where he made his solemn profession on September 10, 1956. Father Knapp was a member of the Augustinian community at Malvern Prep for twenty seven years. He taught modern and classical language, religion and logic. For a time he served as assistant Headmaster, but his first love was teaching. During his Malvern days he published a book on Logic. In 1962, he was chosen to be a councilor and sacristan, and in 1975, he was appointed prior of the community. 

Father Knapp followed the careers of the graduates, and witnessed more than 300 of their weddings. He died on May 12, 1980 at the age of 61. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Thomas Church on the campus of Villanova University and interment was held at the Augustinian Plot at Calvary Cemetery, in West Conshohocken, Pa. 

Gilbert F. Klunk, O.S.A.

1894 – 1918 (October 10)

Gilbert Francis Klunk was born in McSherrystown, PA on January 12, 1894, to Francis X. Klunk and Emma Jane Dietrich. He was one of eleven children. Three of his sisters entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill. Gilbert was educated in his home town and worked there as a grocery store clerk. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, PA on June 15, 1918, and died four months later, at 1:30 in the afternoon of October 10th, a victim of the world-wide influenza epidemic that killed more than 19 million persons. Gilbert was professed on his deathbed at the age of 24, the first of three professed clerics to die in the epidemic.

He was buried at Villanova in the Community Cemetery on October 13, 1918, and was survived by his parents and six of his siblings.

John A. Klekotka, O.S.A.

1915 – 1978 (November 4)

John Aloysius Klekotka was born in Philadelphia, PA., on February 4, 1915, to Peter Klekotka and Josephine Jekot, and was baptized on the day of his birth in the church of St. Stanislaus, Philadelphia. He received his early education at James Alcorn Public School and St. Stanislaus Parochial School. He attended Roman Catholic High School, where in June 1931, he received the Latin Prize at graduation. After employment as a typist, he entered Villanova College and, in June 1935, earned a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering. On March 16, 1936, John entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, NY, as a post graduate postulant. On September 9, 1936, he was accepted to Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, professed simple vows on September 10, 1937, and solemn vows on September 10, 1940. He studied theology at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 10, 1941. The following year, he earned an M.S. degree in Physics from Catholic University, Washington, DC.

In June 1942, Father Klekotka began twenty-three years of service to Villanova College, first as Professor of Science, then from 1951 to 1956 as Director of the Electrical Engineering School. From 1954 to 956 he was Executive Coordinator of the Nursing Division, and from 1954 to 1959, Director of Alumni Relations. In 1956 Father Klekotka became College Chaplain and from 1957 to 1959 was Director of Admissions.

In 1959 he was named 23rd President of Villanova College. 

In 1965 he stepped down from the presidency and served as prior of the community at Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, PA. In August 1971, he was appointed pastor of St. Thomas of Villanova Parish, Rosemont, PA., and from 1975 to 1977, he was prior at Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, PA.

Over the years Father Klekotka received several honorary degrees: from Alliance College, Cambridge Springs, PA; from LaSalle College and from Dropsie College, Philadelphia, PA.
He was awarded the prestigious Freedoms Foundation Medal, the George Washington Honor Medal, and received the Villanova Alumni medal. He also served as a member of various Boards and professional societies: The Crime Commission of the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia World Affairs Council, Education Council of the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, Priests Senate of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Board of Directors of the Urban League.

In June 1968, he delivered a homily in memory of the deceased members of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. His conclusion is appropriate for all time: “In these days as we strive so earnestly to achieve true Augustinian Community, let us remember that these men are still in community with us. We need them and perhaps they may need us a while more. Each of them has left a part of himself to each one of us. Grateful for the heritage they have bequeathed to us, may we always remember them before the altar of God and ask the Father of all consolation to bring them to eternal rest. Amen."

In 1977, though he had suffered several strokes, Father Klekotka returned to St. Thomas parish in Rosemont, as an associate. On November 4, 1978, he passed away at Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital. The Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated at St. Thomas of Villanova Church. Interment was first at St. Mary's, Villanova, and later transferal to the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.
 

Wilbert R. Kirk, O.S.A.

1889 – 1992 (October 7)

Wilbert Raymond Kirk was born on December 14, 1889, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of William Kirk and Regina Carroll, the fourth child in a family of four boys and four girls. Two of his sisters became religious in the Congregation of the Sisters or Saint Joseph. He was baptized on January 1, 1889 in the church of the Sacred Heart in Pittsburgh where he attended the parish grammar school. In 1907 the family moved to Buffalo, New York, where Wilbert completed his grammar school education and graduated in 1913. For two years he worked for a piano company. Impressed by the preaching of the Augustinians who were giving a four week mission at Saint Vincent de Paul, the first and only mission given in Buffalo by the Augustinians, Wilbert applied to and was accepted by the Order as a postulant. In September of 1915 he was accepted as a postulant at Saint Rita's Hall, Villanova. In 1918 he entered the novitiate and professed simple vows on June 25, 1919. Three years later, on June 25, 1922, he was solemnly professed. That same year he was awarded a B.A. degree by Villanova College. After three years of theology, Wilbert was ordained a priest on August 2, 1925, by Thomas J. Walsh, Bishop of Trenton, at Villanova. He completed his theology in Washington, DC while taking education courses at the Catholic University of America, which granted him a master's degree in education in 1926.

Father Kirk was appointed submaster at the new novitiate of Our Mother of Good Counsel on the Hudson River in New York. That same year, he was sent to Saint Matthew's Church in Flint, Michigan, then to Fox Valley High School in Aurora, Illinois, and finally, Saint Rita's High School in Chicago, where he remained for fourteen years teaching English, Latin, and filling many administrative positions. From 1940 to 1960 Father Kirk continued in secondary education as headmaster and prior at Saint Augustine High School in San Diego, California; Colegio San Agustin in Havana, Cuba and Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai, California.

In 1960 he was assigned to Saint Laurence Church in Lawrence, Massachusetts, then to Saint James in Carthage, New York, and in 1969 back to Lawrence, at Saint Augustine's in Tower Hill. In these parishes Father Kirk served as prior of the Augustinian communities as well as pastor of Saint James. In his seventies, Father Kirk suffered two strokes; he recovered from both after lengthy periods of hospitalization. This led him to accept retirement from active ministry. He remained at Saint Augustine, Lawrence, and as his strength returned organized the senior citizens of the parish. As the year went by his birthday, December 14, became the occasion for pre-Christmas gatherings of Augustinians in the area.

When Father Kirk first arrived at Saint Rita's Hall to begin his long life as an Augustinian, his fellow classmates gave him the nickname "Duke" due to his dapper appearance. Over the years this name remained with him as a sign of affection and a tribute to a dignified gentleman and a gracious host. By 1987, as his health and his eyesight failed, Father was moved to Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery on the campus of Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts, where he could receive adequate nursing care. At the time of his death, at 93 years of age, he could look back 72 years as a religious and 67 years as a priest, a long lifetime in the service of God.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on October 12 at Saint Augustine Church. Father William Wynne, O.S.A., was the homilist. Interment was the following day in the Augustinian section of Saint Mary's Cemetery in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
 

Thomas A. Kiley, O.S.A.

1885 – 1954 (June 14)

Thomas Aloysius Kiley, the son of Michael Kiley and Agnes Morrissey, was born in Saint Augustine's Parish in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on May 26, 1885. He studied at local parochial schools and Saint Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia and entered the first class of postulants at Villanova in 1902. He began his novitiate at Villanova on July 3, 1904 and made his simple profession the following year. He was awarded a B.A. degree from Villanova College in 1906, and two years later his M.A. degree. He was ordained to the priesthood at Saint Charles' Seminary in Overbrook, PA by Archbishop Prendergast on May 29, 1909.

Father Kiley taught in our schools on Staten Island, N.Y.; at Villanova; Chicago, IL; and Havana, Cuba. He also served in our parishes at Lawrence MA; Jamaica and Greenwich, N.Y.; and in Philadelphia at Saint Augustine's.

At the Chapter of 1922, he was elected a definitor - an office he held several times. Also in 1922, he was appointed rector of Malvern Preparatory School. Four years later, in 1926, he became prior and pastor of Saint Augustine's in Troy, N.Y. In 1933 he became professor of Greek and Latin at Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova, and head of the Classics Department. He returned to pastoral work in 1945 when he was appointed prior and pastor of Saint John's in Schaghticoke, N.Y. He served in the same capacity two years later at Saint James' in Carthage, N.Y.

Father Kiley died of a heart attack on June 14, 1954, at the age of 69 at the Villanova Monastery, where he had retired because of ill health. He is buried at Villanova in the Community Cemetery.
 

Martin F. Kessels, O.S.A.

1878 – 1925 (October 17)

Martin Francis Kessels was born in Eindhoven, Holland, on December 4, 1878, the son of Johannes Kessels and Anna van Piere. He entered the novitiate of the Province of the Netherlands, and was professed on September 21, 1899. He was ordained to the priesthood on August 15, 1904.

Father Kessels came to the United States in December, 1913, and served first at Saint Mary's Parish in Lawrence, Massachusetts. While pastor at Assumption Church in Lawrence from 1914 to 1917, he completed the interior of the church, and enhanced the parish office space. In 1920 he was transferred to Chicago, Illinois, and then to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine in the Bronx, New York. Here he instructed Metropolitan Archbishop Rudolph de Berghes, of the "Old Catholic" sect, who was reconciled to the Church, and who later died at Villanova, PA as a cleric novice in our Order.

Father Kessels was 47 when he died during an operation at a hospital in Detroit, Michigan, on October 17, 1925. At the time he was assigned to Saint Augustine's in Detroit and was a professor in the diocesan seminary. Father Kessels’ body was returned to Villanova, where he was buried in the Community Cemetery.
 

Cherubin F. Kerr, O.S.A.

1920 – 2014 (July 26)

Cherubin Formosa Kerr was born on September 1, 1920, in Valetta, Malta, the son of Ernest Kerr and Anna Grima. He was baptized two days later at Saint Paul’s Church, Valetta, and attended Valetta Public Elementary School and Central High School. He entered the Order of Saint Augustine as a novice on September 22, 1936, and following his novitiate year in Gozo, Malta, professed vows on October 3, 1937. Solemn Profession took place on October 7, 1941. Cherubin did his philosophical and theological studies at Saint Mark Seminary, Rabat, Malta, and was ordained to the priesthood on March 25, 1944, at Saint John Co-Cathedral, Valetta, by Archbishop Michelgonji.

Father Kerr first assignment was to Saint Augustine College, Malta, where he taught for thirteen years. He then served as chaplain at the civil prison in Malta for nine years. In 1967 he came to the United States to minister in the Italian Vice Province and served at Our Lady of Pompeii Church, East Vineland, New Jersey. In 1970 he was transferred to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church, Philadelphia. He was appointed pastor of Saint Mary’s Church, East Vineland in 1981. There, in addition to his pastoral and sacramental duties, he personally contributed to the enrichment and improvement of parish and school facilities through his handiwork and creative talent. In 1990 Father Kerr was assigned to the community of Saint Augustine Preparatory School, Richland, N. J., and continued to minister at area parishes in Southern New Jersey. He was ascribed to the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova in 2002, while remaining a member of the Province of Malta. On March 16, 2009, due to diminishing eyesight and other ailments he retired to Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova PA.

Father Kerr was an avid cook, stamp collector and woodworker who delighted in fashioning clocks, ships and furniture, which he graciously gave away to others. Until the very last day of his life he remained mentally alert, joy-filled, and positive in his outlook. Despite almost total blindness in his later years, he continued, with the help of special equipment, to keep in contact with his many friends, especially in South Jersey, and with his relatives overseas. He was a dedicated and faithful religious and priest, exemplary in his participation in the life of the community, in his faithfulness to +prayer and to the daily celebration of Mass.

He died suddenly on the evening of July 26, 2014, in his room at the monastery. He had been an Augustinian for 76 years and a priest for 70. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, in the Villanova Monastery Chapel. That same evening, a viewing was held at Our Lady of Pompeii Church (St. Padre Pio Parish), East Vineland. The Mass of Christian Burial followed at 7:00 PM, celebrated by Prior Provincial Michael F. Di Gregorio, O.S.A. Father Kerr is buried in the Augustinian plot of St. Mary Cemetery, East Vineland.
 

Joseph B. Kepperling, O.S.A.

1883 – 1929 (June 4)

Joseph Bernard Kepperling, son of Winfield Scot Kepperling, a farmer, and Margaret Dwyer, was born in Pleasant Hill, Miami County, Ohio on February 25, 1883. He attended St. Mary’s Parish School in Piqua, Ohio, and Piqua Public Schools, before enrolling in Villanova Prep, Villanova, Pennsylvania. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, on July 5, 1906 and professed simple vows on July 5, 1907. He was solemnl professed in 1910 and, in 1912, assigned to teach at Saint Rita's High School in Chicago, Illinois. He was ordained on May 17, 1913, in the Cathedral in Chicago, by Archbishop James Quigley.

After ordination, Father Kepperling was assigned to teach in our school in Havana, Cuba. Later he also served on the faculty at Malvern Preparatory School. From Malvern, he was transferred to Saint Laurence Parish in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Father Kepperling's last assignment, as his first, was at Saint Rita's High School in Chicago where he was appointed prior and rector in 1926. He died at St. Bernard Hospital, Chicago, on the morning of June 4, 1929, after a two-week bout with pneumonia. He was 46 years of age. The Funeral was held in the chapel of Saint Rita High School on Friday, June 7, 1929, followed by burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Chicago. 

Thomas C. Kenny, O.S.A.

1926 – 2008 (July 5)

Thomas Cornelius Kenny was born on December 29, 1926, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the son of Thomas C. Kenny and Margaret Ronan. He had two brothers and one sister. He was baptized on January 16, 1927, at Immaculate Conception Church, N. Cambridge, MA., and Attended Saint Patrick's Elementary School, and Saint Patrick's High School, Stoneham, MA. He attended the New Prep School and Suffolk University for a brief time and then served in the Coast Guard during the war. He entered as a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, NY, in 1948, and was received as a novice on September 9, 1949 at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY. Thomas professed simple vows on September 10, 1950. He then attended Villanova University, graduating with a BA in Philosophy in 1953. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1953. He then attended Augustinian College, Washington. DC, completing his theological studies in 1957. He received an MA in History from Villanova University the same year. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1956, by Cardinal Richard Cushing, in Christ the Teacher Chapel, Merrimack College, North Andover, MA.

Father Kenny was assigned in 1957 to Saint Thomas Monastery and Villanova University, where he taught. He was then assigned to Saint Joseph Friary and Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, PA, where he taught for a year, (1958-1959). In 1959 he returned to Saint Thomas Monastery and Villanova University, where he taught and also was appointed Vice President for Financial Affairs. He held that position at the university until 1965, and then was appointed to the same position at Merrimack College, North Andover, MA, which he held until 1979. During part of this time he was also Treasurer of Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery. At Merrimack College, he was responsible for beautifying the campus, adding trees to what were hayfields for a horse farm, before it became the college campus in 1947.

In 1979, Father Kenny was assigned to Austin Preparatory School, Reading, MA, and served as Headmaster of the school until 1986. He continued to live at Austin, while he began to work in the Development Office of Merrimack College. When the Province withdrew from Austin Prep in 1987, Father Kenny moved to the Monastery at Merrimack College, where he served as Prior and also as Treasurer of the community. In 2004, he was transferred to the newly established community of Austin House in North Andover, MA, when the friars withdrew from the monastery building on campus. Failing health caused him to enter into nursing care near to his family in the Massachusetts area, and, then, in 2005, at the Healthcare Unit of Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, PA. Father passed over to the Lord after a long period of failing health and sickness on Friday, July 5, 2008.He was a gentle and caring friar and priest, a competent administrator, and a compassionate brother.
 

Patrick J. Kenny, O.S.A.

1909 – 2001 (January 29)

Patrick Joseph Kenny, son of Patrick Kenny and Susan McCloy, was born on February 20, 1909, on Staten Island, New York. He was baptized on March 7, 1909, in the church of Our Lady of Good Counsel, and attended Public School 17 in Tompkinsville, S.I., and Curtis High School. In 1927, he graduated from Augustinian Academy receiving second highest honors and elected class valedictorian. On September 8, 1927, Patrick Kenny entered the novitiate at New Hamburg, N.Y., professed first vows on September 9, 1928, and solemn vows three years later. In June 1932, he received a B.A. degree in philosophy from Villanova College, and then studied theology at the University of Wurzburg, Germany, under Professor Hans Meyer. He was ordained to the priesthood on July 28, 1935, by Bishop Matthias Ehrenfried of Wurzburg.

In 1937, when Father Kenny returned to the United States, he was assigned to teach at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island. During the nineteen years that he was a member of that community, he taught Religion, Greek, Latin and social studies. He served as sub-prior from 1944 to 1950, when he was appointed prior and treasurer. From 1942 to 1946, he was auxiliary chaplain to the German Prisoners of War of the Halloran General Hospital on Staten Island. In 1956, Father Kenny was assigned prior and pastor at Saint James Parish in Carthage, N. Y. During his pastorate a parish grammar school was built. Father served on the Boundary Board for the Ogdensburg Diocesan Synod, was confessor to religious priests and Brothers, and preached in fifteen parishes for the Augustinian Missions. In 1959, Father Kenny was appointed sub-prior and counselor to the Augustinian Community at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Jamaica, N. Y., where he served as associate pastor for thirty-one years. At various times he was moderator of many organizations. 

In 1990, due to failing health, he retired to Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery. He died on January 29, 2001, at Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

Father Kenny taught the Gospel with a sense of humor and a masterful use of words. He was a zealous preacher, patient confessor, and dedicated teacher. In 1995, he wrote these sentiments about the Monastery Health Care Unit. "It is hard to say it, but many of the infirm have made their last stop on the journey of life. Our compline prayers, which we say every night, tell us the blessing: May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. Amen. Thanks to all who had anything to do with making this a restful haven."

A mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church and interment took place at the Augustinian plot, Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pa.
 

Kenneth J. Kennedy, O.S.A.

1910 – 1982 (May 25)

Kenneth Joseph Kennedy, son of Thomas M. Kennedy and Mary Melia, was born in Hoosick Falls, New York, on March 6, 1910, and was baptized at Immaculate Conception Church by Father Francis A. McCranor, O.S.A. His grammar school and high school education was obtained at Saint Mary's Academy, Hoosick Falls, while his senior year was spent at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island. Received as a novice on September 8, 1927, he professed simple vows on September 9, 1928, and solemn vows on September 9, 1931.Kenneth graduated from Villanova College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy in 1932. He then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., where he was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on June 11, 1935 by Bishop James H. Ryan. In June, 1936, he earned a Master of Arts degree in sociology at Catholic University.

Father Kennedy's first assignment was to Saint Thomas of Villanova Preparatory School in Ojai, California, where he taught for seven years, from 1936 to 1943. He was transferred to Malvern Preparatory School for a three year term, after which he was elected headmaster of Villanova Preparatory School at Ojai and prior of the community, serving in those offices from 1947 to 1953. In 1953 he was appointed principal of Colegio San Agustin and prior of the community at El Cristo Parish in Havana, Cuba. From 1959 until 1962 he was principal of Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, PA.

The latter years of his ministry were devoted to pastoral work, first as assistant pastor in Hoosicks Falls – from 1962 to 1964, and at Saint Joseph Parish in neighboring Greenwich from 1964 to 1965. From 1965 to 1972 he served as pastor of Saint Augustine Parish in Andover, MA, and during the last four years as prior, as well. In 1972 he was appointed pastor of Saint Joseph Parish in Greenwich, N.Y., and in 1975, he was appointed to Saint Mary's Parish, Waterford, NY. Plagued by ill health he died there on May 25, 1982.Father Kennedy's open friendliness and hearty good fellowship endeared him to many. Although poised and dignified his kindly face was creased from many smiles. He enjoyed the happy faculty of adapting himself to changing situations. After many years of academic life he shifted easily to the pastoral. Understanding and helpful toward his Augustinian brothers, he extended the same interest to the community he served.Father Kennedy is buried in his family's plot in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Hoosick Falls, NY.

John F. Kennedy, O.S.A.

1869 – 1921 (September 1)

John Francis Kennedy, son of Thomas Kennedy and Joanne O’Connor, was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on August 19, 1869. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania, on May 3, 1890, and professed simple vows the following year. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Patrick Ryan in the Philadelphia Cathedral on June 8, 1895.

After ordination, Father Kennedy served on the Province Mission Band for some years. He was later stationed at Saint Paul’s Parish, Mechanicville, New York, Saint Augustine’s, Troy, N.Y. and at Saint Augustine's Parish in Philadelphia, Pa. In 1915, he opened a new mission in Flushing, New York. This later became the parish of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine in Jamaica. He built the first residence there, and said the first Mass in the Church on October 14, 1917.

Father Kennedy died at Saint Vincent's Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, on September 1, 1921 at the age of 52, on the eve of his return to the United States after a tour of Ireland with Father John Nugent, O.S.A. His death was the result of an intestinal hemhorrage. Father Kennedy’s body was brought to Lawrence, where he was buried in Saint Mary's Cemetery there.