Edward J. Merwarth, O.S.A.

1909 – 1951 (June 30)

Edward Joseph Merwarth, son of Edward Merwarth and Susan Gallagher, was born in Easton, PA on August 22, 1909. He received his early education in the parochial schools there and in Bethlehem, PA. After graduating from Bethlehem Catholic High School, he entered the House of Postulants on Staten Island, NY. He was received into the novitiate on September 11, 1930, and professed simple vows on September 12, 1931. He studied at Saint Mary's at Villanova, PA and the Augustinian College in Washington, DC, and was solemnly professed on September 12, 1934.  He was ordained to the priesthood in the Immaculate Conception Shrine in Washington on June 7, 1938.

After ordination, Father Merwarth was assigned as an assistant at Saint Augustine Parish in Detroit, Michigan in 1939. He was affiliated to the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel at its establishment in 1941. He later taught and was athletic director at Saint Thomas High School in Rockford, Il., until 1947, when he was assigned to Saint Monica Seminary, Oconomowoc, WI., where he was Director of the Seminary Guild for the Midwest Province. In 1949 he was assigned to teach at Saint Rita High School in Chicago. 

While visiting his brother and sisters in Bethlehem, Pa., Father Merwarth was taken ill and was admitted to Sacred Heart Hospital there. He was later transferred to Philadelphia's Misericordia Hospital, where he died on June 30, 1951, at the age of 41 of heart disease.  He is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.

Daniel J. Menihane, O.S.A.

1932 – 2013 (January 27)

Daniel Joseph Menihane was born on April 1, 1932, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, one of three sons of Daniel S. Menihane and Mary T. O’Leary. He was baptized on April 17, 1932, at Saint Mary Church, Lawrence, and attended public elementary schools in that city, and then Central Catholic High School from 1945 to 1949. He spent a year as a psot-graduate postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, and was received into Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate on September 9, 1950. He professed simple vows on September 10, 1951, and attended Villanova College. He received his BA in Philosophy in May 1954, and professed solemn vows on September 10th of the same year. He was assigned to Collegio Santa Monica, Rome, to pursue theological studies at the Gregorian University, where he received an STL degree in 1958. He was ordained to the priesthood on December 21, 1957, in Rome by Bishop Peter Canisius Van Lierde, O.S.A., in the Church of the Twelve Apostles.
 
Father Menihane was assigned to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, in 1958. The following year he was assigned as associate pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, after which he returned to high school teaching, at Msgr. Bonner High School, Saint Joseph’s Friary, Drexel Hill, from 1960 to 1964 and 1975 to 1993; Saint Nicholas of Tolentine High School, the Bronx, New York, from 1964 to 1972; and Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, from 1972 to 1975. During this time, he completed an MS in Library Science in 1966 at Drexel University, Philadelphia.

He returned to parish ministry in 1993, and served at Saint Augustine Parish, Troy, New York. In 1994 he was assigned to Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, New York, and in 1997 to Saint Mary Parish, Waterford, New York. In 2005, because of failing health, he was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, Pennsylvania. He died at Bryn Mawr Terrace, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania on January 27, 2013. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in the Church of Saint Thomas of Villanova on the evening of January 31, 2013. The celebrant was the Prior Provincial, Anthony M. Genovese, O.S.A. and the homilist was Fr. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A. Fr. Menihane is buried in the Augustinian plot in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Father Menihane was known for his great commitment to our fraternal way of life. His cheerfulness, generosity and affability were manifested in his gracious smile and listening skills.

John H. Melton, O.S.A.

1925 – 2002 (March 13)

John Hugh Melton, son of Andrew Melton and Alice Lonergan, was born in Bay Shore, Long Island, New York, on August 26, 1925. He was baptized in Saint Patrick Church, Bay Shore, attended Saint Patrick Parochial School, Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, N.Y. and Bay Shore High School. In June 1943, John graduated and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps holding the position of radio waist gunner on a B-25 "Billy Mitchell" bomber. Upon returning from the war he attended Saint Francis Prep, Spring Grove, Pa, as a post graduate, and then entered Villanova University for pre-law studies. It was due to his priest-brother and the Augustinians at Villanova that he chose to become an Augustinian. He entered the novitiate, professed simple vows on September 10, 1949, and solemn vows three years later. In June, 1952, he obtained a B.A. degree in philosophy from Villanova University, and then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. On June 4, 1955, John was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.

In August, 1956, Father Melton received his first assignment to Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pa., where he remained for the next thirty-two years. During those years he influenced students in the classroom and, as guidance counselor, directed the academic careers of many young men to colleges and to the religious life. While at Monsignor Bonner, he was coordinator of the annual Philadelphia Archdiocesan Catholic College Night Programs, Director of the Bonner Alumni Association and Moderator of the Mothers' Club. In July, 1988, Father Melton was assigned to the Saint Augustine community of Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, Pa., and continued to guide young men toward career choices. His reputation as a kind man with a good sense of humor, continued to grow.

All of Father Melton's accomplishments at the two high schools carried over to the children of his students. Memorabilia of all kinds held prominent places in his office as signs of his love, generosity, concern and faith in the young students, who eventually left their mark on society. Their success was Father Melton's reward. He used to say that he "thanked God daily for being able to help all those students with their futures." Beyond the normal school days Father assisted at convents and parish churches. He was a member of the American Legion, the Marine Corps League, served as chaplain for the Marine Corps Association for over ten years and was an active member of the Board of Trustees of Villanova University. In 1975, Father Melton began a hobby of collecting Nativity scenes. This collection was featured in national and local newspapers.

In January, 1999, due to ill health, Father Melton was transferred to the Health Care Unit at Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, Pa, where he died on March 13, 2002. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church. He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshocken, Pa. 

Charles J. Melchior, O.S.A.

1889 – 1957 (January 16)

Charles Joseph Melchior was born on March 23, 1889. in Barto, Pennsylvania to George W. Melchior and Rosa Clemmer. He was baptized on March 28, 1889 at Blessed Sacrament Church, Bally, PA. After completing his secondary education at Villanova Prep, Villanova, Pennsylvania, Charles attended Pottstown Business College, Pottstown, Pennsylvania, and worked for a short time at Orino Silk Mills, where his father was manager. He was received into the novitiate on June 22, 1911, and professed simple vows on June 22, 1912. He made solemn profession on June 25, 1915. He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, in 1915, and then pursued theological studies there as well. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 16, 1918.

Father Melchior served as assistant pastor of Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish, Villanova, from 1918 to 1920. In 1920 he was appointed assistant director of novices and professed students at Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova. The following year, he was named procurator. When the novitiate was relocated from Villanova to New Hamburg, New York, Father Melchior was named the first Director of Novices at the new site.

In 1932 he was named procurator of Villanova College. He was transferred in 1938 to Saint Augustine Parish, Detroit, Michigan, where he was assistant pastor and prior of the Augustinian community. In 1939 he became pastor of the parish as well. When the new Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel was established in 1941, Father Melchior became affiliated to that Province. He was elected Prior Provincial in 1944, and was reelected to a second three-year term in 1947.

Upon conclusion of his second term as Prior Provincial in 1950, Father Melchior resumed his former duties as pastor of Saint Augustine Parish and prior of the Augustinian community there. He held those positions until the time his death from a heart attack on January 16, 1957. Father Melchior is buried in the Augustinian cemetery at Villanova.
 

Francis L. Melcher, O.S.A.

1927 – 2001 (July 2)

Francis Lawrence Melcher was born on July 27, 1927 to August Melcher and Agnes Henry in Bally, PA. He attended Most Blessed Sacrament Parochial School from 1933-1941 and then entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, NY, as a postulant. On September 8, 1945 he entered the novitiate at New Hamburg, NY, where he professed first vows on September 10, 1946. Solemn Profession followed on September 10, 1949. Frank studied philosophy at Villanova College and graduated with a BA in 1950. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, and was ordained to the priesthood on September 8, 1953 at Villanova, by Archbishop John O'Hara. Following ordination he pursued graduate studies in German at the Catholic University of America and obtained the master's degree in 1954.

Father Melcher's first assignment was to Archbishop Carroll High School in 1954 where he taught until 1967. In that year he was assigned to teach at Biscayne College in Florida. In 1968 he was transferred to Monsignor Bonner High School where he taught and was chaplain until 1975. In that year he was assigned as parochial vicar at Saint Thomas of Villanova parish, Rosemont, PA. From 1978 to 1983 he was prior and treasurer at Saint Mary's, Waterford, NY, and pastor of the parish from 1979-1982. In 1983 he was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova University, and served as chaplain at Haverford State Hospital. From 1984 to 1995 he was parochial vicar at Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, PA. In 1995 he returned to Saint Thomas Monastery and again was chaplain at Haverford State Hospital until poor health made it necessary for him to give up this ministry. He died on July 2, 2001 at Bryn Mawr Hospital, Bryn Mawr, PA.

Father Melcher was a gentle person, sensitive to the needs of others, especially those in difficult circumstances. He was a dedicated teacher, a compassionate priest, and fully engaged in community life.

His Funeral Mass took place on July 5, 2001, at Saint Thomas Church, Villanova. Father is buried in the Augustinian plot, Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.
 

John F. Medina, O.S.A.

1870 – 1943 (December 5)

John Francis Medina, son of Francis Medina and Mary Frawley, was born in Indianapolis, IN, on May 27, 1870. His family later moved to Saint Augustine's Parish, Philadelphia, PA., and from there John began studies at Villanova Preparatory School, Villanova, PA at the age of 12. He entered the novitiate at Villanova on August 28, 1887 and professed simple vows on September 2, 1888. He was solemnly professed on September 4, 1892. John pursued philosophical and theological studies at Villanova, and was ordained to the priesthood on his 23rd birthday, May 27, 1893, by Archbishop Patrick Ryan in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.

Father Medina was appointed in 1893 to Villanova College where he taught music, was organist and directed the choir at Saint Thomas of Vilanova Church. He also organized many musical groups in Philadelphia and the suburbs, offered organ recitals and established the college glee club. In 1902, he was transferred to Colegio San Agustin, Havana, Cuba, where he served for one year before being assigned in 1903, to Lawrence, Massachusetts. Assignments follwed at Saint Rita Church, Philadelphia, from 1911 to 1914, and then at Saint John's, Schaghticoke, Saint Patrick, Cambridge and Saint Paul, Mechanicville, all in New York. He also served on the mission band for a short time.

In 1914, Father Medina was transferred to Saint Rita High School in Chicago, IL, where he was professor of music. In 1929, until his death, he was an assistant at the Church of Our Mother of Good Counsel, Bryn Mawr, PA.

After a long illness, Father Medina died at Price Nursing Home, Whitemarsh, PA, on December 5, 1943 at the age of 73. The Funeral Mass was offered by Father Joseph Hickey, O.S.A. at Villanova. Father Joseph Dougherty, O.S.A. preached. Father Medina was an accomplished musician who made use of his talent in all of the places where he ministered. He is buried at Villanova in the Community Cemetery.
 

Charles G. Medina, O.S.A.

1865 – 1921 (April 10)

Charles Gelasius Medina, son of Antonio Medina and Transito Vieira, was born in Latacunga, Ecuador on October 29, 1865. He received his early education there from the Christian Brothers and entered the Ecuadorian Province of the Order on May 1, 1879 under prior Domenico Filacciani, who some years later taught at Villanova College. Charles entered the novitiate in Quito, Ecuador on August 14, 1880 and took the religious name Gelasius. He was professed on January 1, 1882 and made solemn profession on Laetare Sunday in 1886. He was ordained to the priesthood on January 8, 1893.

After serving in various parishes of his Province, Father Medina immigrated to the United States in 1898 and became affiliated with the American Province in 1905. He first served in Havana, Cuba, and was later stationed in North Troy and Hoosick Falls, NY. He was appointed pastor of Assumption Parish in Lawrence, MA from 1913 to 1914 and then was assigned to St. Nicholas of Tolentine in the Bronx.

He died in the Bronx on April 10, 1921 at the age of 56. Following his Funeral Mass in New York, he was buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.
 

John F. Meaney, O.S.A.

1873 – 1942 (November 29)

John Francis Meaney was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 29, 1873. While a boy, his family moved to Ardmore where he received his early education. He then entered the Prep School at Villanova and was received into the novitiate there on July 25, 1900. He professed simple vows the following year, and was ordained to the priesthood at the Overbrook Seminary Chapel by Bishop Predergast on May 31, 1905.

Father Meaney was assigned to Saint Mary’s Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts, as assistant pastor and chaplain to the nearby orphan asylum. In January, 1908, he was  transferred to Schaghticoke, and in June of the same year, to Mechanicville. In 1913 he was assigned briefly to Saint James Parish, Carthage, N.Y. and then again to Lawrence, at the Parish of Saint Laurence O’Toole.

At the Provincial Chapter of 1918, Father Meaney was elected a definitor and was assigned to the mission band. In 1920, he opened the Mission of San Luis Obispo in Colorado and served there until 1923. He then was named subprior at Saint Clare of Montefalco Parish, Chicago, and in 1929, prior and pastor of Saint Rita Parish, Chicago. In 1931,  he was appointed prior and pastor at Saint Clare's in Chicago, and in 1932 as pastor of Saint John's in Schaghticoke, until 1941, when he was appointeed to Saint Patrick's, Cambridge, New York.

Father Meaney died in McClellan Memorial Hospital at Cambridge on November 29, 1942, his 69th birthday. He is buried at Villanova in the community cemetery.
 

John J. Meagher, O.S.A.

1923 – 1980 (February 26)

John Joseph Meagher was born in Beaumont, Texas, on December 31, 1923 to John Meagher and Louise Marie Gunkel. He became a postulant at Augustinian Academy in September, 1940, and was received into the novitiate on September 9, 1942. He professed simple vows on September 10, 1943 and solemn vows on September 10, 1946. John studied at Villanova College and Augustinian College. He was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine in Washington, DC, on June 6, 1950, by Bishop John McNamara.

Father Meagher's first assignment was to Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, DC, from 1951 to 1953. He then entered the parochial apostolate, and was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Jamaica, New York, where he served from 1953 until 1957, and again from 1962 to 1964. He was at Saint Rita Parish, Philadelphia, Pa. in 1957 and 1958, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Staten Island, N.Y. from 1958 to 1960, and at Saint Thomas Aquinas, Ojai, CA from 1956 to 1967. In 1968, Father Meagher was assigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Troy, N.Y., and in 1970 to Saint Mary’s, Lawrence, Mass.

In 1972 he was assigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Casselberry, Florida. Here, three years later he suffered a debilitating stroke which left his left side almost totally paralyzed. Nonetheless, he continued in ministry and was engaged in a variety of movements including Marriage Encounter, Cursillo, Charismatic Renewal and the Kinghts of Columbus.

A patient, humble man who knew the burden of various infirmities, he passed away in Casselberry on February 26, 19080. He was buried in the Community Cemetery at Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova, and later transferred to the Augustinian section of Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, Pa.
 

George A. Meagher, O.S.A.

1821 – 1881 (April 7)

George Augustine Meagher was born on January 23, 1821, in Lisbon, Portugal, to Jeremiah Meagher and Leocadia M. Hewson. His father had been the British Vice-Counsul at Lisbon for forty-four years. His mother was born on the island of San Miguel in the Azores. George studied in England, at the Benedictine College of St. Gregory, at Bath, and at the Jesuit College of Stonyhurst in Lancashire, where he graduated with high honors. On October 29, 1839, he entered the novitiate at Tolentine, Italy. After professing vows, George pursued clerical studies at Lucca, Perugia, and in Rome, and was ordained to the priesthood at Perugia, on December 17, 1843.

In 1846, Father Meagher arrived in the Unites States, and was assigned to St. Augustine Parish in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania. From 1848 to 1854, he was vice president at Villanova College, and for three of those years he was pastor of St. Denis parish in Ardmore, Pa. While at Villanova he was Prefect of Discipline, Prefect of Studies and Professor of Modern Languages.

At one point during his years at Villanova, Father Meagher visited his parents in Lisbon. In 1858, he was assigned to Lansingburgh, New York, and became the first pastor of St. Mary's in Waterford. In 1859, he was assigned to the Parish of St. Paul, Mechanicville, N.Y. He also served in St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Atlantic City, New Jersey, and in St. Mary's in Lawrence, Ma. From November, 1867, to his death in April 1881, Father Meagher was again in New York, where as pastor and prior he served parishes in Schaghticoke, Cambridge, Carthage, and Hoosick Falls. He offered the first Mass in Johnsonville, and in North Easton, New York. On April 18, 1870, Fathers Meagher, Thomas Galberry and others, incorporated the Augustinian Society of New York. At the Chapter of 1878, Father Meagher was elected a definitor of the province.

On April 7, 1881, Father Meagher, at age sixty, died at St. Patrick in Cambridge, New York. After the funeral services, which were held in St. Patrick Church, the local Cambridge newspaper, The Standard, reported,

"The procession that followed the remains was a remarkable one. It was more than a mile in length, and was composed of people of all nationalities and of all religious creeds. It was a tribute to the worth of the man, as well as the excellence of the pastor. In all he was warmly attached to his Order, of which he had been a faithful member for 42 years; he was a most untiring and zealous worker in the vineyard, and of courteous, kindly ways to all."

Paraphrasing Father John P. Gilmore, O.S.A., the homilist at the Requiem Mass, the article in The Standard continued, "… the church and people had sustained a loss in thus being deprived of a faithful priest and true friend. His was a noble nature, full of kindness, hope, faith and trust."

Father Meager's remains were brought by train to Lansingburgh and met by crowds of people, headed by the conference of St. Vincent de Paul of St. Augustine Church. A procession, headed by a platoon of police, marched to the Augustinian plot at St. John Cemetery in Lansingburgh, New York, where the interment took place.

John J. McShea, O.S.A.

1908 – 1965 (February 1)

John Joseph McShea, son of Joseph McShea and Eunice McCarron, was born in Philadelphia on July 1, 1908. He attended Saint Rita Parochial School, Philadelphia, and Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. Received as a novice on August 15, 1925, he professed simple vows on August 16, 1926, and solemn vows on August 26, 1929. Following philosophical studies at Villanova College he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1929, and at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, did his theological course. He was ordained to the priesthood at the National Shrine by Bishop Emmit Walsh of Charleston, South Carolina, on June 14, 1932. Catholic University awarded him a Master of Arts degree in English in 1933.

Father McShea's first appointment was as a teacher at Colegio san Agustin, Havana, Cuba. In 1935, he was sent to Oxford, England, and was the first Augustinian to study there since the Reformation. He received an A.B. (Oxon) in 1937 and an M.A. (Oxon) in 1946. Returning to the United States he was appointed to the faculty at Villanova College in 1937, and remained there until 1963. Father McShea was elected definitor of the Province in 1950, a trustee of the University in 1962, and co-edited an English prose reader Rendezvous in 1958. On January 18, 1963 he was appointed prior of the Augustinian community at Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, in which office he served until his death.

Father McShea enjoyed the happy faculty of conveying to his students his deep and abiding knowledge and enthusiasm from English literature. An avid reader, he projected a literary creativity of remarkable proportions. A gentle priest, he was a cultured Augustinian who left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

Father McShea died in Saint Joseph Hospital, Philadelphia, on February 1, 1965, and is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.

Francis J. McShane, O.S.A.

1846 – 1932 (March 28)

Francis Joseph McShane, son of Terence McShane and Bridget McNichol was born  February, 1846, in Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, Ireland and was baptized on February 23, of that year. When he immigrated to the United States, he lived with the Holy Cross Brothers in South Bend, Indiana. On January 7, 1868, he entered the novitiate at Villanova, Pennsylvania, professed simple vows on January 8, 1869, and solemn vows on January 22, 1872. He was ordained to the priesthood on February 29, 1872, by Bishop James E. Wood, in Saint Charles Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The first recorded activities of Father McShane after his ordination state that on June 25, 1874, he began working with diocesan priests on the missions located in Harrisburg, Centralia, and Elizabethtown, Pennsylvaniaa. He also served at missions in Texas. In September 1875, he was appointed pastor of Saint John the Baptist Church, Schaghticoke, New York, from which he also attended Saint Monica Parish, Johnsonville. In September 1877, he was transferred to Saint James Minor Parish, Carthage, N.Y., and in July 1882, he was appointed pastor of Our Mother of Consolation Parish in Chestnut Hill, Pa.

On July 27, 1894, Father McShane was appointed President and procurator of Villanova College. A year later he returned to Saint James Minor Parish, Carthage, and for a number of years he served as a Provincial Counselor. From 1898 to 1914, he was pastor of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Atlantic City, New Jersey. It was Father McShane who built the stone church, which opened in 1905, a very large parish house, a parochial school and a sisters' convent. In 1918, he was assigned to establish Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. In 1926, he returned to Villanova.

Father McShane died at age of 86, in Misericordia Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., on March 28, 1932, one month after he celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. He is buried in Saint Thomas Monastery Cemetery, Villanova.

The following letter, dated May 9, 1932, was sent to a friend of Father McShane, by John J. Farrell, O.S.A., Prior of Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, Pa. “The enclosed memorial card will suggest frequent prayers for the eternal repose of one whose friendship was a blessing, whose good example was an inspiration, whose solicitude and labors in the service of God, always merited praise and commendation. We should not permit the darkness of death to obscure our vision of Father McShane as we knew him - faithful, devoted, self-sacrificing, exemplary, charitable, never wearied in his efforts for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Nor should his absence make us forgetful of his patronage, his wise counsel, his strong defense of right, his sympathy with the sorrowing, and his eagerness to extend a helping hand to the oppressed and trouble-burdened. Prayer is always pleasing to God, and, true friendship never dies."
 

Vincent A. McQuade, O.S.A.

1909 – 1971 (February 11)

Vincent Augustine McQuade, son of Owen McQuade and Kathryn McCarthy, was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on June 16, 1909. His grammar school education was obtained at Saint Mary's Parochial School, Lawrence, and his high school education at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. Received into the novitiate on August 15, 1926, he professed simple vows on August 16, 1927, and solemn vows on August 16, 1930. Following his philosophical studies at Villanova, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1931, he attended Augustinian College, Washington, DC. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 1934.

Father McQuade received a Master of Arts degree in sociology from The Catholic University of America in 1935 and was assigned to continue graduate work there while serving as sub-master of professed at Augustinian College from 1935 to 1938. His doctorate in sociology was granted in 1938 and he was assigned to Villanova College as a teacher. While teaching, he served successively as counselor, registrar and director of admissions, dean of the College, director of the Veterans Guidance Bureau, and assistant to the president. All this served as preparation for the assignment later entrusted to him to establish a new college in North Andover, Mass. He did so and was appointed the founding president of Merrimack College on December 18, 1946. From that year until his resignation in 1968, he labored vigorously as president to create a flourishing college from the original family house, a Quonset hut, a cinderblock classroom building, and wooded land to a 240-acre campus. 

Father McQuade, who was an indefatigable laborer in the Lord's vineyard, was recalled to Villanova in 1968 to the position of treasurer of the Province and director of the Augustinian Educational Association. Active in the Catholic Sociological Association, in which he served as president, Father McQuade sat on a number of state and national educational commissions and was honored with an LL. D. by Villanova in 1956.Stricken suddenly by a heart attack in Saint Mary's Hall, he died at Villanova on February 11, 1971 at the age of 61. He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Lawrence, MA.
 

James F. McNulty, O.S.A.

1934 – 1978 (January 11)

James Francis McNulty, son of Francis A. McNulty and Joanna M. Rogoz, was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on August 2, 1934. His early education was obtained at Assumption Parish School, Central Catholic High School, Lawrence, and at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, N.Y. Received as a novice on September 9, 1951, he pronounced simple vows on September 10, 1952, and solemn vows on September 10, 1955. Jim graduated Villanova University in 1956, and was sent to study at Saint Monica's International College, Rome, Italy, where he was ordained to the priesthood at Saint John Lateran Basilica on December 19, 1959. On his return to the United States, he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in European history from Villanova University in 1967 and an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Iona College in 1972.

Father McNulty's first assignment was as a teacher at Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, PA from 1960 to 1962. For the next four years he was a member of the Province Mission Band while a member of the Augustinian Academy community, Staten Island, for two years and Assumption Parish community, Lawrence thereafter. In 1966 he was named associate director at Mount Augustine Retreat House, Staten Island, and in 1971 became its director. He was elected prior of the community there in 1973.

Father McNulty's engaging personality and speaking expertise made him a leader in the retreat movement and he published a number of retreat recordings. He was New York State Father Prior of Youth of the Knights of Columbus.

Father McNulty's promising apostolate was tragically cut short when, at the age of 43, he was stuck by a trolley in Vienna, Austria, and died of his injuries on January 11, 1978. He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Lawrence, MA.

George P. McNamara, O.S.A.

1910 – 1994 (April 20)

George Peter McNamara was born on February 16, 1910, in Lawrence, Massachusetts to Timothy McNamara and Mary Hannon. He was baptized in the church of Saint Laurence O'Toole in that city, attended the parochial school, and graduated in 1923. That same year, at the age of 13, George was accepted as a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, and graduated in 1927. He then entered Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate in New Hamburg, N.Y., and professed simple vows on September 9, 1928. Three years later, at Saint Mary's Hall, Villanova, he made his solemn profession of vows. In 1932 George graduated from Villanova College with an A.B. degree and began his theological studies at Augustinian College in Washington, D.C.

During the summer months he did graduate studies in religious education at nearby Catholic University and earned a master's degree in 1936. On June 11, 1935, George McNamara was ordained a priest by Bishop John McNamara in the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in Washington.

During his 66 years as a religious Father McNamara was stationed in only two places. From 1936 to 1946 he was assigned to Havana, Cuba, where he taught at the Colegio San Agustin and assisted at El Cristo Church. In 1946 he returned to the United States and began a 48 year assignment as an assistant at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish in Bryn Mawr, PA.

Father McNamara ministered to at least two generations of parishioners at Bryn Mawr. His continued service and presence during a period marked by vast changes in post World War II America and even greater changes in the post Vatican II Church assured many that the basic relationship between the creature and his Creator remained unchanged. Included in his ministry at Good Counsel was the pastoral care for patients at the expanding Bryn Mawr Hospital. In 1950, the Prior Provincial assigned Father McNamara as confessor to the professed clerics at Saint Mary's Hall, the collegiate seminary at Villanova College. On June 16, 1985 Father celebrated 50 years of priesthood and, although past the age of retirement, remained active in the parish. In the spring of 1994 he entered Bryn Mawr Hospital and there, on April 20, 1994, at the age of 84 he died.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church on April 25, 1994. The celebrant was Father Joseph A. Duffey, O.S.A. former Prior Provincial. The homily was preached by the pastor, Father James Martinez, O.S.A. Internment on the following day was in the Augustinian plot of Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.
 

Richard J. McNally, O.S.A.

1902 – 1957 (January 26)

Richard John McNally, son of Patrick McNally and Dorothy Buckley, was born in Falls Creek, Pennsylvania, on October 29, 1902. His primary education was obtained at Saint Catherine Parochial School, DuBois, PA. After two years at Saint Catherine High School there, he entered the Augustinian Preparatory Scholasticate, Saint Rita Hall, Villanova, in September of 1919, and graduated in 1921. He was received as a novice on June 25, 1921, and professed simple vows on June 26, 1922, and solemn vows on June 26, 1925. After completing his philosophical studies at Villanova College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, June, 1925, he was sent that fall to Saint Monica's International College, Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood at the Leonine College on July 29, 1928, by Bishop DeSanctis, and the following year was awarded his doctorate in philosophy by the Roman Academy of Saint Thomas on March 25, 1929.

Returning from Rome in 1929, Father McNally was assigned to the Fox Valley High School, which the Order conducted at that time in Aurora, IL. In 1930 he was appointed to teach at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, and in June, 1932, he was transferred to Villanova. Three years later, in 1935, he was appointed to teach at Saint Rita High School, Chicago, IL, and the following year, 1936, he returned to Villanova as a member of the faculty.Father McNally taught philosophy at Villanova, particularly to the Augustinian professed students for the remaining score of years allotted to him. He was also a professor at nearby Rosemont College, and for fourteen years assisted on weekends at Saint Patrick Parish, Norristown. Father McNally was a commanding figure as he strode across the campus, perfectly erect, with a friendly smile for all.

Stricken suddenly, he died at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital on January 26, 1957, at the age of 54, and in the 34th year of religious profession. The Requiem Mass was offered on January 29, 1957 with Father James Gallagher as principal celebrant and Father Joseph Burns, O.S.A. as homilist. Father Henry Greenlee, O.S.A., Prior Provincial, performed the final rites. Father McNally is buried in the monastery cemetery at Villanova University.
 

James R. McNally, O.S.A.

1922 – 1995 (January 26)

James Robert McNally, son of James McNally and Yvonne Landry, was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on April 1, 1922. He attended St. Patrick Parochial School and the Wetherbee Public School, both in Lawrence. In 1937, he entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a postulant, and graduated in 1941. In September of that year, he entered Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, N. Y. However, due to illness, he was absent from the novitiate for five months and thus had to begin his novitiate again on February 9, 1942. He professed simple vows on February 10, 1943, and began studies at Villanova College. Three years later he professed solemn vows and in June of that year, received his B.A. degree. The young graduate began theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., where he was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1949 at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

After ordination Father McNally continued his studies at Villanova University summer session, majoring in education. He studied chemistry and physics at Fordham University, N. Y., and chemistry at the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. In 1950, Father McNally was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York, where he assisted in the parish and taught religion in the high school. From September, 1951 to June 1954, he taught chemistry, physics and math at Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, D.C. He then became an assistant pastor in Saint Augustine Parish, Troy, N.Y. In 1958, he continued his ministry at St. Theresa Parish in Carson City, Nevada, and in 1959, became Vice President, Dean of Boys, Athletic Director and teacher of Religion, History and English at Bishop Manogue High School, Reno, Nevada. During this teaching assignment he was the weekend pastor of St. Mary's Parish in Virginia City, Nevada. From 1959 to 1962, he attended the University of Nevada, where he studied Education, School Administration, and Counseling. In September of 1963, Father McNally became assistant pastor of St. Christopher Parish in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Director of the Catholic Youth Organization and the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine. While in the State of Nevada, Father McNally also served as chaplain to the Nevada State Prison and Chaplain to the Newman Club at the University of Nevada. He had also earned the title of Provincial Chaplain of all Newman Clubs in Southern California. In 1972, he returned to the east and was assigned as assistant pastor of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York.

Father McNally was known as the "street priest" since he was instrumental in organizing the tenants in apartment buildings, who were seeking better living conditions. In his efforts to bring about social change in the area, he was one of the prime supporters of Curtis Sliwa in forming The Guardian Angels, a dynamic group of dedicated people seeking to restore law and order to the Borough of the Bronx.

In 1979, Father McNally was transferred to Saint Rita Church in South Philadelphia, where he worked with the youth and senior citizens in the parish. Due to ill health, in June 1992, he was assigned to Saint Mary Church, Lawrence, Ma., where he continued to serve the poor of the area.

Father McNally succumbed to pneumonia in the Mariner Healthcare facility in Methuen, Mass., on January 26, 1995. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St. Mary Church, Lawrence, Massachusetts on January 29, 1995, followed by interment in the parish cemetery.

Louis A. McMenamin, O.S.A.

1902 – 1967 (February 23)

Louis Augustine McMenamin, son of Patrick McMenamin and Hannah Kirlin, was born on October 6, 1902 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, and attended Saint Mary's Parochial School there, after which he spent two years at Saint John's Preparatory School in Danvers, Mass. He completed his high school training at Saint Rita's Hall, Villanova, and entered the novitiate there on June 25, 1921. He was simply professed on June 26, 1922, and solemnly professed on the same day in 1925. He pursued college studies at Villanova and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in June 1925. Louis did his theological studies in Washington, D.C., and was ordained to the priesthood in the Philadelphia Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul by Denis Cardinal Dougherty on June 2, 1928.

Father McMenamin was first assigned to Our Mother of Consolation Church in Chestnut Hill, PA. He then taught at our schools in Aurora and Rocford, Illinois, and finally in 1935 at Malvern Preparatory School in Malvern, PA. In September 1938, Father McMenamin was assigned to parochial ministry at Saint Augustine Parish, Lawrence, MA. It was here that he spent the next 24 years  of his ministry 

Father McMenamin retired in poor health to the monastery at Merrimack College in July 1962. He died in a Nursing Home in Lawrence on February 23, 1967 at the age of 64. A funeral Mass was celebrated in the Merrimack College Chapel, at which Fr. Paul Judson, O.S.A. preached, and after which Father McMenamin was buried in the Augustinian Plot in Saint Mary's Cemetery in Lawrence, Mass. 

John J. McMenamin, O.S.A.

1906 – 1969 (August 19)

John J. McMenamin was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on June 4, 1906, to John McMenamin and Katherine O’Farrell. He was baptized there in Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, and from 1913 to 1919, attended Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parochial School. In September 1919, he entered Villanova Preparatory School, Villanova, PA and graduated in June 1923.On the 21st of the month he was received into the novitiate, and made his profession of vows on June 22, 1924. He was solemnly professed in 1927, the same year in which he began his theological studies in Washington, DC. He was ordained in Washington at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on June 10, 1930, by Bishop John McNamara. He received a Master's degree in English in 1931 and later a B.S. in Library Science.

Father McMenamin was assigned to Villanova Preparatory in Ojai, California in 1931. The following year he taught and was procurator at Augustinian Academy on Staten Island where he remained until 1941. From 1941 until 1951 he served as Bursar of Villanova College. In 1951 he was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine church in Atlantic City, where he served as assistant pastor and then prior and pastor until 1968. In 1968 he was assigned to Saint Thomas of Villanova parish.

Father McMenamin was 63 when he died suddenly of a heart attack on Tuesday, August 19, 1969, while vactioning in Wildwood, New Jersey. His Funeral Mass was celebrted at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, New Jersem, on Friday, August 22. A second Mass was offered at Saint Mary’s Hall, Villanova, aftt which he was was buried in Saint Mary's Hall Cemetery. Later, all the bodies of all the friars buried there, were re-located at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken.
 

John D. McMahon, O.S.A.

1912 – 1936 (April 16)

John Daniel McMahon, son of John McMahon and Mary Lee, was born in Harrisburg, PA on November 12, 1912. He graduated from Harrisburg Catholic High School in 1931 and in September of that year entered Mt. St. Rita on Staten Island. John began his novitiate at New Hamburg, New York, on September 9, 1932, and pronounced simple vows on September 10, 1933. 

John McMahon was a professed student at Saint Mary’s Hall, Villanova, when he died at Misericordia Hospital, on April 16, 1936 of acute rheumatic fever, shortly before his class was solemnly professed. He was 24 years old. The funeral was held on April 20th with Mass offered by Father Michael McMahon, John’s cousin. 

John is buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.