Francis R. McDonnell, O.S.A.

1913 – 2004 (February 23)

Francis Raymond McDonnell was born October 11, 1913 in Centralia, Pennsylvania to Thomas McDonnell and Mary Cray. His primary education took place at St. Ignatius School, Centralia and, for three years, at St. Ignatius High School, and Conyngham Township High School, Aristes, Pennsylvania, because St. Ignatius did not offer a fourth year curriculum. He studied at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1933 and 1934, and then entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a post graduate postulant. He was received into the novitiate on September 9, 1935, professed simple vows on September 10, 1936, and solemn vows on September 10, 1939. Frank studied at Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, earning a B. A. in Philosophy in 1939, and did his theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. from 1939 to 1943. He also studied at Catholic University of America, Washington, earning an M. A. in Education in 1943. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1942.

Father McDonnell's first assignment was in 1943 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, where he was a teacher, Assistant Chaplain and Vocations Director. He was named Assistant Pastor of St. Mary Parish, Rockford, Illinois, in 1949. In 1953, he was assigned to Austin Catholic High School, Detroit, Michigan, and served as teacher, Chairperson of the Religion Department, and Director of Athletics. He returned to St. Rita High School in 1961, as teacher and Chairperson of the Religion Department. 

Father McDonnell was assigned to St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, in 1971, where he was associate pastor for two years, and was named pastor in 1973. In 1979 he was named Mission Procurator and moved to Tolentine Center, Olympia Fields, Illinois, where he was responsible for raising funds to support work of the Augustinian Missions in northern Peru. In 1982 Father McDonnell returned to St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Grosse Pointe Park, where as associate pastor. He assumed similar duties at St. Joseph Parish, Pekin, Il., in 1989. He was again assigned to St. Clare of Montefalco in 1994 and served as associate pastor there until his retirement in 1995. 

He continued to live in the Augustinian Community at St. Clare until 2001, when he was assigned to Our Lady of Grace Community, Homer Glen, Il. He died at the age of 90 on February 23, 2004 at Mother Theresa Home, Lemont, Il., shortly after his release from the hospital for congestive heart failure and pneumonia.

Father McDonnell was a lover of community, approachable, with a gentle way of discussing topics with respect for those who held differing views. He was insightful, a person of common sense, a voracious reader and an avid sports fan. His Funeral Mass was celebrated February 27, 2004 at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church, Homer Glen, Illinois. Father McDonnell is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois. 

Matthew F. McDonald, O.S.A.

1899 – 1951 (March 1)

Matthew Francis McDonald, son of Matthew McDonald and Bridget Shannon, was born on July 1, 1899, in the Bronx, New York, and was baptized in the Church of the Sacred Heart. In 1914, after he received his early education at Saint Anselm Parochial School, New York, he began his postulancy at Villanova Preparatory School, Villanova, Pa. Matthew entered the novitiate on June 15, 1918, professed simple vows on August 27, 1919, and solemn vows three years later. He pursued studies of philosophy and theology at Villanova College, and was ordained to the priesthood on August 2, 1925, in Corr Hall, Villanova, by Thomas J. Walsh, bishop of Trenton, New Jersey.

Father McDonald's first assignment was to Corr Hall, the house of formation, where he taught Moral Theology and Canon Law to the professed clerics from the Fall of 1926 to December 30, 1930. He was then appointed Master of Professed Students in Washington, D.C. where he continued teaching Moral Theology and Canon Law. From 1935 to 1937, Father McDonald served as an assistant in the parish of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Jamaica, N.Y. On January 25, 1937, he was appointed sub-prior at the Parish of Saint Rita, Chicago, Illinois. On September 8, 1938, he returned to the east coast and was assigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Andover, Mass., where he founded the "Andover Catholic Club." He remained at Saint Augustine Parish until his death thirteen years later. At the Provincial Chapter of 1947, and again at the Chapter of 1950, he was elected a councilor of the Province. On March 8, 1947, he was selected to serve on the first Board of Trustees of Merrimack College, North Andover, Mass. 

Father McDonald died at the Bon Secours Hospital in Methuen, Mass., on March 1, 1951, at the age of fifty-two. A solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated at Saint Augustine Church, Andover, at which scores of priest, religious and lay people participated. Father Vincent McQuade, president of Merrimack College, delivered the eulogy, saying. "Father McDonald was a religious priest who was zealous and kindly in his sacerdotal duties, deeply learned in Sacred Sciences and intensely loyal to his calling."

Father McDonald was buried in the Augustinian plot at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Lawrence, Massachusetts. 

James A. McDonald, O.S.A.

1877 – 1941 (January 13)

James Aloysius McDonald, son of James McDonald and Catherin Neilon, was born in Andover, Massachusetts, on February 8, 1877. His primary education was received in his native town after which he entered Villanova College where he distinguished himself academically and played fullback on the varsity football team. At the completion of his college courses he entered the novitiate on February 2, 1897, professed simple vows on February 3, 1898 and solemn vows on May 29, 1901. He studied theology at Villanova and also took courses at the University of Pennsylvania in Botany, Physiology, Zoology, and Chemistry from 1898 to 190. He was ordained to the priesthood by our Archbishop Sebastian Martinelli, O.S.A. at the Apostolic Delegation in Washington, D.C., on September 29, 1901.

Father McDonald was first assigned to the faculty of Villanova College. From 1903 until 1906, he assisted in building up Colegio San Agustin in Havana, Cuba. Returning to the States he served as assistant pastor at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr from 1906 until 1910, and then as sub-prior at Saint Mary's Parish, Lawrence. Here he had charge of the Saint Rita district, was spiritual director of the Holy Name Society which he brought to a membership of over one thousand, and in 1912 instituted the Saint Mary's Cadets. 

Father McDonald was transferred to Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, NY, in 1916, from which station he enlisted for service in the army as chaplain and held a captain's rank. During this period, he also was also a member of the Province Mission Band, preaching missions from New York to California, between 1916 and 1920.

In 1920, he was sent to Detroit, MI, to establish a new parish, Saint Augustine, where he built a church, a school, and a residence. In 1926 he was asked to organize a new parish at Grosse Pointe Park, MI, Saint Clare of Montefalco, where he built a church, school, friary and convent. From 1929-1935 he was prior and pastor of Saint Mary's Parish, Lawrence. Having himself labored at the age of 13 in the mills of that city, he utilized his practical knowledge and considerable conciliatory skills to help iron out the difficulties in connection with the 1931 textile troubles. From 1935 to 1941 he was prior and pastor at Saint Laurence O'Toole Parish in the same city.

His kindly disposition and affable manner, aided by a robust constitution, enabled Father McDonald to accomplish a tremendous amount of good during his apostolate. His influence extended beyond the parish to municipal and civic affairs as well. Stricken suddenly, he died in Lawrence on January 13, 1941, and was buried with full military honors in the Augustinian plot at Saint Mary's Cemetery Lawrence, MA.

William F. McDermott, O.S.A.

1911 – 1967 (November 30)

William Francis McDermott was born in Avoca, Pennsylvania, on November 19, 1911. He received his primary education there, and his secondary education at Saint John's High School. He entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a postulant in September 1932 and was received into the novitiate at New Hamburg, New York, on September 9, 1933. He made profession of simple vows on September 10, 1934. After graduating from Villanova in June 1938, he did theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, and was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington on June 10, 1941. He received his M.A. from Catholic University of America in June 1942.

Father McDermott was assigned to Saint Augustine High School, San Diego, California, in June 1942, where he taught and was Athletic Director for the next five years. In September 1947, he was assigned to the Mission Band, and for the next 17 years went about the country preaching retreats, novenas, days of recollection, and various other spiritual exercises. He became a very popular preacher and spoke in many church and religious houses in the eastern part of the United States.

In poor health and suffering from diabetes, he was assigned to the Villanova Monastery in 1964, where he remained until September 1967 - except for a brief period as an assistant in the parish of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Bryn Mawr, PA. On September 18, 1967, Father McDermott was assigned to the faculty of Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, where he taught religion and economics.

Father McDermott died suddenly on Thursday evening, November 30, 1967 after a brief illness. His death was diagnosed as the result of a diabetic coma at Fitzgerald-Mercy Hospital, Yeadon, Pennsylvania, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Father McDermott was buried from Saint Mary's Hall Collegiate Seminary. Internment took place at the community cemetery at Villanova.
 

James J. McCusker, O.S.A.

1905 – 1979 (July 22)

James Joseph McCusker was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 21, 1905 to Thomas McCusker and Bridget Maller, and was baptized at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church on May 7, 1905. He attended high school as a postulant at Augustinian Academy on Staten Island, New York, and was received into the novitiate at New Hamburg, N.Y. on September 10, 1929. He made his first profession of vows on September 11, 1930, and his solemn profession on September 11, 1933. After completing his undergraduate education at Villanova in June, 1934, he undertook his theological studies at Augustinian College in Washington, DC. On June 15, 1937 he was ordained to the priesthood at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception by Bishop John M. McNamara.

In 1938 Father McCusker spent his first year of priestly ministry in Havana, Cuba. In 1939 he was assigned as pastoral assistant to Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr, PA. In 1945 he was transferred to Saint Paul's parish, Mechanicville, N.Y., and the following year to Saint Mary's parish, Lawrence, MA, where he remained until 1970.

After these long and dedicated years of service in parochial ministry, Father McCusker retired to the Merrimack Monastery in December, 1970. When his failing health required professional nursing care in April, 1978, Father McCusker was transferred to Villa of Divine Providence Nursing Home. He died on July 22, 1979, and is buried at Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken, PA.
 

Francis A. McCranor, O.S.A.

1853 – 1914 (March 3)

Francis Augustine McCranor, son of Smith McCranor and Catharine Rooney, was born on April 18, 1853, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and was baptized in Saint Mary's Church there. On January 26, 1877, he entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania, professed first vows on March 8, 1878, and final vows on March 10, 1881. Francis was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1881, by Bishop Jeremiah F. Shanahan, D.D. of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, Germantown, Pa.

In July, 1881, he received his first assignment to Saint Mary's Parish, Lawrence, as administrator of the Immaculate Conception Church. Three months later he began serving in Augustinian parishes in New York State, first as assistant at Saint John the Baptist Parish, Schaghticoke, then, in 1883, at Saint Patrick Parish, Cambridge. In 1886 he was assigned to Saint Paul Parish, Mechanicville. In May of that year he celebrated the funeral mass for his younger brother, Father Arthur P. McCranor, O.S.A., who died at 30 years of age.

Father Francis' next assignment was to Saint James Parish, Carthage, New York. For the year 1891, Father McCranor served under the first bishop of the Brooklyn Diocese, John Loughlin, D.D. In 1892, he returned to Lawrence, Massachusetts, to assist his mother. A year later he was assigned to Saint Mary's Parish there and became administrator of Saint Monica Church, Methuen, a mission of Saint Mary. In 1902, Father McCranor returned to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Hoosick Falls, New York, where, on March 3, 1914, he died at sixty-one years of age. The funeral mass was celebrated at Saint Mary's Church in Lawrence, Mass., followed by burial in Saint Mary’s cemetery.
 

Arthur P. McCranor, O.S.A.

1856 – 1886 (May 15)

Arthur Peter McCranor, son of Smith McCranor and Catharine Rooney, was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on June 7, 1856. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, PA on January 12, 1873, and was ordained to the priesthood in the Philadelphia Cathedral by Archbishop Wood on December 21, 1878. Father McCranor's brother, Francis, was also a member of our Province.

After ordination, Father McCranor assisted in our parish of Saint Paul's in Mechanicville, New York. He died there on May 15, 1886, at the age of 30. Following a Requiem Mass celebrated by his brother, he was buried in Saint Mary's Cemetery in Lawrence, MA.

Daniel McCort, O.S.A.

1923 – 1954 (May 22)

Daniel McCort was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on January 17, 1923 to Thomas and Mary McCort. Orphaned at an early age, he was raised by the Sisters of Charity in St. Vincent’s Home, Drexel Hill, Pa. He later received his education at Saint John's Orphanage in Philadelphia, and at the Saint Francis Vocational School in Eddington, PA. He requested admittance to the lay brotherhood in April, 1940, and was received as an oblate on October 27, 1940 by Assistant General, Father Joseph Hickey, O.S.A. He entered the novitiate of Our Mother of Good Counsel in New Hamburg, N.Y. on June 24, 1943 and professed simple vows on June 25, 1944. Solemn Profession followed on July 5, 1949. 

Brother Daniel was assigned to the community of Saint Mary's at Villanova until 1949, when he was assigned to the Villanova Monastery as assistant to the sacristan. He died at the age of 21 on Saturday, May 22, 1954, of liver cancer after a brief illness, in Philadelphia's Misericordia Hospital. A Solemn Mass of Requiem was offered in Saint Thomas of Villanova Church on Tuesday, May 25th by Prior Provincial Joseph Dougherty, O.S.A. Father William Deacy, O.S.A. preached the homily. Brother Daniel is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova. 

William J. McCormick, O.S.A.

1884 – 1935 (May 9)

William Joseph McCormick was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 15, 1884. He was one of five sons and three daughters of William McCormick, a fireman, and Ann Fitzgerald. William attended public elementary schools, Roman Catholic High School and Villanova Prep, before entering the novitiate at Villanova on July 4, 1907. He was professed the following year, and with eleven classmates was sent to Rome to complete his studies. He was ordained to the priesthood there on July 25, 1913 at the Church of Saint Apollinaris, and the following day celebrated his First Mass at the Shrine of Saint Nicholas in Tolentino, Italy.

Father McCormick returned to the United States in August, 1914 and served at Saint James Parish in Carthage, New York, and Saint Mary’s Parish in Waterford, New York; in Massachusetts at Saint Mary’s Parish in Lawrence and Saint Augustine Parish, Andover, as well as in Detroit, Michigan. For a time, he was also procurator at Villanova. Later, he was appointed prior of Holy Rosary Church in Lawrence, MA. He resigned from this position in May, 1933, after which he was appointed Rector of Saint Augustine's in Philadelphia. 

Father McCormick died in Philadelphia's Misericordia Hospital on May 9, 1935 at the age of 51. He is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova. 

Bernard T. McConville, O.S.A.

1904 – 1970 (October 24)

Bernard Thomas McConville was born in Germantown, PA. on August 11, 1904, to Peter J. McConville and Margaret Conlon. He was baptized on August 28, 1904, at Immaculate Conception Church, Philadelphia, and received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 20, 1915 at Our Mother of Consolation Church, Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania. Following graduation from Our Mother of Consolation Parochial School, Bernard enrolled in the Augustinian Preparatory Scholasticate at Villanova, where he earned his high school diploma. He was received into the novitiate on June 21, 1923, and professed simple vows on June 22, 1924, and solemn vows on June 22, 1927. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, in 1927, and then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 10, 1930 in Washington, and also did graduate studies at Villanova College and received a Master’s degree in biology in 1931.

His first assignment was teaching at Villanova from 1931 to 1937. He was then named assistant at Saint Clare's parish in Grosse Pointe, MI and from that time on remained in the Chicago Province. In 1941 he was assigned to Saint Thomas High School in Rockford and served as Principal there from 1943 to 1944. He was then stationed at Saint Rita High School in Chicago. From 1953 to 1956 he served as prior and associate pastor of Saint Clare of Montefalco Parish in Chicago. After this he was stationed at Mendel Catholic Preparatory School in Chicago, where he served as teacher and disciplinarian for several years. He remained at Mendel until the time of his death.

Father McConville died on October 24, 1970 from cancer, which had been diagnosed the previous year. The funeral Mass was held at the chapel of Mendel, after which he was buried at Saint Denis Cemetery, Havertown, PA.
 

John H. McCloskey, O.S.A.

1886 – 1950 (May 19)

John Henry McCloskey was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 22, 1886 to John H. McCloskey and Margaret Hinchey. He was received into the novitiate at Villanova on June 22, 1911, professed simple vows on June 22, 1912, and that same year was sent to Rome to study at the International College of Saint Monica. He made his solemn profession on June 25, 1915. Following the outbreak of war, he returned to the United States in 1915, and two years later was ordained to the priesthood on May 6, 1917 in the Cathedral at Philadelphia by Archbishop Prendergast. 

Father McCloskey was assigned in 1917 to Saint Lawrence Parish in Lawrence, MA and in 1921 to Saint Mary's Parish in the same city. In 1922 he served at Saint Rita's in Philadelphia, and in 1925 returned to Saint Mary’s in Lawrence. For many years he was a member of the Province Mission Band, with residence at Saint Rita’s, Philadelphia and at Our Mother of Good Counsel on Staten Island, NY. From 1941 to 1944, Father McCloskey was prior of Holy Rosary Church in Lawrence. At the time of his death, he was stationed at Saint John's in Schaghticoke, NY. He died in Saint Mary's Hospital in Troy, NY as a result of a heart attack, on May 19, 1950 at the age of 64.

Father Robert Russell, O.S.A. was celebrant of a Mass offered at Saint John’s. The Funeral Mass was offered at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova by Prior Provincial John Sheehan, O.S.A. with Father Edward Quinn, O.S.A. as homilist.

Father McCloskey is buried at Villanova in the Community Cemetery. 

James J. McCloskey, O.S.A.

1919 – 1980 (December 18)

James Joseph McCloskey was born April 17, 1919 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to James J. and Sara McCloskey. He was baptized April 27, 1919 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Philadelphia. James graduated from Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, in 1938. He was received into the novitiate on September 9, 1938. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1939 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1942. He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1943. He pursued theological studies from 1943 to 1947 at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained a Priest June 11, 1946.

Father McCloskey was assigned in 1947 to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Jamaica, New York, as assistant pastor. In 1949 he was affiliated to the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel, and was assigned to teach at Saint Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois. He was transferred in 1952 to teach at Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago. In 1959 Father McCloskey was sent to Austin Catholic High School, Detroit, Michigan. He returned in 1965 to Saint Rita High School, where he taught until the time of his death. He died of a heart attack December 18, 1980.

Father McCloskey was known as an understanding and patient friar who always extended a helping hand to those in need of comfort and love. He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.
 

Leo J. McCarthy, O.S.A.

1906 – 1975 (January 8)

Leo James McCarthy, son of Dennis G. McCarthy and Catherine E. Collins, was born in Belmont, Massachusetts, on September 21, 1906. After attending Belmont Public High School and Boston College High School, he entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, as a post-graduate postulant. Received as a novice on September 12, 1931, he pronounced simple vows on September 13, 1932 and solemn vows on September 13, 1935. Following graduation from Villanova College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1936, he pursued his theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., and was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine on May 30, 1939. He also attended classes at a business college in Washington.

Father McCarthy's first assignment was to Colegio San Agustin, Iloilo, Philippine Islands, along with Fathers J. V. Casey, Alfred Monte, and Henry Carr. It was here that he was captured by the invading Japanese force and interned in a prisoner of war camp for the duration of the war until liberated by the returning American army. He was at the point of death when rescued by the Americans and was provided prompt medical attention. Father remained for a time in the Philippines, aiding the local bishop in the postwar period. However, recurrence of medical problems arising from his imprisonment years forced him to return to the States.

In 1945 he was named assistant pastor at Saint Laurence O'Toole parish, Lawrence, MA. He then served at Immaculate Conception parish, Hoosick Falls, NY from 1950 to 1957, Saint James, Carthage, NY from 1957 until 1962, Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Atlantic City, NJ, 1962 to 1965, Saint Laurence O'Toole, 1965 to 1969, and Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr from 1969 until 1971. In 1971 he was appointed prior and assistant pastor of Saint Rita Parish in South Philadelphia.

A genial priest, Father McCarthy's broad smile and hearty greeting endeared him to many. He died suddenly on January 8, 1975 while visiting his ailing twin sister in Belmont, MA.

Father McCarthy is buried in the Augustinian plot in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Lawrence, MA.
 

John F. McCarthy, O.S.A.

1899 – 1949 (November 13)

John Francis McCarthy was born on September 16, 1899, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Michael McCarthy and Anne Daly. He spent two years at Saint John Prep in Danvers, MA., before entering Villanova Prep, Villanova, PA. He was accepted into the novitiate at Villanova on June 23, 1916, and professed simple vows on June 24, 1917. He was solemnly professed on November 26, 1920 and was ordained to the priesthood at Villanova by Bishop Michael Crane on September 22, 1923. 

From 1924 to 1935, Father McCarthy was stationed at Villanova Preparatory School, Ojai, California. He was prior and rector of the school from 1932 to 1935. That latter year he was transferred as an assistant to St. Mary's, Lawrence, and in 1936 to St. Augustine's in Troy, New York. Later, he served briefly at St. Augustine's, and at St. Rita's, both in Philadelphia. From 1943 to 1946, he was a chaplain in the United States Navy. He was commissioned with the rank of Lieutenant, second grade, and saw action in many places including Galapagos, Guadacanal, New Guinea and Saipan. After the war, he returned to St. Rita's in Philadelphia.

Father McCarthy died at St. Agnes' Hospital in Philadelphia on November 13, 1949 at the age of 50, of internal hemorrhages, the result of wounds incurred during the battle. His Funeral Mass was celebrated at Saint Rita on November 17th by Rector Provincial, John Sheehan, O.S.A. Father McCarthy was buried in the community cemetery at Villanova.
 

James J. McCarthy, O.S.A.

1873 – 1931 (August 20)

James Joseph McCarthy, son of Timothy McCarthy and Mary Burns, was born in Rutland, New York on June 6, 1873. He entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania, on September 19, 1895, and professed vows on September 19, 1896. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Ryan in the Cathedral of Philadelphia on September 23, 1899.

Father McCarthy was assigned to Saint James Parish, Carthage, N.Y., in September 1899, where he remained until June, 1901, when he was transferred to Saint Mary Parish, Waterford, also in New York. In July, 1903, he was appointed to Villanova College as Vice President. He returned to parish ministry with his assignment as rector of Saint Joseph Parish, Greenwich, in 1905, and later in December, 1910, to the same position at Saint Augustine in Lansingburgh. In 1910 he was also appointed a definitor of the Province. In 1922, Father McCarthy was name rector at Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, and remained there until his resignation in October, 1928. He then assumed the positions of prior and pastor at Saint Augustine, Troy.

Father McCarthy was 58 when he died on August 20, 1931 in Troy. He is buried at Saint Augustine's in Troy.
 

Edward J. McCarthy, O.S.A.

1912 – 1996 (April 8)

Edward James McCarthy, son of Edward McCarthy and Katherine Grimley, was born on April 1, 1912, in Troy, New York. He was baptized there on April 14, 1912, in the Church of St. Paul the Apostle. Following his early education in public schools, Edward entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, N.Y., as a postulant on September 1, 1925 and graduated in June, 1929. He was received into the novitiate on September 10, 1929, professed first vows on September 11, 1930, and solemn vows on September 11, 1933. In 1934, he earned his B.A. degree from Villanova College. He studied theology at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., and was ordained to the priesthood on June 15, 1937, by John M. McNamara, Auxiliary Bishop of Baltimore, Md., in the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

After ordination Father Edward McCarthy remained at Augustinian College as Sub-Master while completing a M.A. degree in history, which he earned in 1938, from Catholic University, Washington. In 1943, he received a Ph.D. in history from Catholic University. In 1940, Father McCarthy was assigned to Villanova College as a Professor of History. In 1946, he was appointed Dean and Professor of History at Universidad de S. Tomas de Villanueva, Havana, Cuba. In 1948, he returned to Villanova as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and later served as Dean of the Graduate School. In 1953, he returned to Villanueva in Havana, where he served as Regent of Studies until 1961, when foreign clergy were expelled from Cuba. From 1961 to 1968, he served as founding president of Biscayne College in Miami, Fla. Then, in 1968, he became Prior, Chairman of the History Department and Academic Vice President at Merrimack College in North Andover, Ma.

During his tenure as President of Villanova University from 1971 to 1975, he lived according to his stated principle, "My education goal is to make Villanova a good university both as an educational institution and as a Catholic institution. I see absolutely no conflict between the two." During student protests Father McCarthy made hard decisions. He offered students a forum for raising issues and then gave reasons for his policies. In doing so, he gained the students' respect. On one occasion he quipped, "I don't care what they say about me in the student newspaper as long as they use good English." Although, during most of his religious life Father McCarthy served the apostolate of higher education, he did minister also in several parishes of the Province: St. Augustine, Troy, N.Y.; Resurrection, Dania, Florida; St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Bronx, N.Y.; and St. Augustine, Casselberry, Florida.

While at Villanova he filled such posts as President, faculty member, Dean of Arts and Sciences, dormitory counselor, varsity baseball coach, and in 1981, he was appointed chairman of the Board of Trustees. Also, at that time he was elected assistant provincial and became a member of the Augustinian International Commission of Education in Rome. In 1993, in his 82nd year, at the request of Archbishop Edward Anthony McCarthy, of Miami, Father Ed McCarthy assumed the position of interim President of St. Thomas University in Miami, FL. One of his confreres stated, "Ed was frequently called upon to evaluate conditions on college campuses. In the midst of teaching and administration he found time to do research in his field of history and through publications of articles, he received esteem and fame in historical circles. A person with an engaging personality and a gift to speak on many subjects, Father Ed often acknowledged that it was his parents and sisters who taught him how to deal with and respect all people. 

Father McCarthy died on April 8, 1996, at St. Thomas Monastery, Villanova, Pa. at the age of 84. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, and interment took place at the Augustinian Cemetery on the campus of Villanova University, Villanova. Pa. 

Daniel J. McCarthy, O.S.A.

1909 – 1976 (November 11)

Daniel Joseph McCarthy, son of John McCarthy and Margaret Hart, was born in Andover, MA, on October 25, 1909, and was baptized there in the Church of Saint Augustine. He received his early education in Andover and entered the novitiate on the feast of the Assumption, August 15, 1926. Upon reception of simple vows on August 16, 1927, he began his college studies at Villanova and received his A.M. degree in June, 1931. He did theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC and was ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 1934, in Washington by Bishop John McNamara.

Eight months after his ordination, because he evidenced some psychiatric difficulty, Father McCarthy was admitted into Mount Hope, later known as The Seton Psychiatric Center, in Baltimore, MD. He was to remain there for 38 years. When The Seton Institute closed out its in-patient facility for psychiatric patients, Father Dan was transferred to Rosemont Manor, Rosemont, PA. He lived here for three and a half years until, on July 19, 1976, he was transferred to the Villa of Divine Providence, Lansdale, PA.

Father McCarthy died suddenly at the Villa on November 11, 1976. His Funeral Mass was celebrated at Saint Mary’s Hall Chapel, Villanova, after which he was buried in the Saint Mary’s community cemetery. Later his body was removed to Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken.
 

Charles J. McCarron, O.S.A.

1899 – 1970 (October 21)

Charles J. McCarron, son of John McCarron and Mary Gibbons, was born in Philadelphia, PA. on April 16, 1899, and was baptized at Saint Monica Parish, South Philadelphia. He attended St. Leo Parochial School, Roman Catholic High School and Saint Joseph College before being received on June 27, 1920. He made his simple profession of vows on December 24, 1921, and graduated from Villanova College in June 1924. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 11, 1927 by Bishop Crane at the Philadelphia Cathedral.

Father McCarron's first assignment was as assistant pastor in Saint Mary's Church, Waterford, NY. He also served at Saint Clare's Church in Grosse Pointe, MI and at Our Mother of Consolation Church in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia.

He was a chaplain in the United States Army from July 1942 until 1946. For seventeen years Father served on the Augustinian Mission Band and in 1956 he was appointed prior and pastor of Our Mother of Good Counsel Church in Hollywood, CA. He was then assigned as assistant pastor at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church, Atlantic City, NJ.

Father McCarron died at Rosemont Manor Nursing Home after several years of illness and blindness. At his Funeral Mass, Father Gerald McCarron of New Monmoouth, NJ, his nephew, preached. Father Charles McCarron was buried in Saint Mary Hall Cemetery, Villanova. Later, his remains were removed to Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.
 

Henry W. McArdle, O.S.A.

1919 – 1969 (February 4)

Henry William McArdle was born June 8, 1919 in Masontown, Pennsylvania to Edward McArdle and Mary Ellen Ahern. He received his elementary and secondary education at All Saints School, Masontown, and earned his high school diploma in 1936. After a year of post-graduate studies at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, he was received into the novitiate on September 9, 1937. He professed simple vows on September 10, 1938, and solemn vows on September 10, 1941. Henry earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1941, and then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D. C. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 18, 1944. He did additional studies at Villanova College, at Catholic University of America, Washington, and at DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois.

Father McArdle was assigned to parish and school ministries in Cuba, where he remained for five years. He then served at several parishes in New York and Massachusetts. In 1953, he requested affiliation to the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel, Chicago.

In 1953 he was assigned to Saint Rita High School, Chicago, where he served as teacher, disciplinarian and band moderator. In 1960 he became rector of Saint Joseph Mission House, Fort Wayne, Indiana, but returned to Saint Rita High School in 1962, and served as prior of the Augustinian community there.

In 1966 he was appointed superior of the Augustinian Missions in Peru, South America. Ill health caused him to return to the United States in 1967. He died February 4, 1969 and is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

John T. McCall, O.S.A.

1907 – 1989 (February 11)

John Thomas McCall was born August 31, 1907 in Charlestown, Massachusetts, to Thomas McCall and Margaret Campion, and was baptized there in Saint Mary’s Church. John received his elementary education at local schools and began his high school education at Saint John Prep School, Danvers, Mass. He later transferred to Lawrence High School, in Lawrence, and graduated from Villanova Preparatory School, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1924. He entered the novitiate on June 25, 1924, and professed simple vows on June 26, 1925. He was solemnly professed on September 1, 1928. John earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, in 1928, and did his theological studies from 1928 to 1932 at St. Monica College, Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood on September 12, 1931 in Rome. In 1933 he received an M.A. in Sociology from Villanova College.

Father McCall’s first assignment was in 1932 to Villanova College, where he taught while taking courses toward his master’s degree. From 1935 to 1942 he was a teacher at Saint Thomas High School, Rockford, Illinois. When the new Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel was formed in 1941, he was affiliated to that Province.

Father McCall was transferred in 1942 to Saint Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois. In 1943 he joined the U. S. Navy as a Chaplain, serving in that role until 1946. Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned to teach at Saint Rita High School. In 1950, while still at Saint Rita, he was elected Secretary of the Province. He returned to teach at Saint Thomas High School, Rockford, in 1952. In 1959 he was assigned to Cascia Hall, Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was a teacher and prior of the community. From 1962 to 1968 he was assistant pastor of Saint Rita Parish, Chicago, and prior of the community. At the conclusion of his term of office in 1968, he was transferred to Saint Mary Parish, Rockford, Il., where he was assistant pastor and prior. Father McCall was given reduced ministerial responsibilities, in 1977. He joined the community at Saint Monica Monastery, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and remained there until 1986, when he moved to Saint Rita Parish, Racine, Wisconsin.

While taking part in the Province retreat in Mundelein, Il., in June 1988, Father McCall suffered a severe stroke. He was disabled, and moved to Lincoln Village Convalescent Center, Racine. He died there February 11, 1989. He was 81.

In his early years, Father McCall was noted as an adventurous person who was not averse to taking risks. After his return from military service in 1946, he became somewhat reclusive and a voracious reader. He could venture into almost any area of discussion and hold his own. In his final days he was consoled by the daily attention of members of his community.

He is buried in Lawrence, Mass., at Saint Mary Cemetery.