Most of you have probably heard that Deacon John passed away earlier this week at the age of 99.
He was ordained to the Permanent Deaconate by Terence Cardinal Cooke at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on February 11, 1978, and served his beloved St. Paul’s congregation for more than 40 years.
Some will remember him as the officiant at a wedding or baptism; others recall comfort provided as they faced an illness or the death of a love one. But most will never forget his great big bear hugs accompanied by the words “God love you.” For all these reasons, the sign above the entrance to the parish hall, installed years ago, bears his name.
Visitation will take place from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, December 26, at St. Paul’s R.C. Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 27, at St. Paul’s. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Middletown.
