Dennis J. Gallagher, O.S.A.

1935 – 2020 (November 22)

Dennis Joseph Gallagher was born on March 30, 1935, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, the son of Dennis Gallagher and Anne McGlinchey. He was one of five brothers and three sisters, and was baptized on April 14, 1935, at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr. He attended Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish School, Rosemont, and West Catholic High School, Philadelphia, before entering Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a post-graduate postulant in September 1954. Dennis was received into the Order on September 9, 1955, and following his year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY., he professed simple vows on September 10, 1956 and solemn vows on the same day in 1959. He attended Villanova University which awarded him a BA in Philosophy in 1960. He then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, where he received an MA in Theology. He likewise studied Library Science at Villanova and received a MSLS in Library Science in June 1965. He was ordained to the priesthood on January 30, 1965 at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, by Bishop Gerald McDevitt.

In August 1965, Father Dennis was assigned to Austin Preparatory School, Reading Massachusetts, where he taught Theology, was School Librarian, and Director of Reading Services. In 1969 he was transferred to Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, PA., where he held the same three positions. He was assigned to Saint John Sahagun Friary, Washington, DC in June 1972 to work on a PhD in Higher Education at Catholic University of America. Upon completion of his degree in 1975, he returned to Villanova University as a member of Saint Thomas Monastery, to teach Library Science in the Graduate School. In 1985 he became the University’s first full time Archivist.

Father Gallagher was the weekend assistant in several parishes in the Diocese of Trenton, New Jersey, and from 1989 until 2016, he exercised this role at Saint Catherine-Saint Margaret Parish in Spring Lake, NJ. On the occasion of his 50th Anniversary of ordination in 2015, Saint Catherine-Saint Margaret was the site of a special celebration hosted by grateful parishioners for his many years of service to them. The following year, he suffered a stroke which necessitated the termination of this parish ministry and retirement as University archivist. Following months of rehabilitation, Father Dennis returned to Saint Thomas Monastery, until declining health and Covid-19 infection caused him to be transferred briefly to Power Back Rehabilitation.

Father Dennis was an avid traveler, who often said, “Life is a journey-ever ancient, ever new.” This wayfaring spirit proved helpful in his convalescence from the effects of the stroke as he worked persistently to regain his strength and retain as much autonomy as possible. The final stage of his journey commenced on November 22, 2020, when he passed over to the Lord.

Dennis J. Harten, O.S.A.

1949 – 2020 (November 14)

Dennis J. Harten was born on January 19, 1949, in the Bronx, New York, one of three sons and a daughter of James Harten and Josephine O’Connell. He was baptized on February 19, 1949 at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church, the Bronx. Dennis attended Saint John’s Elementary School, the Bronx, from 1954 until 1962 and continued there at Saint John High School for one year before transferring to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine High School, from which he graduated in 1966. He then enrolled as a postulant at Augustinian Academy for the 1966 – 1967 school year. He was received into the Order as a novice on September 2, 1967, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed simple vows on September 3, 1968. He attended Villanova University from 1968 until 1972 and received a BA degree in Philosophy. He went on to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, where he attended the Washington Theological Coalition for theological studies. He made his profession of solemn vows on July 30, 1972 and was ordained to the priesthood on May 17, 1975 at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church, Jamaica, New York, by Bishop Francis Mugavero of the Diocese of Brooklyn.

Father Dennis was assigned to Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr, PA. as parochial vicar from July 1975 until July 1978. He then served as parochial vicar at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, the Bronx. In 1979, he was assigned to Saint Mary’s Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts, serving again as parochial vicar until 1983. In June 1983 he was transferred to Saint Augustine Parish, Casselberry, Florida, as parochial vicar and a year later, in June of 1984, he was named pastor. In July 1994, he was appointed pastor of Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish, Rosemont, PA, where he oversaw a major renovation of the Rosemont Chapel. In January 2002, Father Dennis was assigned to Saint Elizabeth Seton Parish, Naples, Florida, as parochial vicar and in 2006 was appointed pastor where he remained until August 2015. That latter year, he was transferred to Saint Augustine Preparatory School, Richland, New Jersey where he was completing a D. Min. degree and served the school community in the Office of Campus Ministry and taught theology. During this time, a long-term bout with diabetes caused severe circulation problems which eventually required the amputation of his left leg. In June 2018 he was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, PA. His talents and experience were put to good use in the University’s Campus Ministry Office and later as chaplain of the University Law School.

Father Dennis had a great gift for bringing laughter into the lives of those around him, sometimes in unconventional ways and unexpected situations. He was perceptive and insightful, and despite various health issues in the last years of his life, including lengthy chemotherapy treatments, never lost his hopeful spirit or his sense of humor.

Father Dennis Harten died on Saturday morning, November 14, 2020, in Bryn Mawr Hospital where he had been taken days earlier. On admittance, he was found to have tested positive for Covid-19.

James T. Spenard, O.S.A.

1946 – 2020 (October 8)

James T. Spenard was born on October 4, 1946, in Waterford, New York, one of two sons of John Spenard and Marie Alma Baillargeon. He was baptized on October 20, 1946 at Saint Mary’s Church, Waterford, and attended Waterford Public School from 1951 to 1953 and Saint Mary’s School, Waterford, from 1953 until 1960. He then attended LaSalle Institute in Troy, New York, from which he graduated in 1964. Jim entered Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York on September 9, 1964, and professed simple vows on September 10, 1965. Following religious profession, he attended Villanova University and graduated in 1969 with a B.A. in Philosophy. He made his profession of solemn vows on September 14, 1968 at Villanova. During the summers between 1969 and 1971, he took graduate classes in education and sociology at Villanova. He pursued theological studies at the Washington Theological Coalition from 1969 to 1972 where he received an M.A. in Theology. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 17, 1972 at Saint Mary’s Church, Waterford, by Bishop Edward J. Maginn. 

Father Jim was assigned to Saint Denis Church, Havertown, Pennsylvania, in June 1972 and to Saint James Church, Carthage, NY in January 1973. In June 1977 he was transferred to Immaculate Conception Church, Hoosick Falls, NY, and returned, as pastor, to Saint James in Carthage in August 1979. After eighteen years of ministry in this role he received a brief sabbatical in September 1997 after which, in March 1998, he was appointed pastor of Saint Augustine Parish, Troy, NY. He also served Saint Augustine’s at various times as prior, treasurer and local superior of the Augustinian community. In August 2015, he was assigned to Saint Rita of Cascia Friary, Philadelphia, PA, where he assisted in Shrine ministry with particular responsibility for couples preparing for marriage at the Shrine. In March 2019, with the merger of the religious communities of Saint Rita and Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, he was assigned to the newly formed Augustinian Community of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Philadelphia, and from there continued his ministry at Saint Rita Shrine.

On August 30, 2020 Father Jim suffered a stroke and was admitted to Jefferson Hospital. While there, as he was awaiting transfer to a rehab facility, he suffered two more strokes and was transferred to Kindred Hospital, Philadelphia, where he died in the early hours of Thursday, October 8, 2020.

Father Jim Spenard’s entire priesthood of 48 years was devoted to pastoral work in direct service to the faithful. His quiet, gentle, and dedicated leadership and long service in both Carthage and Troy, New York, earned him the respect and devotion of these communities and an enduring remembrance in their history of these parishes. 

Francis J. Cerullo, O.S.A.

1940 – 2020 (September 28)

Francis J. (Fritz) Cerullo was born on May 24, 1940, in Minersville, Pennsylvania, one of three sons and one daughter of Anthony J. Cerullo and Elizabeth Brennan. He was baptized on June 16, 1940 at Saint Vincent DePaul Church, Minersville, and attended Saint Patrick School and Nativity BVM High School, both in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. From 1958 to 1961 he worked at Necho Allen Hotel, Pottsville, and from 1962 to 1963, he attended Brown Prep, Philadelphia. He also worked for the AFL-CIO, Hotel and Restaurant Union in Philadelphia. In 1962 he became a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, and was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1963. After completing his novitiate in New Hamburg, New York, he professed simple vows on September 10, 1964. He then attended Villanova University from 1964 to 1968 and received his BA in Philosophy. Fritz then pursued theological studies at the Washington Theological Union while a member of Augustinian College and received an MA degree. He also did graduate work in sociology and psychology at Villanova University. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1968 and was ordained to the priesthood on August 28, 1971, at Saint Denis Church, Havertown, Pennsylvania, by Bishop Peter Van Diepen, O.S.A., Bishop of Manokwari, Indonesia.

Father Fritz was assigned to Saint Rita of Cascia Parish, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1971, where he founded the Saint Rita Community Center, an inter-generational program for elderly and youth. In 1977 he was transferred to Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, and in 1978 he was assigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts. His next assignment took him to Merrimack College, Andover, where he served as Director of Development from 1982 to 1994. During that time, he was a member of Holy Rosary Friary, Lawrence, and later of Saint Augustine Friary, North Andover. Beginning in 1994 he was assigned to Saint Augustine Friary, Andover, while engaged in parochial ministry and offering consultation for development to various parishes, schools, and agencies. Beginning in 2000 he served as Administrator at Saint Pius X Parish, Manchester, New Hampshire, and then as Pastor of Saint Mary Parish, Dover, New Hampshire. In October 2012 he was assigned to St. Augustine Parish, Troy, New York until declining health brought him to St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova, PA. 

In his final months he became a resident of Providence Place, Pottsville, near to his sister and members of his family. Father Fritz passed over to the Lord on Monday, September 28, 2020.

The skills which Father Fritz developed in business prior to his entry into the community became assets which he brought to ministry, particularly in his organizational and social work throughout his nearly 50 years of service.  

John J. Byrnes, O.S.A.

1926 – 2020 (May 8)

John Joseph Byrnes was born on March 20, 1926, in Milton, Massachusetts, the son of Thomas N. Byrnes and Mary McGill. He had two brothers and three sisters. John was baptized on April 18, 1926, at Sacred Heart Church, Quincy, and attended Francis Parker Grammar School, North Quincy, and North Quincy High School. He served in the Army Air Corps from 1944 until 1946, after which he attended the School of Saint Philip Neri for Delayed Vocations for one year. He then enrolled at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, as a postulant, and was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1948. Following formation at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, John professed simple vows on September 10, 1949. He attended Villanova College and received his BA in Philosophy in 1952, after which he was assigned to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, for theological studies for the next four years. While there he also received an MA in Geography from the Catholic University of America in 1956. John professed solemn vows on September 10, 1952 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 4, 1955, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop John McNamara.

Father Byrnes was assigned to teach at Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania from 1956 to 1965. In 1964, he received an MA in Education from Villanova University. From 1965 to 1968 he was assigned to Saint Mary’s Hall, the Augustinian Collegiate Formation House at Villanova, where he served as procurator and teacher. From 1968 to 1971 he was a member of Saint Thomas Monastery and served as the Director of the Seminary Guild and Director of the Augustinian Seculars. In 1971 he became a member of the preaching staff at Mount Augustine Retreat House, Staten Island, New York, but returned to Villanova University in 1973 as Dean of Students and dorm prefect while a member of Saint Thomas Monastery. In 1978, he served briefly at Saint Augustine Parish Troy, New York, and then was appointed pastor of Saint Laurence O’Toole Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts. From 1980 to 1982 he was pastor of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York, and in 1982-1983 was pastor of Saint Augustine Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts. From 1983 to 1997 he served at Saint Mary Parish, Waterford, New York. He then served at Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Dania Beach, Florida, (1997-1998). Father Byrnes was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1998 as associate pastor and served there until May 2016, when, at the age of 90, he retired to Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery.

Father John Byrnes was an affable friar, a zealous priest, and a loyal advocate for the Pro-Life movement. Until shortly before his death at 94 years of age, he continued to be an active member of the monastery community until debilitating health kept him confined to the community Health Care Facility. Always a devoted son of the Blessed Mother, he passed over to the Lord of natural causes, on May 8, 2020, the Feast of Our Lady of Grace, in the 70th year of his religious profession.

Thomas J. Meehan, O.S.A.

1952 – 2020 (April 20)

Thomas Joseph Meehan was born on September 7, 1952, in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Thomas J. Meehan and Helen A. Johnson. He was one of five sons and four daughters. Thom was baptized on September 28, 1952 at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, Philadelphia, PA. He attended Most Blessed Sacrament Parish School from 1958 to 1965, Saint Andrew Parish School, Drexel Hill, PA, from 1965 to 1966, and Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, from which he graduated in 1970. Thom matriculated at Villanova University where he obtained a BA in Education in 1974. He entered the Order as a novice that August, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY, he professed simple vows on August 23, 1975. He then went to Augustinian College in Washington, DC, where he attended the Washington Theological Union for theological studies and received the M.Div. degree. He was assigned to Saint LaurenceO’Toole Parish, Lawrence, MA, for pastoral ministry from 1978 to 1979 and professed solemn vows on December 12, 1979. After ordination to the diaconate, he served at Saint Mary Parish, Lawrence, MA. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 14, 1980 at Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Bryn Mawr, PA, by Bishop John McNabb, O.S.A., of the Diocese of Chulucanas, Peru.  

Father Thom was assigned to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, NY, as parochial vicar in 1980. In 1982 he was transferred to Austin Preparatory School, Reading, MA, where he served as school chaplain and teacher until 1987. He then served as parochial vicar at Saint Augustine Parish, Andover, MA, until 1992 when he was appointed to Saint Augustine Parish, Troy, NY, as parochial vicar for one year and pastor, from 1993 to 1998. In that latter year he was appointed pastor of Saint John Neumann Parish, Charlotte, NC. Father Thom was assigned to Saint Augustine Friary, Villanova, PA in January 2007 and in 2009, he was transferred to Saint Augustine Friary, Malvern, PA, where he became a member of the Malvern Prep Theology faculty. He was often called the students’ favorite teacher, as he made it a point to know every student well and was present at many of their extracurricular activities. Even after suffering a stroke in January 2018, he continued his teaching ministry which he only gave up reluctantly at the completion of the 2018 term. His mother, to whom he was very attentive, passed away in June of that year at the age of ninety.

Father Thom was assigned to Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery in July 2018. He was hospitalized in the Winter of 2020 where he underwent the amputation of his leg. He passed away on April 20, 2020 at Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care of Phoenixville Hospital. 

Gordon E. Marcellus, O.S.A.

1934 – 2020 (March 27)

Gordon Eugene Marcellus was born on March 2, 1934, in Greenfield Center, New York, the son of Artell Marcellus and Amelia Pero. He had two brothers and three sisters. He was baptized on March 26, 1941, at Saint John the Baptist Church, Schaghticoke, New York, and attended Schaghticoke Elementary School and Hoosick Valley Central High School, Valley Falls, NY, from which he graduated in 1950. He then worked on the New York Central Railroad from 1951 until 1953. Gordon entered Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, NY, as a postulant in 1953 and was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1954. After a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY, he professed simple vows on September 10, 1955 after which he attended Villanova University, and received his BA in Philosophy in 1959. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, and received his MA in Theology. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1958 and was ordained to the priesthood on February 9, 1963, by Bishop Edward Maginn, Ordinary of Albany, at Saint Augustine Church, Troy, NY.

Father Gordon was assigned in 1963 to Saint Joseph Friary where he taught at Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, PA. From 1968 to 1970, he was the Procurator of Saint Mary’s Hall, the Augustinian House of Formation at Villanova. He returned to Msgr. Bonner High School as the school’s business manager in 1970. From 1972 to 1974 he was the business manager for Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, PA. From 1974 to 1978 he was the Director of Province Planned-Giving, and from 1978 to 1988 Director of the Augustinian Seminary Guild. During this period, he was a member of the communities of Malvern, St. Joseph Friary, the Provincial House at Villanova, and Saint Augustine Friary, Villanova, successively. Father Gordon was then assigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Andover, Massachusetts in 1986 and returned to Msgr. Bonner High School, first as Principal in 1987, and then President in 1994. In 1997 he was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, and soon after to Saxony Hall, Rosemont, PA. He was appointed Director of Development for Villanova University in 1997, and Associate Director of Development for the Province, from 2006 until 2011. In 2010 he once again became a member of the Villanova Monastery community. In 2012 he formally retired from active ministry but continued as a frequent confessor for the retreatants at the Malvern Retreat House, as he had done during his many years in the Villanova area. Father Gordon was hospitalized briefly in March 2020 and, after several days at Bryn Mawr Terrace, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2020.

Father Gordon Marcellus’ contribution to the educational apostolate of the Province over many years was significant, as was his service on behalf of the Province’s own internal life. He was 86 years old at his death and 64 years a religious.

James G. Glennon, O.S.A.

1925 – 2019 (November 9)

James George Glennon was born on February 11, 1925, in Boston, Massachusetts, one of three sons and one daughter of John J. Glennon and Elizabeth Norton. He was baptized on March 1, 1925 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Boston, and attended Cheverus Grammar School, Jamaica Plains, and Mission High School, West Roxbury, graduating in 1943.

He spent a year as a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, and was received into the Augustinian Order as a novice on September 9, 1944. After a year at Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed simple vows on September 10, 1945. He then attended Villanova College, and received his BA in Philosophy in 1949. He professed solemn vows in the Order on September 10, 1948, and pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 9, 1952, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C., by Bishop John McNamara.

Father Jim was assigned as a teacher to Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, D.C., in 1953. From 1960 to 1962, he was assigned to Saint Mary Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts where he served as associate pastor. In 1962, he returned to the classroom at Monsignor Bonner High School and was assigned to Saint Joseph Friary, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. From 1976 to 1991, he taught at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine High School, Bronx, New York, where he served for a time as prior of the community as well.

Following 36 years in the education apostolate of the province, in 1991 Father Jim left academia and accepted an assignment to Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Dania Beach, Florida, where he served as associate pastor until 2007. In that latter year, he stepped down as associate pastor but continued as a member of the Augustinian community in Dania assisting in the ministry of the parish on a limited basis. In February 2009 Father moved to St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova, Pennsylvania where he remained until the time of his death. At Villanova, he took advantage of the opportunity for daily exercise at the University swimming pool well beyond his 90th year.

Father Jim was a faithful member of the province and a steadfast, quiet laborer in our education and parochial apostolates. In his last years, with the aid of his walker, he concelebrated the early morning Mass in the monastery chapel. He passed away during the early hours of November 9, 2019 following a brief illness. He was 94 years old, was professed for 74 years and was a priest for 67 years.

William M. Cleary, O.S.A.

1935 – 2019 (October 13)

Fr. William M. Cleary, O.S.A. was born on March 23, 1935, in Washington, DC, one of seven sons and three daughters of William F. Cleary and Mary V. Roche. He was baptized on April 4, 1935, at Holy Name Church, Washington, DC, and received his early education at Holy Name School from 1941 to 1947, and Saint Aloysius School from 1947 to 1949. He then attended Gonzaga High School, Washington, after which he was received into the Order at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York on September 9, 1953. He professed simple vows on September 10, 1954, and then attended Villanova University, where he received a BA in Philosophy. He made profession of solemn vows on September 10, 1957. He pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, from 1958 to 1962 and obtained his master’s degree. Bill was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1961, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop Philip Hannan.

Father Bill’s first assignments were to parishes of the Province: Saint Nicholas of Tolentine, Jamaica, New York, from 1962 to 1964; Our Lady of Good Counsel, Staten Island, New York, in 1964; Holy Rosary, Lawrence, Massachusetts, from 1964 to 1966; and Saint Mary, Lawrence, from 1966 to 1968. He was then assigned to Saint Joseph Friary where he taught at Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, and in 1972 was transferred briefly to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Atlantic City, New Jersey. From 1972 to 1975, he served in the California Province, and from 1975 to 1984 assisted in parishes in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. In 1984, he was assigned to Austin Friars Hall, Silver Spring, Maryland, and then to Saint John of Sahagun Friary, where he taught at Archbishop Carroll High School and pursued Canon Law studies at the Catholic University of America. He received the JCL degree in 1989 which he used particularly to offer assistance to married couples. From 1990 to 1993, he was assigned to the Collegio Santa Monica, Rome, Italy where he did further studies in Canon Law.

Father Bill returned to the United States in July 1993 and was assigned to the Austin Friars community in Silver Spring, Maryland until April 1997 when he became a member of the Cassiciacum Community in New Rochelle, New York, while working as a parochial vicar at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. In June 1999 he returned to the Austin Friars Community in Silver Spring, Maryland. In July 2004 Father Bill was named pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Andover, Massachusetts, where he remained until November of 2007.

He was then assigned to Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery, assisting in the Development Office of the Province until June of 2008 when he retired. For a number of years thereafter, he continued to assist in local parishes, until failing health impeded this service.

Father Bill passed away in his room at the monastery on Sunday morning, October 13, 2019 after a short period of hospice care. During his years in the health care unit he was noted for his cheerful good humor, engaging conversation and generous spirit.

Richard G. Cannuli, O.S.A.

1947 – 2019 (August 6)

Richard Gerald Cannuli, was born on February 2, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the only child of Anthony Cannuli and Marianna Naimoli. He was baptized on March 23, 1947 at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church, Philadelphia, attended the parish grade school and Bishop Neumann High School. He entered the Augustinian Program for Lay Brothers in New Hamburg, New York, on September 8, 1967, and was received as a novice on August 27, 1969. He professed simple vows on August 28, 1970 after which he attended Villanova University, which awarded him a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1973. He professed solemn vows on October 28, 1973 at Saint Rita Shrine, Philadelphia.   

Brother Richard was assigned in 1973 to Monsignor Bonner High School. In 1978, he was transferred to Mount Augustine Apostolic Center, Staten Island, New York, and pursued graduate studies at the Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, where he received a Master of Fine Arts degree. He returned to Saint Joseph Friary, Drexel Hill, and taught at Villanova University. In 1981, he was transferred to the Villanova Monastery, and in 1990, to Saint Thomas of Villanova Friary, Villanova.  

As he continued his religious journey, Brother Richard discerned a call to the priesthood.  He was ordained on October 30, 1999 at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, by Louis A. DeSimone, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia. In 2010, he was granted faculties to minister also within the Maronite Rite of the Church.

In 1985, he began formal training with a Master Iconographer and his icons were commissioned by parishes, communities and private individuals. One of these was presented to Pope Francis at the opening Mass of the Augustinian General Chapter of 2013 in Saint Augustine Church, Rome, Italy. Father Richard exhibited his works in foreign countries as well as throughout the United States, designing and working with a variety of media. One of his last projects was the design of a series of windows for Corr Chapel at Villanova. He generously enriched and enhanced the world for others through his artistry, lectures and workshops.

Father Richard was taken ill during the summer of 2019. His disease progressed very rapidly, resulting in his death at Saint Thomas Monastery in the early hours of Tuesday, August 6, 2019, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Father Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A., Prior Provincial celebrated the Funeral Liturgy at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church on Saturday, August 10, 2019 with Father Donald Reilly, O.S.A. as homilist. Father Richard is buried in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

Anthony M. Genovese, O.S.A.

1946 – 2019 (July 21)

Anthony Michael Genovese was born on October 27, 1946, on Staten Island, New York, the son of Anthony Genovese and Margaret McCloskey. He attended the Academy of Saint Dorothy from 1950 to 1954, and Saint Anne Parish School, from 1954 to 1959. In 1961 he enrolled at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, and was received into the Order of Saint Augustine as a novice on September 9, 1965. He professed simple vows at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York on September 10, 1966 and then attended Villanova University, where he received his BA in Philosophy in 1970. He pursued theological studies at the Washington Theological Union from 1970 until 1973 and professed solemn vows on October 12, 1970. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 16, 1973, at Our Mother of Consolation Church, Chestnut Hill, PA., by Bishop Walter Sullivan, Bishop of Richmond, Virginia. 

Father Mickey was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York, as parochial assistant. From there, he coordinated The Marriage Encounter Movement on Staten Island, New York. In 1977, he was assigned to Assumption/Saint Paul Parish, Mechanicville, New York, first as parochial assistant, and then as pastor, from 1978 to 1983. In 1983, he returned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York, as pastor, where he served on various community boards, and in 1986, was elected Chair of the Board of the University Heights Development Corporation. 

In September 1986, Father Mickey was appointed Pastor of Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish, Villanova. As pastor, he oversaw the complete renovation of the campus church in 1993. From 1994 to 2006, he preached parish renewals and workshops around the United States with the theme: “Believe the Good News…We Are Loved.” In 2006, he was appointed prior of Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, with responsibility for the health care of the elder and infirm friars of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova.

Father Mickey was elected Prior Provincial of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova, on February 18, 2010, and was installed in this office on June 16th, during the Ordinary Provincial Chapter. Following the Provincial elections of 2014, he retired due to health concerns and continued to reside at Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery, where he died suddenly on Sunday, July 21, 2019.

Father Mickey’s physical stature and booming voice, which he used to great advantage in his preaching ministry, were never able to conceal his warm and outgoing personality, nor a heart motivated by devotion and care especially for the weak and needy. He passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 21, 2019 in his room at Saint Thomas Monastery, after several years of declining health and repeated surgeries.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated on July 25, 2019 in Saint Thomas of Villanova Church by Father Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A., Prior Provincial. Father Gary McCloskey, O.S.A., Father Mickey’s cousin, was the homilist. Burial took place the following morning in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

John F. McAtee, O.S.A.

1940 – 2019 (May 21)

John Francis McAtee was born on January 26, 1940, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Francis A. McAtee and Dorothy Johnson, and was baptized on February 11, 1940, at Transfiguration Church. He attended Saint Alice Parish School, Upper Darby, Saint Cyril Parish School, E. Lansdowne and, from 1953 to 1957, Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill. He was received into the Order as a novice on September 9, 1957, and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed simple vows on September 10, 1958. He then attended Villanova University, and received his BA in Philosophy in 1962. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1961, and was sent to Collegio Santa Monica, Rome, for his theological education, where he received the STL. He was ordained in the chapel of Santa Monica on February 12, 1966 by Cardinal Amleto Cicognani.

Father Jack was assigned to teach at Archbishop Carroll High School for one year. In 1967 he volunteered for the Province’s mission in Japan and attended language school in Tokyo before being appointed in 1969 associate pastor of Saint Monica Parish, Nagoya. In 1971 he was assigned as associate pastor at Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Nagasaki, where he also taught religion and English in the parochial school. In 1979, Father Jack was named pastor of Saint Augustine Church, Tokyo, and in 1981, pastor of Saint Monica Parish, Nagoya. In 1982, he was appointed pastor and teacher in Nagasaki and served in those roles until 1983. He remained in Nagasaki as head of the Sei Maria School, however until 1989. From 1989 to 1993 he was assigned to Fukuoka, as associate pastor of Saint Augustine Parish and headmaster of the kindergarten.

In 1993, after 25 years in Japan, Father Jack returned to the United States and was assigned to campus ministry at Villanova University. From 1993 to 1998, and again from 2007 to 2009, he was a member of the Saint Augustine Friary Community, and from 1998 to 2006 was prior of Saint Thomas Monastery. In 2006 he was assigned to Saxony Hall, Rosemont. With a missionary heart still active and alert, he volunteered for the mission in South Africa and served there from 2009 to 2014. In April 2014 he returned to the United States and was assigned to Saint Augustine Friary, Villanova. On July 20, 2015, he was transferred to Saint Mary’s Friary in Waterford, New York, as parochial vicar for Saint Mary’s and Saint Augustine Parish, Troy.

Father Jack passed away suddenly at Saint Mary’s Friary on May 21, 2019. He had been a certified acupressure practitioner since 1995 and a Tai Chi practitioner and teacher since 1997. He could often be seen practicing Tai Chi, to the surprise and pleasure of passersby, on the lawn outside the communities where he lived.

A Requiem Mass was celebrated at Saint Mary’s, Waterford, on Saturday, May 25, 2019. Prior Provincial Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A. was celebrant of the Funeral Mass at Villanova on Tuesday, May 28, 2019. Father Liam O’Doherty, O.S.A. was homilist. Burial followed in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

George P. Magee, O.S.A.

1940 – 2019 (April 7)

George Patrick Magee was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, on December 22, 1940, the youngest of three children of James Cyril Magee and Catherine Louise Starkey. He was baptized at Saint Coleman’s Church, Ardmore, Pennsylvania and attended Saint Coleman’s Elementary School, Wynnewood Road Elementary School and Ardmore Junior High School. George entered Archbishop Prendergast High School for Boys, later renamed Monsignor Bonner High School, graduating in 1958. In 1959, George became a post-graduate student at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. He entered Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York in 1959, professing simple vows on September 10, 1960. Following profession, he undertook philosophical studies at Villanova University and received his BA in 1964. On September 10th of that year he professed solemn vows. Following theological studies in Washington, D.C., he received an MA from Catholic University in 1969. George was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1968 at Saint Denis Church, Havertown, Pennsylvania by Bishop Joseph Mary Yuen, DD.

In 1968 Father Magee was assigned to Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, D.C. In 1973 he was transferred to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine High School, Bronx, New York, where he was also sub-prior of the community. Subsequent assignments were to Mount Augustine Retreat House, Staten Island, Assumption Parish, Mechanicville, Saint Laurence O’Toole Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts, Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, Dania, Florida, Saint Rita Parish, Philadelphia, and Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Hollywood, California. From 1981 to 1987, he was stationed at Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova. Following a brief leave of absence, he was assigned in 1988 to Saint Joseph Friary at Msgr. Bonner High School. In 1992 he returned to Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova.

Father Magee received an MS degree from Biscayne College in 1977 and an SC. D from Northeastern College. As a certified addictions specialist, he held positions in both California, and Pennsylvania. He was also a criminal justice specialist at the Community Outreach Center, Philadelphia, and directed a private practice in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.

Father Magee loved story-telling, genealogy and all things Italian, especially Italian cuisine. His listening skills drew many people to him and his attention toward those who struggled to find purpose in life was an important concern of his ministry.

In March 2019 Father George was hospitalized for a brief time and then began rehabilitation. He suffered cardiac arrest on Sunday morning, April 7, 2019 and died in Einstein Montgomery Medical Center, East Norriton, PA. His Funeral Mass was offered by Prior Provincial Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A. on April 12, 2019.  Father Francis Devlin, O.S.A. preached the homily. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

Father George is survived by his sister Joan Marie DiBerardino and her family.

Alfred J. Ellis, O.S.A.

1933 – 2019 (April 4)

Alfred J. Ellis was born on December 8, 1933, in Carthage, New York, the son of Toufic Ellis and Angèle Hobeiche. He had two sisters and three brothers, one of whom, Kail C. Ellis, is also a member of our Province. Al was baptized in Saint James the Minor Church, Carthage, New York, and his elementary and high School education took place at the Augustinian Academy, Carthage. Al entered the Order as a novice in 1954 and after a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, professed simple vows on September 10, 1955. He then went to Villanova University where he received a BA in Philosophy in 1959. He professed Solemn Vows on September 10, 1958, and pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, receiving an MA in Religious Education in 1963. He was ordained to the priesthood on February 9, 1963, at the Saint James the Minor Parish, Carthage, by Bishop Stanislaus Brzana.

In September 1963, Father Al was assigned to Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Jamaica, New York. From 1964 to 1968, he ministered at Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, New York. In August 1968 he was assigned to Holy Rosary Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts and the following year to Saint Mary Parish, in the same city. In August 1971 he was appointed director of novices at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, and afterwards from 1975 to 1979 served in his home parish of Saint James the Minor Church, Carthage. From 1979 to 1985 he was assigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Troy, New York, and the following year was a member of the formation team at Good Counsel Novitiate, Lawrence. When the novitiate was relocated to Racine, Wisconsin, in 1986, Father Al moved to Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery, North Andover, Massachusetts. In 1988 he was assigned to Assumption/Saint Paul Parish, Mechanicville, New York, where he served until 1991 and then at Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, New York. From here he was assigned to Saint Augustine Parish, Andover, Massachusetts beginning in 1993.

Father Al volunteered for ministry in the Province’s foreign missions in Botha Hill, South Africa in 2005 and remained there until 2008. He returned to the United States and served once again at Saint Augustine Parish, Troy. On December 14, 2011, he retired to Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova.

Father Al Ellis was a gentle man who often displayed a playful spirit in the company of his fellow friars. He was precise, orderly, prayerful and responsible in all of his duties and in his retirement years in the Villanova Monastery enjoyed the companionship of his religious brothers and the attentiveness of the nursing staff. He passed away on Thursday evening, April 4, 2019. He was 85 years old and was a professed member of the Order for 63 years and a priest for 56 years. His Funeral Mass was offered on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at Saint Thomas Church, Villanova. Father Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A. was celebrant and Father Kail Ellis, O.S.A. preached the homily. Father Al was buried at Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

Brian S. Lowery, O.S.A.

1941 – 2019 (February 23)

Brian Sylvester Lowery was born on October 24, 1941, in Philadelphia, PA, the son of Sylvester J. Lowery and Patricia Galen. He was baptized on November 30, 1941, at Saint Athanasius Church, Philadelphia and attended Melrose Academy, Melrose Park, PA from 1946 to 1949, and Waldron Academy, Merion, PA from 1949 until 1955. He then attended Malvern Preparatory School from which he graduated in 1959. After one year of studies at the University of Pennsylvania, he was received as a novice on September 9, 1960 and following his year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY, professed simple vows on September 10, 1961. He then began studies at Villanova University and received a BA degree in Philosophy in 1964, after which he pursued theological studies at the Augustinian Patristic Institute, Rome, and received an STL in 1968. He had professed solemn vows on September 10, 1964 in Rome and was ordained to the priesthood in the chapel of the Collegio Santa Monica, Rome, on December 16, 1967 by Amleto Cardinal Cicognani. Following ordination, he continued graduate studies in Rome at the Pontifical Oriental Institute from 1968 until 1972. 

In 1972, Father Brian returned to the United States and was assigned to Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery and taught at Merrimack College, North Andover, MA, until 1974, He then was appointed Director of Formation at Augustinian College, Washington, DC. In 1979, he returned to Rome as prior of the Collegio Santa Monica. During his term of office, he oversaw the renovation of the collegio, defended his dissertation and was awarded an STD by the Gregorian University in 1985. In 1987, he returned to the United States and to Merrimack College where he was engaged in campus ministry. During the General Chapter of 1989, he was elected General Counselor and took up residence in the Augustinian General Curia, Rome, until the completion of his term in 1995.

In 1995, Father Brian was instrumental in the conversion of the friary of Sant’Agostino in San Gimignano, Italy, into a house of hospitality and retreat. He was to remain there for the rest of his life, welcoming friars and lay men and women for periods of rest, recollection and renewal. Other friars joined him in this ministry from various circumscriptions of the Order. Father Brian was also heavily engaged in preaching retreats on Augustinian themes, particularly on the Confessions of Saint Augustine. 

On February 23, 2019 Father Brian Lowery, after an extended stay in the Clinic Villa del Rosario, Rome, suffered heart failure and passed over to the Lord. His funeral was held on Monday afternoon, February 25th in San Gimignano, Italy. A Memorial Mass offered at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, on March 9, 2019. He is buried in Calvary Cemetry, West Conshohocken.

Father Brian is survived by a sister, Fiona Foster, and her family.

Walter J. Quinn, O.S.A.

1930 – 2019 (January 15)

Walter James Quinn was born on August 8, 1930, in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania, one of two sons and a daughter of Walter J. Quinn and Anna Haas. He was baptized at Saint Charles Borromeo Church, Drexel Hill, PA, and attended both Saint Charles and Saint Andrew Parish Schools. He entered West Catholic High School, Philadelphia, and later the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he obtained a BS in Economics. He served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, during the Korean War. Once discharged from the service, he worked as a salesman before entering Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York on September 9, 1955. He professed simple vows on September 10, 1956 and then attended Villanova University for Philosophical studies and, in 1958, moved to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, where he obtained an MA in Religious Education. He also pursued Graduate Studies in International Law at the Catholic University of America. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1959, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1961, at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop Philip Hannan.

Father Quinn’s first assignment was to Saint John Sahagun Friary, Washington, DC. He then served in parochial ministry as an associate pastor at Our Mother of Consolation Parish, Chestnut Hill, PA from 1963 to 1968; Saint Genevieve Parish, Flourtown, PA from 1968 to 1975; Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York, for the year 1977-1978; Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish, Rosemont, PA from 1979 to 1982; Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, New York, 1982 until 1985; and Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Atlantic City, New Jersey, from 1985 until 1990. Twice during his years in parochial ministry, Father Quinn served as pastor: first as Immaculate Conception Parish, Hoosick Falls, New York, from 1975 until 1977; and from 1990 until 1997 at Saint Augustine Parish, Philadelphia. In that latter year Father volunteered to assist the Canadian Province and was stationed at Saint Augustine Monastery, in the town of Monastery, Nova Scotia. He then returned to Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, for one year as associate pastor.

In 1999, Father Quinn was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, and began full-time work with Priests for Life. In this ministry he traveled throughout the United States visiting Catholic and Protestant grade schools, high schools, colleges, church groups, chanceries, and parishes promoting and defending all life issues. In his years at Saint Thomas Monastery, Father Quinn found great pleasure in painting, through which he exercised a long-hidden talent and added to the collection of Augustinian artists whose works adorn the monastery corridor walls.

Father Quinn passed away on January 15, 2019 at Villa Saint Joseph, Flourtown, where he was undergoing rehabilitation following surgery. He was 88 years of age and was a professed member of the Order for 62 years, a priest for 57 years.

Michael R. Scuderi, O.S.A.

1966 – 2018 (September 27)

Michael Ralph Scuderi was born on October 6, 1966, in Darby, Pennsylvania, the older of two sons and one daughter of Samuel F. Scuderi and Carmel Ann Brescia. He was baptized at Saint Charles Borromeo Church, Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, on October 30, 1966 and attended Evans Elementary School, Yeadon, Pa., Yeadon Junior High School and Haverford High School. He studied at Villanova University from 1985-1989 where he earned a degree in Commerce and Finance, specializing in Marketing. During that time, he worked, first as manager at a pizzeria, then in the accounting department of a medical systems company in Malvern, Pa., and finally for Mercy Health Systems in Darby, Pa.

Michael entered the pre-novitiate program of the Province at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. where he began studies at the Washington Theological Union. He was received into the Order as a novice on August 15th, 2002, in Racine, Wisconsin. After completing his novitiate year, he professed simple vows on August 10, 2003 at Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova.

Following profession, he continued his theological studies in Washington until 2007. He professed solemn vows on October 4th of that year, and completed his MDiv degree in Chicago, Illinois, at Chicago Theological Union. He was ordained to the priesthood on October 24, 2009, at Saint Rita of Cascia Shrine, Philadelphia, by Bishop Louis De Simone, an Affiliate of the Order and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Father Scuderi was assigned in April of 2009 as parochial vicar at Saint Rita of Cascia Parish and Shrine and was appointed treasurer of the local community. Due to health concerns, he was transferred to Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova, on August 1, 2015. While there, he continued his priestly ministry with the Handicapped Encounter Christ Group (HEC), assisting in vocational ministry and celebrating Mass at the Holy Child Convent for retired and infirm Sisters of the Holy Child.   

For almost the entirety of his life, Father Michael suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and was in constant pain. Possessed of a strong will, much patience and a strong religious attitude, he nonetheless strove to live and to minister with a positive spirit and good humor and in this way was a source of encouragement to many others.

Following innumerable hospitalizations, procedures and operations, Father Michael passed over to the Lord in the early hours of September 27, 2018 at Bryn Mawr Hospital, surrounded by his parents and siblings. He was 51 years old and had been a professed religious for fifteen years and a priest for eight. He was survived by his parents, a brother and a sister and many nieces and nephews.

 Father Michael’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday evening, October 1, 2019 in Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova by Father Joseph Farrell, O.S.A., Vicar General, the brother of Father Michael’s brother-in-law. Father Joseph Genito, O.S.A. preached the homily. Burial took place the following morning in the Augustinian Plot of Clavary Cemetery, West Conshohocken.

Robert M. Burke, O.S.A.

1927 – 2018 (September 20)

Robert Martin Burke was born on April 18, 1927, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the son of Thomas A. Burke and Violet Marshall, and was baptized on February 25, 1934 in Saint James Church, Ventnor, New Jersey. He had one brother and two sisters. He attended Saint James Parochial School, Ventnor, from 1933 until 1941, and Holy Spirit High School, Atlantic City, from 1941 until 1945. He then entered the United States Navy and served fourteen months until 1946. Following his discharge from the service, he entered Villanova College and studied civil engineering for three years. In 1950, he applied to the Order and was received as a novice on September 9, 1950. Upon completion of his year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed vows on September 10, 1951, and returned to Villanova College where he completed his BS in Physics in June 1952. He then went to Augustinian College, Washington, DC, for theological studies. He professed solemn vows on September 10, 1954, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 4, 1955, at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, DC, by Bishop John McNamara. He earned an MS degree in Physics from the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, in 1954, and later completed a BS degree in Civil Engineering from Villanova University in 1959.

Father Burke’s first assignment was to Msgr. Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, where he taught from 1956 to 1959. He then taught at Villanova University until 1963 when he returned to Msgr. Bonner High School. In 1974, he was appointed Assistant Director of Admissions and professor at Villanova University. He was assigned to teach at Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, Pennsylvania during the academic year, 1980-1981, and then to the Augustinian community of Casa San Lorenzo, Miami, Florida, where he worked in Admissions at Biscayne College. In 1988, Father Burke was appointed treasurer at Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery, Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts, where he worked also in the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. From 1995 to 1996, while continuing his ministry at Merrimack College, he resided at Saint Augustine Parish, Lawrence, Massachusetts, and then returned to Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery, Merrimack. In 2003, Father Burke was assigned to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova. Despite multiple cancer surgeries, and a severe hearing impairment in his later years, he maintained a very positive attitude and friendly demeanor, and was an avid fan of Villanova and professional sports.

Father Burke passed away in the late afternoon of Thursday, September 20, 2018, at Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, having faithfully served in the educational apostolate of the Province for the entirety of his active ministry. He died at 91 years of age, in the 67th year of his religious profession and the 63rd of priesthood. His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday evening, September 24, 2018 in Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, PA., by Father Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A., Prior Provincial. Father James Wenzel, O.S.A. preached the homily. Father Burke was buried the following morning in the Augustinian Plot of Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

Michael J. Scanlon, O.S.A.

1937 – 2018 (August 26)

Michael Joseph Scanlon was born on August 1, 1937, in New York, New York, one of three sons and one daughter of Michael J Scanlon and Christine Costello. He was baptized on August 22, 1937 at Saint Anthony Church, Bronx, New York, and attended Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parochial School there from 1943 until 1951. He then enrolled in Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, as a postulant for the Order. He was received as a novice on September 9, 1955, and following a year at Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, New York, he professed simple vows on September 10, 1956. He then attended Villanova University from which he received a BA degree in Philosophy in 1960. While at Villanova, he professed solemn vows in the Order on September 10, 1959. Michael pursued theological studies at the Catholic University of America and obtained the STL in 1964 and the STD in 1969. He was ordained to the priesthood on February 1, 1964 at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church, Bronx, by Bishop John McGuire, Auxiliary of New York.

Father Scanlon’s first assignment was as teacher of Latin at Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, DC. In 1965 he was assigned to Augustinian College, Washington, where he taught theology for three years until he became a founding faculty member of the Washington Theological Coalition, (later, renamed the Washington Theological Union), a school of theology formed to educate students from several religious communities in the area. While continuing in this ministry until 1992, he was assigned in 1977 to the community at Austin Friars Hall, adjacent to Augustinian College. During the year 1988-1989, Father Scanlon was President of the Catholic Theological Society of America. In 1992, he was appointed the Josephine C. Connelly Professor of Christian Theology at Villanova University, first as a member of Saint John Stone Friary, from 1992 until 2005, then Bellesini Friary, Villanova, until 2008, when he returned once more to Saint John Stone Friary. Because of declining health, he requested in 2012 a transfer to Saint Thomas Monastery, Villanova, where he remained until his death on August 26, 2018, in the 61st year of his religious profession and the 54th of priesthood.

Father Scanlon was often called upon to give theological talks and contribute to journals and conferences in his field. His most significant contribution, however, was to the theological education of countless religious and lay students throughout his ministry, especially during his 27 years in Washington, DC. Many of his former students, when encountering an Augustinian, speak glowingly of the influence, during their years of study, of Father Scanlon, and his confrere, close friend, and colleague, Father Edmund Dobbin, O.S.A.

Father Scanlon’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday morning, August 31, 2018 in Saint Thomas of Villanova Church, Villanova, PA. by Father Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A., Prior Provincial. Father Kail Ellis, O.S.A. was homilist. Father Scanlon was interred in his family’s grace in Calvary Cemetery, West Conshohocken, PA.

Jerome Bevilacqua, O.S.A.

1937 –          (December 11)

It is with no small blend of sadness mixed with gratitude and joy that the Augustinian Province of St. Augustine in California announces the death of our brother, Rev. Jerome Bevilacqua O.SA. He died December 11th from the ravages of Alzheimer's disease.

Fr. Jerry was born in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania on August 3, 1937 to Jerome Bevilacqua and Florence (Pinko) Bevilacqua. He was the first of the five Bevilacqua children, including Dale, Frances, David, and Marcia.

Just before becoming a teenager, Fr. Jerry's parents moved their family to San Diego. He graduated from St. John of the Cross School in 1952. Later that year he was introduced to the Augustinians when he entered St. Augustine 's High School. Not long after his graduation, he entered the Augustinian novitiate and professed vows in 1958. He made a solemn profession of vows (life commitment) on February 1, 1961. He was ordained a priest on January 30, 1965.

Jerry loved to learn and always found books to be among his favorite companions. He graduated from Villanova University in 1961, and Augustinian College in 1965. In addition to his love for theology, Fr. Jerry specialized in Library Science.

In the first four years after his ordination, Fr. Jerry ministered as a high school teacher (Villanova Preparatory and St. Augustine's) and parish priest (St. Thomas Aquinas in Ojai.) It was while he was on a year-long retreat (1969-70) at a hermitage in Palestine, Texas that his call to be both a contemplative and an evangelizer was nurtured and affirmed by his Augustinian superiors. In the forty-five years that followed, his ministry led him to an almost continual weekly bible class, the establishment of a retreat and contemplation center at Tierra del Sol, a focus on the healing and (eventual) deliverance ministries, and a spiritual director for a countless number of people. 

Liturgical services for Fr. Jerry will take place on Friday morning, December 16th at St. Patrick's Church in San Diego. A Rosary will be recited at 10:00. The funeral mass will begin at 10:30. Following the liturgy, the burial will take place at Holy Cross cemetery.

Please include in your prayers Fr. Jerry, his sister, nieces and nephews, his caregivers at Stellar Care and Apreva Hospice, the Augustinian family, and all those who ministered with and to him.