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Fairhaven Cemetery Records

Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery Obituaries

Father Michael Anthony (Dominic) Annunziato

Father Michael Anthony (Dominic) Annunziato, ss.cc., an ordained member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary- United States Province, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2015. At his bedside were his sister Elaine and her husband George and three of his SSCC Brothers.

Father Mike, who would have celebrated his 88th birthday on March 21, was born in Providence, Rhode Island. The second of five children, he was the son of Michelangelo and Angelina (Greco) Annunziato. He is survived by his sister, Elaine (Annunziato) Oldfield and her husband George of Raynham, MA and Helena (Fraga) Annunziato of Taunton, MA; 11 nieces and nephews and 13 grandnieces and grandnephews. He was pre-deceased by his three brothers, John, Amalio and Rev. Msgr. Armando Annunziato of the Fall River Diocese.

Fr. Mike has been a member of the Congregation for over 60 years, having entered the novitiate in 1946 at the age of 19. He followed in the path of his uncle Rev. Amalio Greco SAC who was also a missionary priest. After his ordination in Washington DC in 1953, he was assigned to the Province Mission in Mito, Ibaraki, Japan. For the next fourteen years, he served in various capacities helping to administer parishes in Shimodate, Hitachi, Yamagata, Tomobe and Yonezawa and mastering the Japanese language.

In 1968, he returned to the East Coast Province in Fairhaven and for a short time was the administrator at the St. Anthony Parish in Mattapoisett. Early in 1969 brought Fr. Mike to Texas where he was assigned as associate pastor at Queen of Peace Parish in Harlingen. He remained there for eight years before being asked to become pastor of Our Lady of Angels and its five mission churches in La Joya, Texas. Once again he mastered a third language becoming fluent in Spanish and thoroughly enjoying the Texas culture - and its food! After remaining in La Joya for ten years, he returned to Queen of Peace as pastor for three years before accepting his final assignment as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Edinburg, Texas in 1990, retiring from there in 2005 to return to Damien Residence in Fairhaven.

He especially loved spending his retirement time visiting with his sister Elaine, and her family and was particularly boastful of his great nieces Angela and Christine and great nephew, Michael. Fr. Mike still has ties to both his birth town with several cousins in Providence, Cranston and Smithfield, Rhode Island.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated for Father Michael at St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on Monday, January 19, 2015 at 10:00 AM followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery.

Rev. George R. Arsenault

A solemn high mass of requiem for the Rev. George R. Arsenault, SS.CC., who died suddenly February 9 in Glendora, Calif., was sung last Thursday morning at St. Joseph's Church here. Burial was in the Sacred Hearts Monastery cemetery.

Brother Arsenault took his first vows in the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in 1958 and his final vows in 1961. He served in Fairhaven, Jaffrey, NH., and Washington, D.C., before his assignment to Glendora.

Born in Tewsbury, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Arsenault, now of Dover, who survive him.

Standard Times Newspaper Feb. 20, 1964

Rev. Stanislaus Albert Bernard

The Most Rev. James L. Connolly, D.D., bishop of Fall River, was the celebrant of a solemn pontifical high mass of requiem Monday morning for the Rev. Stanislaus Albert Bernard, 85, chaplain of Sacred Hearts academy and one of the founders of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Father Stanislaus died Thursday at St. Luke's Hospital, New Bedford, after a short illness. He was admitted to the hospital the preceding evening.

One of three priest of the order sent to this country in 1905 at the request of the late Bishop Stang, Father Stanislaus was the first pastor of St. Joseph's Church here, and said the first masses in Phoenix Hall. Later services were held in the present monastery and in the parochial school.

The present church ediface was erected during Father Stanislaus' pastorate. He served as pastor of the church, the mother church of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in America, until 1944, when failing health compelled him to retire from parish work. He resumed the chaplaincy of the academy at that time.

After his arrival here he served as the first pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Church, New Bedford. He celebrated the first mass there, and was the celebrant of the last mass in the old building in 1957 when a new church was dedicated. He also served as prior of Sacred Hearts Monastery here and as chaplain of the former leper colony on Penikese Island, emulating the most famous member of his order, Father Damien.

A native of Allerton, Luxembourg, Father Stanislaus was professed in the order in 1896 and in 1902 was ordained to the priesthood at Louvain, Belgium. Before coming to the United States, he taught and served in the parishes in the Netherlands, Portugal and England.

During his service here, Father Stanislaus saw the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in this country grow from three priests to 243 priests, brothers and novices in 47 seminaries, missions and parishes. He would have observed the 60th anniversary of his ordination next year.

Fairhaven Star Newspaper Feb. 23, 1961

Father Thaddeus Bouhuysen

A concelebrated Mass of Requim will be offered on Friday morning at 10 in St. Joseph's Church, Fairhaven for the repose of the soul of the late Rev. Thaddeus Bouhuysen, SS.CC., who died Tuesday morning at the Sacred Hearts Fathers Seminary in Jaffrey, N.H.

He was pastor of Holy Trinity Church, West Harwich from 1939 to 1952.

The Anchor Sept. 11, 1969

Father John J. Brennan

Rev. John J. Brennan, pastor of St. Joseph Church in Fairhaven from 1964 to 1974 and of Holy Redeemer Church in Chatham from 1974 until his retirement in 1984, died yesterday at St. Lukes Hospital, New Bedford. He was 80 and lived in Fairhaven.

Born in Corrintra, County Monaghan, Ireland, Father Brennan was ordained in 1950 in Washington.

He served as pastor of Holy Redeemer for nine years before going to St. Joseph.

Father Brennan leaves a brother, Anthony, of England; and two sisters, Gertrude Chapman and Winifred, of Ireland.

A funeral Mass will be said tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Church. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Fairhaven.

Boston Globe Newspaper Mar 26, 1991

Rev. Jeremiah (John) Casey

FAIRHAVEN -- Rev. Jeremiah (John) Casey, SS.CC., 75, died suddenly Monday, May 6, 1996. He was the son of the late Jeremiah and Ellen (Kelly) Casey.

A native of Brighton, he joined the Sacred Hearts Congregation in 1948 and was professed in 1949 at the Novitiate in Fairhaven. He was ordained to the priesthood at the Immaculate Conception Shrine, Washington, D.C., in 1954.

He was the director of the Damien Residence retirement facility of the Sacred Hearts Community.

Father Casey served his community as procurator at the Monastery in Fairhaven and at the Jaffrey, N.H., Seminary. He was pastor of St. Francis deSales parish at Abaco in the Bahamas.

Assignments in the Fall River Diocese included Holy Redeemer Church, Chatham, St. Anthony Church in , and St. Mary Church, Fairhaven, as assistant pastor.

Father Casey was pastor of Sacred Hearts in Fairhaven and Our Lady of Lourdes in Wellfleet. He also was the director of Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham. His previous assignment, prior to coming to Fairhaven, was as parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Church in Edinburg, Texas.

He was a World War II Army veteran and served in India as a sergeant. He was a member and former chaplain of the Damien Council, 4190 Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include a sister, Mary Glennon, a nephew, three nieces, four great nephews and nine great nieces.

Standard Times Newspaper May 8, 1996

Father Henry Robert Creighton

Boston--The Rev. Henry Robert Creighton, SS.CC., 82, of Fairhaven died Wednesday, March 17, 2004, while undergoing emergency dialysis at New England Medical Center.

Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Henry and Margaret (Brow) Creighton. He was a member of Saint Peter and Paul Church in Fall River until he entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary on Sept. 3, 1942.

Christened Robert, he assumed his father's name upon profession of his religious vows on Sept. 14, 1943.

The Rev. Creighton studied for the priesthood at Sacred Hearts Seminary in Washington, D.C. He was ordained a priest on June 7, 1949, by Archbishop O'Boyle.

Throughout his religious life, the Rev. Creighton served the church and congregation as parochial vicar, pastor novice master, local superior, procurator and provincial councilor. Locally, he served at St. Mary's and the former Sacred Hearts parishes in Fairhaven and St. Anthony's Church in New Bedford. He spent his retirement at the Damien Residence on Adams Street in Fairhaven since 1996.

He was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus and maintained membership in several Knights councils, including Father Damien (charter member); Bishop Cassidy General Assembly; past Faithful Friar Mission, San Gabriel Assembly, Calif.; Father Maguire Council, Covina, Calif.; and Conshohocken, PA.

The Rev. Creighton was a student of public oratory and earned a master of art s and doctorate of arts-oratory from Stanley College in Brookline.

For several years, he was a Catholic hospital chaplain in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and earned certification as chaplain-supervisor for general health care facilities from the Catholic Conference in Washington, D.C.

Survivors include his cousins, Thomas F. Burke of Fall River and Sister Joseph Teresa Corcoran, Order of Carmelites; and the priest, brothers, sisters and secular branch of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, SS.CC.

His Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph's Church, Fairhaven, followed by burial in Sacred Hearts Fathers Cemetery, Fairhaven,

Standard Times Newspaper, March 18, 2004

Father Richard Czerwien

The Rev. Richard Czerwien sscc, 65 died unexpectedly, Saturday, May 19, 2007, after a brief stay at Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen, Texas. The son of the late Catherine and Casimir Czerwien, Father Richard is mourned by his sister Elaine A. King of Bethesda, Maryland, and two brothers Gerard Czerwien of Chicago, Illinois, and Arthur Czerwien of Pensacola, Florida.

Father Czerwien entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in 1978 and attended Washington Theological Union, earning a Masters Degree in Pastoral Theology. He was ordained in 1983. Before making his religious profession, he earned an undergraduate Business degree and CPA and went on to earn a Masters in Science Education. He was a grammar school science teacher in Chicago, Illinois. In addition, he taught at St. Walter's Parish Grammar School and was known for his willingness to provide support to students who struggled academically.

Father Czerwien served in the diocese of Rochester, NY; Fall River, Mass.; and Brownsville, Texas. In Rochester, where he interned at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish prior to his ordination, he founded St. Peter's Kitchen in 1981. This ministry, continues its significant work today through the strong volunteer base established early on by Father Czerwien. Later, from 1984 to 1988, he was pastor at Sts. Peter and Paul.

In the time he served in the Diocese of Fall River, he is remembered for his active participation in parish life at St. Joseph's Parish in Fairhaven, where he especially enjoyed his involvement in religious education. While he served in the Diocese of Brownsville, he assisted young people who were incarcerated. In this ministry, he not only shared his pastoral presence but also his encouragement to those he sustained to complete their high school studies by enrolling in the GED program that was available.

After a wake and Funeral Liturgy, attended by over 300 people, at Queen of Peace Parish in Harlingen, Texas, where Father Czerwien served, his body was brought back to Damien Residence and and his Mass of Christian burial was on Saturday, May 26, 2007 at St. Joseph's Church, Fairhaven, Mass., followed by burial in the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts Cemetery.

Hathaway Funeral Homes Online Obituary May 19, 2007

Father William B. Davis

October 09, 1919 - March 13, 2007

FAIRHAVEN - The Rev. William B. Davis, SS.CC., died at the Sacred Heart Home in New Bedford, on Tuesday, March 13, 2007. Born in Rochester, NY, October 9, 1919, the son of William B. and Julia (Livings) Davis. Father Davis entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SS.CC.) in 1938, after attending St. Salome's Elementary School and St. Andrew's Seminary in Rocherster, NY. He was ordained May 18, 1944, at Holy Trinity Chapel in Washington DC.

Father Davis studied Canon Law at Catholic University in 1945 and received his licentiate in 1947. Serving the Church and his community in a number of capacities, he is primarily remembered as an educator, having taught generations of seminarians. In 1950 he was appointed Superior of the Congregation's seminary in Washington, DC, which under his leadership moved to Queen of Peace Seminary in Jaffrey, NH.

In September 1967, at the request of the late Bishop Fulton J. Sheen of the Diocese of Rochester, Father Davis became the first religious pastor of the inner city parish, Saints Peter and Paul, where he remained until 1972. He then served until 1977 at Holy Trinity Church in West Harwich, MA, with a mission parish in Dennisport, MA.

Throughout his years as a vowed religious and priest, Father Davis served his community in leadership positions for more than a decade, first as vicar provincial. In January 1977 he was elected provincial. Traveling widely, he went to India twice to visit two SS.CC. religious brothers, who were working under the sponsorship of Blessed Mother Teresa. Father Davis returned to parish work in the mid 198os, after completing a sabbatical year in Mexico City to learn Spanish. He was assigned to the USA Eastern Province Missions in South Texas, later serving at Sacred Heart in Hidalgo, TX.

Until recently, Father Davis, a self-proclaimed "people person," resided with the SS.CC. community at the Damien Residence in Fairhaven. Father Bill will long be remembered among members of his community, not simply as their seminary teacher but as their religious brother, who shared with them the gifts of his call to religious life and priesthood in the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

A Mass of Christina Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 17, 2007, at 10:00AM at St. Joseph Church, Adams Street, in Fairhaven. Burial will follow at the SS.CC. Community Cemetery on the Provincial grounds in Fairhaven.

Hathaway Funeral Homes Online Obituary

Father Paul L. Deyo

HOLLYWOOD, FL

Father Paul Leo Deyo, ss.cc., and ordained member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SS.CC.), based in Fairhaven, MA., passed away on March 25, 2008, at his residence in Hollywood, Florida, after a lengthy illness. He would have been 80 years old on April 13.

Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, he was son of the late Charles and Lena (Boutin) Deyo. His two sisters survive Fr. Paul; Barbara Hancock of Virginia Beach, VA and Sister Shirley Deyo, a Holy Union Sister, of Fall River, MA. He was also the brother of the late Charles Deyo, Jr.

Raised and educated in Portsmouth, RI, Fr. Deyo served in the Air Force during the Korean War and later attended Catholic University. In 1956, he entered the seminary of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary (SS.CC.) in Jaffrey, NH, and was ordained in 1961.

During his forty-seven years as a religious Catholic priest, Fr. Deyo was both an educator and enjoyed faculties and assignments in many parishes. From 1963 to 1972, he was Dean of Discipline and the Religious Superior at Bishop Amat High School in La Puenta, CA. Prior to that, he was on the faculty at Damien High School in LaVerne, CA.

In 1972, Fr. Paul served as associate pastor of St. Anthony's in Mattapoisett, MA before moving to Florida in 1973 to care for his ailing mother. While in Florida, Fr. Paul assisted in numerous parishes in the Archdiocese of Miami, including Nativity Church in Hollywood, Fl where he was associate pastor from 1973 to 1982 and St. Matthew in Hallandale, Fl where he served from 1983 until his retirement in 2000.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Nativity Catholic Church in Hollywood, FL on Monday, March 31, 2008, at 11:00 AM. Following the service in Florida, Fr. Paul's body will be brought back to Damien Residence in Fairhaven, MA where a wake and prayer service will be held on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 AM from St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven, followed by interment in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery.

Standard Times Newspaper March 29, 2008

Rev. Aloysius Dillon

NEW BEDFORD - Rev. Aloysius William Dillon, SS.CC., 79, of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in Fairhaven, died Sunday, Aug. 29, 1993 after a brief illness. He was the son of the late William and Ellen Dillon.

He died at St. Luke's Hospital.

He was born in Jersey City, N.J. and lived in the Fairhaven area for the past 15 years.

Father Dillon was professed in the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in September, 1938 and was ordained to the priesthood in May, 1943 at the Trinity Chapel in Washington, D.C.

Father Dillon had been assigned in Wareham, Mt. Gilead, Ohio and Laverne, Calif. before returning to Fairhaven as pastor of St. Mary's Church from 1955-1957. He was later assigned as prior of the Sacred Hearts Seminary in Washington, D.C. and the associate pastor of Saint Peter and Paul Church, Rochester N.Y. He also served at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Pottsville, Pa. and the Sacred Hearts Hospital in Allenstown, Pa. as chaplain.

Father Dillon retired in 1980 and resided in the Damien Infirmary of the Sacred Hearts Community in Fairhaven. He remained active despite his retirement, by accepting the role as the first archivist or the East Coast Province of the Sacred Hearts.

Surivors include a brother, Joseph Dillon of Ocala, Fla.; two sisters, Helen Dillon of Jamesburg, N.J. and Catherine Kavanaugh of Bayside, N.Y.; several nieces and nephews and several grandnieces and grandnephews.

Standard Times Newspaper Aug. 30, 1993

Father Roger Doherty

In October, 1969, Fr. Roger Doherty joined the Queen of Peace Parish, in Harlingen, TX. Within a few weeks he was diagnosed with liver cancer and succumbed in 1970 in Massachusetts.

Queen of Peace Catholic Church website

Rev. Tarsicius Dreesen

A solemn high mass of requim was celebrated yesterday at St. Boniface's Church, New Bedford, for the Rev. Tarsicius Dreesen, 52, of the Congregastion of the Sacred Hearts, who died Sunday at the Sacred Hearts Seminary in Wareham. Burial was in the cemetery of the order on the grounds of the Sacred Hearts Monastery in Fairhaven.

The very Rev. Columba Moran, provincial of the order in the United States, was celebrant of the reqium mass, assisted by a number of priests of the order in this vicinity. Father Moran also officiated at the office of the dead, sung Tuesday at St. Bonface's Church.

Father Dreesen had been ill since November, 1948, when he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage while celebrating mass at St. Boniface's Church, which he had served as patorsince June, 1940.

Father Dressen was a native of Verviers, Belgium, and took the first vows of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts at Tremeloo, Belgium, in 1922. He took his permanent vows at Waudrez shortly thereafter and was ordained to the priesthood at Coutrai, Belgium, in 1927.

After attending the Catholic university, Washington, D.C., Father Dreesen came to Fairhaven monastery in 1929 and in 1931 was made curate at St. Joseph's Church here, where he served two years before being assigned to Holy Trinity Church, Harwich, as curate. He served another two years there, and five years as curate of St. Francis Xavier Church, Acushnet, before being named pastor of St. Boniface's Church.

Father Dreesen was a member of McMahon Council, Knights of Columbus, and former chaplain of Windhorst Council, Catholic Order of Foresters. He leaves a brother, Joseph Dreesen of Verviers.

Fairhaven Star March 6, 1952

Father William Ducey

FAIRHAVEN - William Ducey, SS.CC., 75, of the Congregation of Sacred Hearts, died Saturday, Sept. 15, 2001, at Damien Residence.

Born in Charlestown, June 1, 1926, he was the son of the late Leo and Mary (Hickey) Ducey.

He entered the congregation and made his first profession in Fairhaven in 1950 and was ordained at Queen of Peace Seminary in Jaffrey, N.H., on June 17, 1955.

After ordination, Father Ducey was the shrine director at Queen of Peace Seminary and then worked in the enthronement office at the Sacred Hearts Seminary in Washington, D.C. In 1959, he was assigned to the missions in Japan, where he worked until 1973.

In 1973, he returned to the United States and was assigned to Sacred Hearts Seminary in Wareham and then St. Joseph's Parish in Fairhaven and Our Lady of Loudes in Wellfleet.

In 1977, he went back to Japan and continued to work there until this year, when he returned to the United States due to failing health. He was a World War II Navy veteran.

Survivors include four sisters, Mary Sullivan of Wilmington, Helen Reilly of Stoneham, Alice Fitzgerald of Woburn and Margaret Canney of Charlestown; two brothers-in-law, Walter Cannery of Charlestown and Joseph Fitzgerald of Woburn; a sister-in-law, Mary Ducey of Charlestown; and several nieces and nephews.

His Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Joseph Church. Burial will be in the Community Cemetery.

Standard Times Newspaper Sept. 18, 2001

Father Joseph Fandel

MARION - Brother Joseph Fandel, 77, died Tuesday, Jan.11, 2005, at Sippican Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a long illness.

Baptized Theodore Fandel at St. John Evangelist Church in Cambridge, he was raised in Jamaica Plain, Boston, by his parents, the late Theodore and Catherine (Reynolds) Fandel. He was devoted to his Aunt Irene and his stepmother, the late Rose Fandel.

During most of his religious life, Brother Joe was the community's cook. His wholesome, hearty meals were enjoyed by the priests and brothers in Fairhaven in 1952; at Mount Gilead, Ohio, in 1953; at Queen of Peace Mission Seninary in Jaffrey, N.H., from 1954-58; at Father Damien Seminary in Winona, Minn., from 1961-63; and at Glendora, Calif., from 1964-66. By far his most rewarding assignment was at the Sacred Hearts Seminary and Retreat Center in Wareham, where he served from 1966 until his retirement in 2000.

In Wareham, he was ?Mr. Hospitality? to those making weekend retreats. He welcomed everyone and made every effort to make them feel at home. His joviality was contagious; visitors especially liked his rich baritone echoing through the house. He showed a personal interest in those on retreats; he welcomed returning groups year after year.

He began every day at 4:30 a.m. with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

He frequently was seen walking at mid afternoon, saying his rosary, often in the company of his dogs, Duke and Patsy Cline, and sometimes his cat, Boots.

For many years, he enjoyed vegetable gardening at the retreat center grounds.

Many of those on retreat had healing conversations with him at Widows Cove.

After retirement due to failing health, Brother Joe moved to the Damien Residence for retired priest and brothers in Fairhaven. His prayer emphasized the repairative nature of the Christian vocation.

Survivors include three brothers, Thomas Fandel of Natick, James Fandel of Reading and Frank Fandel of Arlington.

His funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph's Church, Fairhaven.

Standard Times Newspaper

Father John M. Fee

April 11, 2012

Fr. John Mackey Fee, ss.cc., an ordained member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, passed away at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in New Bedford, Massachusetts on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 after an extended illness. Fr. John who celebrated his 86th birthday on September 25, was one of three sons born to Margaret ( Sullivan) and John Fee in South River, New Jersey. Fr. John is currently survived by his brother James and his wife Marie of Farmington Hills, Michigan and several nieces and nephews. His brother Joseph passed away in September of 2011.

Fr. John, who this past year celebrated his 60th anniversary of profession, took his temporary vows in Fairhaven on September 14, 1954. He was ordained a priest on June 8, 1956.

In 1957 Fr. John was given his first SSCC appointment as a teacher at Bishop Amat High School in Glendora, California where he taught for six years and eventually was selected to be the treasurer of the school. In 1963 he returned to Massachusetts to serve as assistant pastor of Holy Trinity in Harwich, Our Lady of Lourdes in Wellfleet and at St. Mary's in Fairhaven, later assisting the Enthronement work in Washington DC. In 1988 Fr. John requested and was granted assignment to the Archdiocese of Detroit where he served for 23 years at parishes including Mother Cabrini, St. Simon & Jude and Queen of Peace in Harper Woods, Michigan. In 2010 Fr. John retired to Damien Residence in Fairhaven.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated for Fr. John at St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 10:00 AM followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery.

Hathaway Funeral Homes Online Obituary

Rev. Raphael (Anthony) A. Flammia

NEW BEDFORD - Rev. Raphael A. "Anthony" Flammia, SS.CC., 71, of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, Faitrhven, died Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1993, after a long illness. He was the son of the late Dionizio and Clotilda (Cantillo) Flammia.

He died at St. Luke's Hospital.

He was born in Revere.

Rev. Flammia was assigned to the First Religous Profession, Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, Sept. 14, 1950. On June 7, 1955 he was ordained a priest at Queen of Peace Mission Seminary, Jaffrey, N.H.

From June 1956 to June of 1962 he was parochial vicar, Our Lady of Assumption Church in New Bedford; from June 1962 to June of 1965 he was in parish assignment in California.

From March of 1965 to September of 1968 he was pastor of St. Mary Church in Fairhaven. From 1968 to 1970 he was superior at Sacred Hearts Seminary, Washington, D.C.

From 1970 to 1974 he was pastor at St. Anthony's Church in Mattapoisett, and from 1975 to 1982 he was pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in New Bedford. From 1982 to 1986 he was parochial vicar, Queen of Peace Church, Harlingen, Texas, and from 1986 to 1989 he was the parochial vicar, Immaculate Conception Church, San Antonio, Texas.

On May 4, 1989 he retired to Damien Infirmary at Sacred Hearts Provincial House, Fairhaven.

.

His ongoing educational experience was with Washington Theological University in Washington, D.C., and his community retreat was from 1991 to 1992 in Wareham.

Survivors include three brothers, Harold Flammia of San Antonio, Texas, Maurice Flammia of Augusta, Maine, and James Flammia of Medford; and several nieces and nephews.

Standard Times Newspaper Dec. 30, 1993

Father Benedict Folger

NEW BEDFORD - Father Benedict (Frank) Folger, ss.cc., an ordained member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary - United States Province, passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at St. Luke's Hospital in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

Father Ben, who last celebrated his 82nd birthday, was born in New Bedford to Frank and Mary (Rapoza) Folger on June 20, 1932. His early years were spent in Fairhaven where he attended St. Joseph School and Fairhaven High School, graduating in 1949.

Fr. Ben is survived by his sister Lucy (Folger) Makara and her husband Frank of Fairhaven; his niece Marianne Gaboriault and her husband Richard of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; his nephew, Stephen Makara and his wife Cindy of New Bedford; six grandnieces and nephews and eleven great-grandnieces and nephews.

Always knowing that he wanted to be a priest from an early age, Fr. Ben joined the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in 1951 making his first profession in 1952 at St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven. He was ordained to the priesthood at Queen of Peace Seminary in Jaffrey, New Hampshire on September 29, 1957. Being very close to his family, his niece, Marianne, was the first baby he baptized following his ordination, something which create a special bond between the two.

In 1958 he received his first assignment to teach at Bishop Amat High School in La Puenta, California. He remained there until 1972 when he returned to the East Coast Province to serve as Parochial Vicar and Pastor at several of the area churches including Our Lady of the Assumption in New Bedford, Our Lady of Lourdes in Wellfleet, and St. Francis Xavier in Acushnet.

1977 took Fr. Ben to the Bahamas where he became Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph's Church in Nassau. In 1983 he returned to become Parochial Vicar at Holy Trinity in Harwich for almost 10 years followed by assignments as Pastor at St. Mary's in Fairhaven and at St. Margaret of Scotland in Seat Pleasant, Maryland.

But perhaps the most beloved of the assignments Father Ben received was that of Parochial Vicar for the parishes of Our Lady of Grace, St. Anthony and Immaculate Conception and their mission churches located in and around Artesia, New Mexico where the congregation established a new community-in-mission. Assigned there in 2003, he remained in active ministry until health concerns forced his retirement to Damien Residence in 2008, but Artesia was a place to which he had always hoped to return.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Father Benedict at St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven, on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 10:00 AM followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery.

Hathaway Funeral Homes Online Obituaries

Father Ambrose Robert Forgit

Fr. Ambrose Robert Forgit, sscc, an ordained member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SSCC) in Fairhaven, Massachusetts passed away in Boston on Monday June 14, 2010 after a brief illness. Fr. Ambrose, who would have been 85 years old on September 30th, was the son of the late Arthur and Alice (Wellington) Forgit. He is survived by two brothers, Lester and Raymond and many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was also the brother of the late Arthur Forgit.

Born in Thompson, Connecticut Fr. Ambrose attended Leicester, Massachusetts High School. He entered the US Air Force in 1943 and was awarded the bronze star before his honorable discharge in 1945. He entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in 1949 and was ordained a priest in Jaffrey, New Hampshire on June 17, 1955.

During his 55 years as a priest, Fr. Ambrose served his Church and his Community in many capacities. For eight years he was Secretary/Treasurer for the USA East Province. Later he served as Assistant Pastor at several parishes on Cape Cod and in Puerto Rico before becoming pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in New Bedford in 1970 and from 1974 to 1979 Pastor at St. Joseph's Parish in Fairhaven. He also was appointed Pastor At Queen of Peace Parish in Harlingen, Texas and at Our Lady of Angels in La Hoya, Texas. Although he retired to Damien Residence in Fairhaven in early 2002, he continued to serve the Diocese of Fall River as the Chaplin at Our Ladies Haven Nursing Home in Fairhaven.

Fr. Ambrose loved gardening and enjoyed traveling, especially the annual trips with his family to Costa Rica where he continued to sponsor six Costa Rican children through the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging (CFCA).

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on Friday, June 18, 2010 at 11:00 AM followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery.

The Anchor Friday June 25, 2010

Rev. Edmund G. Francis

The Rev.Edmund G. Francis, SS. CC., 44, pastor of St. Mary Curch, North Fairhaven, died at St. Anne's Hospital, Fall River, late Saturday night, following a heart attack.

Funneral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary Church, with the Most Rev. James L. Connelly, D.D., bishopf the Fall River Diocese, as celebrant.

A native of Providence and a graduate of LaSalle Academy, Father Francis made his temporary profession in the Congregation of Sacred Hearts in Fairhaven, Sept. 14, 1943.

Later that year he assigned to Sacred Hearts Seminary, Wareham, where he completed his philosophical courses. In 1945 Father Francis was trasferred to Sacred Hearts Seminary, Washington. He completed his studies for the priesthood in 1948.

Father Francis was ordained June 8, 1948, in Trinity Chapel, Washington, D.C. Soon after his ordination he was assigned to Our Lady of the Assumption Church here as an assistant.

In 1958 he was named administrator of the Saint Mary Church, North Fairhaven, succeeding the Rev. Egbert Steenbeck, SS.CC.

Father Francis' body will lie in state from 3:30 to 10 p.m. today and from 2 to 3:30 p.m. tomorrow in the rectory, before being transferred to the church, where the Office of the Dead will be recited by the clergy at 4 p.m. Visiting hours at hte church will continue until 10 p.m. tomorrow.

Special funeral Masses will be held at 6 and 7 a.m. Wednesday with the Solemn Pontifical Mass scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday celebrated by Bishop Connolly.

Burial will be in the Cemetery of the Fathers of the Sacred Hearts, 3 Adams Street, Fairhaven.

Father Francis was instrumental in bringing to this area from their Mother House in Spain and Cuba where they fled persecution, a group of Sisters of the Love of God. The nuns now teach at the parish school, at St. Anthony School in Mattapoisesett and at Our Lady of Assumption in New Bedford.

He was held in the highest esteem by parishioners and by persons of other faiths. Representative William Q. MacLean (D.-Fairhaven) had said Father Francis was the closest resemblance to God he had ever seen.

Any discussion of this highly regarded servant of God among people of his parish brought on tears as they described him, "a most dedicated, most generous person who was kind to everyone regardless of race, creed or color."

Far from being forgotten by his first assignment at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, priests there today felt a great loss. For it was Father Francis who had been instrumental in the construction of a new church for that parish.

From another parishioner, it was learned that, despite his knowledge of a bad heart condition, Father Francis worked diligently on his ultimate goal . . . completion of the church of St. Mary in Fairhaven. "He was a wonderful wonderful person" said another parishioner "I can't praise him too highly."

This week, church trustees were going over final plans to complete construction of the church, and were making needy to present them to Bishop Connelly.

His successes in obtaining the physical betterment of his parish did not overshadow his spiritual accomplishments. One woman said she will never forget his words in a sermon preached after he had arrived at the church only a few weeks. "Whenever you point a finger at anyone, remember there are three fingers pointing back at you."

Survivors include a sister, Miss Inez Francis of New Bedford, an uncle in Providence and an aunt in California.

Fairhaven Star Newspaper July 8, 1963

Father Frederick G. Furey

NEW BEDFORD - The Rev. Frederick George Furey, SS.CC., 80, a priest of the congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and of Perpetual Adoration of the Alter, a Roman Catholic religious order, died Thursday, Oct. 14, 1999, at St. Luke's Hospital.

He was the son of the late James and Ana (Stowell) Furey.

Born in Turners Falls, he attended Keith Academy in Lowell and received a degree in theology from the Catholic University of America, as well as a master of arts degree in history from Boston College and a master of arts degree in psychology from Ashland College in Ashland, Ohio.

Rev. Furey was ordained June 12, 1946, in Washington, D.C.

While in the congregation, he held various positions, including pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in New Bedford; rector of Queen of Peace Seminary in Jaffrey, N. H.; principal of Pomona, Calif.; and for more than 30 years, Catholic chaplin at Marion Correctional Institution in Marion, OH., and the priest in residence at St Mary's Church in Marion. In 1997, he withdrew from active priestly ministry, and lived at Damien Residence in Fairhaven, the congregation's home for aged and infirm brothers and priest.

Survivors include his nieces, Karen Downes and Brenda Bruce; his nephew Donald Shattuck; and the many priest, brothers and sisters of the congregation.

His funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph's Church, Fairhaven. Burial will follow on the grounds of the Sacred Hearts Provincial House.

Standard Times Newspaper October 16, 1999

Father Roland (Rene) Gaudin

FAIRHAVEN - Roland (Rene) Gaudin, 74, of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts died Wednesday, June 27, 2001.

Born in Rumford, Maine, he was the son of the late William and Mary (O'Sullivan) Gaudin.

Father Rene entered the congregation in 1949 in Wareham, made his first profession in 1952 and was ordained at Queen of Peace Seminary on June 1, 1957.

He served in Japan, the Bahamas and Texas; he retired to Fairhaven in 1993.

Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Wilfred Dugay of Brockton; a brother, Alphonse Gaudin of Mexico, Maine; and several nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Albert Gaudin, Leo Gaudin, Francis Gaudin and Emile Gaudin.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. today at St. Joseph's Church.

Burial will be in the Community Cemetery

Standard Times Newspaper June 30, 2001

Father Gabriel William Healy

FAIRHAVEN - Father Gabriel (William) Healy, ss.cc., an ordained member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary - United States Provence, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, December 19, 2015, in his home at Damien Residence in Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

Father Gabriel, who celebrated his 86th birthday on July 18, was born to William and Helen (Mahoney) Healy in Dorchester, Massachusetts in 1929. One of a family of four children, he is survived by his sister Diane and his brother Richard as well as several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister Regina and a brother Edward.

Fr. Gabe has been a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts for over 60 years, having entered the novitiate in Fairhaven in 1951 at the age of 22. He professed his first vows on September 14, 1952 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 1, 1957 in Jaffrey, New Hampshire.

He began his ministry as a teacher at Bishop Amat High School and Pomona Boys High School in California, bu returned to Fairhaven in 1960 to assume the role of Vocation Director for the Province. From 1963 to 1972 he was both Assistant Novitiate Director and Novice Master at the Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham, before being named Provincial Treasurer, a position he held for eleven years.

During the same period, Fr. Gabriel served as Pastor at St. Anthony's Parish of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts. He remained in Harwich until 1991, when the Province asked him to become their Director of Development, a job which he truly loved because it put him in touch with so many people who wanted to help make a difference.

It was during his time in Harwich that Fr. Gabe also became more involved in serving the poor through his association with the Cape Cod Food Pantry, started by members of Holy Trinity Parish. And so it was in 1991, while living at the Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham and holding down the position of Development Director, that he and Fr. Tom McElroy, ss.cc. founded the Family Pantry-Damien's Place as an outreach of the Retreat Center. Now almost 25 years later, and always under the watchful eyes of Fr. Gabriel, Damien's Pantry feeds over 2,500 people every month from Wareham and surrounding communities.

In 2004 when health issues forced him to retire from full-time ministry, Fr. Gabriel still did not stop. He served as Mission Animator for the Province, helping to spread the word of the SSCC missions to other parishes; he assistedat Sacred Hearts Retreat Center as well as at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet, and St. Joseph's Parish in Fairhaven. He also served two terms on the Provincial Council and in 2009 was named "Man of the Year" in Wareham by the New Bedford Standard-Times for his continued affiliation with Damien's Food Pantry.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Father Gabriel at St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 10:00 AM followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community cemetery.

Standard Times Newspaper Dec. 20, 2015

Father William Joseph Heffron

Father William Joseph Heffron, ss.cc., an ordained member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary-United States Province, passed away early on Wednesday morning, December 20, 2017 at Our Lady’s Haven Nursing Home in Fairhaven, Massachusetts where he had resided for the past several years.

Father Heffron, who would have celebrated his 84th birthday on December 30, was born to William and Mary (Toomey) Heffron in Malden, Massachusetts in 1933. In addition to his SSCC family, he is survived by his brother Bob, nephews Bill, Brian and Bobby Heffron, niece Andrea Surette, ten grand-nieces and nephews, three great-grand nieces and nephews and many extended family members and friends. He was pre-deceased by his sister Margaret Howard and his sister-in-law Janet Heffron.

At the age of 18, Fr. Bill enlisted in the US Air Force where he served for four years receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal for his actions. Following the Korean Conflict, he became a Medical Service Specialist at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, where he remained until his honorable discharge in 1955.

In August of 1961, he entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in Fairhaven and professed his first vows on August 22, 1962. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 30, 1968 at Queen of Peace Seminary in Jaffrey, New Hampshire.

During his first years of ministry, Fr. Bill was assigned to the Province’s Mission in Japan from 1968 to 1973. Following his return to the US, he became part of the Formation Team until 1979, when he was assigned as Pastor at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Rochester, New York.

He remained in New York until 1983 when he was elected as Provincial Superior of the USA East Province in Fairhaven, a position which he held for six years. In 1988, he was called to Rome to serve on the General Government of the Congregation and continued there as a General Councilor for six years, returning to Fairhaven in 1994, where he stayed active, assisting at St. Joseph’s Parish and as mission coordinator, until his health forced him into retirement. Always ready with a jovial smile, people will best remember Fr. Bill for his kindness and endless good spirit.

The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts and Fr. Bill’s family extends their sincere thanks to the staff at Damien Residence, Our Lady’s Haven Nursing Home, the Fairhaven Community Nurse and Hospice, and Brother Jim Rukavina, ss.cc. for the love and care given to Fr. Bill.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at 11:00 AM followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery. Visiting hours will take place at St. Joseph prior to the funeral, beginning at 10:00 AM.

Father Boniface Jones

FAIRHAVEN - Rev. Boniface Jones SS.CC., 68, of the Sacred Hearts Provincial House, 3 Adam St., died Saturday, Oct. 10, 1987, after a long illness.

He died at St. Lukes Hospital.

Born in Rochester, N.Y., Father Jones entered the congregation of Sacred Hearts in 1940 and was ordained on May 22, 1945. His assignments included professor and prior in Waeham, 1949; professor and prior in Jaffrey, N.H. 1952 - 1953; and superior in Washington D.C., 1965.

He served at Our Lady of Victory in Rochester, N.Y., and was former pastor at the Sacred Heart Home in New Bedford and became a patient there for a year until moving to the Sacred Heart Community House in Fairhaven for two years.

Survivors include his brother, David of Rochester, N.Y.; sister, Jane Fernandes of Florida; two nieces and a nephew.

Standard Times Newspaper Oct. 12, 1987

Brother William F. Keane

NEW BEDFORD -- Brother William F. Keane, SS.CC., 72, of Fairhaven, died Sunday, April 18, 1999, at St. Luke’s Hospital after a long illness. Brother Bill was the son of the late Paul F. and Julia (Long) Keane.

He was a perpetually professed member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and of the Perpetual Adoration of the Altar, a Roman Catholic religious order.

Born in New Bedford, he lived for many years in and Fairhaven, attending Fairhaven High School.

He was employed for many years at The Standard-Times as a printer.

Brother Bill was a member of the Damien Council 4190 Knights of Columbus, , and the Bishop Connolly General Assembly, 4th-Degree Knights of Columbus. He was also faithful grand knight for the council and faithful navigator for the assembly.

During his years of employment and after many years at the newspaper, he decided to devote the remainder of his years to religious life. He professed his final vows at St. Anthony’s Church in on Sept. 14, 1975.

While in the congregation, Brother Bill held various positions, including assistant director of the National Office of the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart in the Home; director of the Sacred Hearts Retreat home in Wareham; and bursar for the Damien Residence, the congregation’s home for the aged and infirm brothers and priests, which is where he presided in his final years.

Survivors include a brother, Paul F. Keane Jr. of ; and the many priests, brothers and sisters of the congregation.

Brother Bill’s funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in St. Joseph’s Church, Fairhaven, originating from the Damien Chapel at 73 Adams St.

Burial will follow on the grounds of the Sacred Hearts Provincial House, 73 Adams St.

Standard Times Newspaper April 19, 1999

Father Christopher "Leo" King

February 11, 2013

1917-2013 Father Christopher "Leo" King, ss.,cc., an ordained member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts-United States Province, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 11, 2013 at the Damien Residence in Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

Father Leo, who celebrated his 95th birthday on October 7, 2012, was born in Highland Park, Michigan to Irish parents, Charles and Birdie King. He entered the SSCC Novitiate in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on September 13, 1939 at the age of 22 and made his final profession of vows to the Congregation on September 14, 1943. He was ordained in Washington, DC on May 22, 1945.

During his more than 67 years as a priest, Fr. Leo served his SSCC community in may capacities. He began his career in teaching and fiance before becoming an assistant pastor at Massachusetts parishes in Wellfleet, Chatham, Acushnet, and Fairhaven and in Rochester, New York. In 1953, he also traveled to Cootehill, Ireland where he was Assistant novice master for three years.

Fr. Leo retired to Damien Residence on October 1, 1998. As the eldest member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts-United States Province, Fr. Leo will be fondly remembered by his SSCC Brothers and Sisters. His quite, unassuming demeanor, his ever-prayerful presence and his positive outlook which seemed to give him the ability to never complain, made him a most respected and well-loved member of his community.

Hathaway Funeral Homes Online Obituary

Father Stanley J. Kolasa

Reverend Stanley J. Kolasa, ss.cc. a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts-United States Province, passed away on Friday morning, December 2, 2016, at Damien Residence in Fairhaven, Massachusetts surrounded by his SSCC family. An integral part of the community, Stan was a member of the first provincial government following the merger of the US East and Hawaii Provinces in 2011, and served as Vicar Provincial until last month when his illness forced him to resign from that position.

Fr. Stan, who celebrated his 74th birthday on October 20, was born to Stanley and Anna (Pandolfo) Kolasa in Brooklyn New York in 1942. Predeceased by his parents and his only brother, Fr. Stan leaves no surviving relatives, but always considered all his parishioners as his family wherever he was.

He entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in 1963 in Wareham, Massachusetts, at the age of 20. Professing his first vows on August 22, 1964, he was ordained a priest on April 3, 1970 at St. Mary’s Church in Fairhaven.

Following studies at Sacred Hearts Seminary in Washington, DC, Fr. Stan was assigned to teach at St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota in 1971. In 1972 he was assigned as Parochial Vicar at Holy Redeemer Parish in Chatham, Massachusetts for two years, prior to entering Notre Dame University for further graduate studies. Returning to Cape Cod, he served as Parochial Vicar at Holy Trinity in West Harwich for four years, before being assigned as Pastor at St. Anthony Parish in Mattapoisett from 1984 to 1988.

In 1988 Fr. Stan traveled to the Bahamas where he became pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Nassau for two years before becoming pastor of the Catholic Communities in the SSCC Mission on the Island of Abaco, where he served the people there for twelve years. Recalling that as one of his most special assignments, he often reflected on how much love the Bahamian people gave, not only to him, but to his mother Anna, who lived with him there for a short time before her death.

Returning to Massachusetts, he was assigned as pastor at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He remained there for six years until he was made Director of the Sacred Hearts Spirituality Center in Wareham, Massachusetts in 2008, a position in which he continued to serve until his death.

Fr. Stan “wore many hats” during his life in the Sacred Hearts Community. An eloquent preacher, he was often called upon for parish celebrations and retreats and was sought after among the Sacred Hearts Provinces world-wide to be their Retreat Master. In addition to his responsibilities as Director of the Retreat Center, he also served as Pre-Novitiate Director and as Development Director for the United States Province for several years.

An avid and accomplished artist, Fr. Stan’s paintings now represent another part of his legacy, gracing the walls not only of the Retreat Center but in the homes of so many friends and admirers. He loved painting, loved the SSCC community, loved being a priest, and loved the Church but most of all he loved God and strove to live his life exemplifying that in his love for others.

At his request, there will be no wake or viewing. A celebration of his life and death will take place at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 47 South 6th Street, New Bedford, MA on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Burial in the Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Fairhaven will take place at a later date. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts.

Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Homes Online Obituary

Father Francis Regis Kwiatkowski

The first pastor of Queen of Peace Parish here died Thursday. Father Francis Regis Kwiatkowski SS. CC., died while visiting in the parish where he served as pastor from September 1967 until November 1971.

Father Regis had been on sick leave from the active priesthood since 1971 when he suffered a massive heart attack.

Born Sept. 14, 1921, in St. Louis , Missouri, Fr. Regis was ordained to the priesthood in 1948. He attended Sacred Hearts Seminary in Wareham, Mass., and Sacred Hearts Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Fr. Regis spoke Spanish, French and Polish. He was president of the Senate of the Bishop from 1969 until 1971.

Brownville Herald Newspaper Jan. 16, 1976

Father Felix J. Lesnik

Father Lesnik, also known as Adolph, died Tuesday at Shelton Memorial Hospital in Fall River. He was 66 and lived at the provincial house of the Congregation of Sacred Hearts in Fairhaven.

A funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. tomorrow in St. Joseph's Churcvh in Fairhaven for Rev. Felix J. Lesnik, associate pastor of the parish for five years until his retirement in 1986.

Born in Wenona, Ill., Father Lesnik served in the Navy during World War II and was ordained in 1953 in Washington.

He served as superior of the Sacred Hearts Monastery in Fairhaven from 1965 to 1968 and as chaplin at New England Medical Center in Boston from 1970 to 1980.

He leaves a brother, John J., of Howell, Mich.

Boston Globe Newspaper Sept. 20, 1991

Father Brian Marggraf

FAIRHAVEN - Father Brian Marggraf, ss.cc., an ordained member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary - United States Province, passed away early on Saturday morning, November 24, 2018 at Our Lady's Haven Nursing Home in Fairhaven, Massachusetts where he had resided for the last several months.

Father Brian, who celebrated his 90th birthday on June 27, was born to Herman and Margaret (Gilcrest) Marggraf in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1928. In addition to his SSCC family, he is survived by his brother Paul and sister Barbara along with several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister "Maggie" in 2016.

In September 1949, Fr. Brian entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in Fairhaven, Massachusetts and professed his first vows on September 14, 1950. He was ordained a Deacon in November 1954 and was ordained to the priesthood on June 17, 1955, at Queen of Peace Seminary in Jaffrey, New Hampshire.

During his first year of ministry, Fr. Brian was a teacher at the Congregation's minor seminary in Honolulu, Hawaii. Then, in 1957, he was assigned to the Province's Mission in Japan. He served for thirty years as Parochial Vicar and Pastor of a number of churches administered by the Congregation throughout the country and always fondly remembered his ministry there.

Following his return to the US, he was assigned to St. Mary's Church in Fairhaven for a short time before transferring to St. Joseph's in Fairhaven where he was Parochial Vicar for eight years.

In 1995, he traveled to the SSCC mission churches in Nassau, Bahamas where he remained for three years before finally coming back to Fairhaven to retire at Damien Residence in 1998. Like all of his brothers, retirement did not mean Fr. Brian was not still ministering to the people he had come to know in the area, and so for the next 13 years he could be found helping out at St. Mary's Church in varying capacities on weekends or traveling around New England to preach mission appeals for the Congregation's foreign missions.

The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts extends their sincere thanks to the staff both at Damien Residence, who cared for Fr. Brian as his health deteriorated, and at Our Lady's Haven Nursing Home for the kindness shown him.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Church in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 10:00 AM followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery.

Standard Times Newspaper November 25, 2018

Father Thomas McElroy

FAIRHAVEN — Father Thomas McElroy, ss.cc., an ordained member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary-United States Province, passed away on Friday, October 6, 2017, at his home at Damien Residence in Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

Fr. Tom, who had valiantly battled cancer for the past four years, was born to Thomas and Margaret (O’Loughlin) McElroy on February 12, 1940 in Providence, Rhode Island. In addition to his SSCC family, he is survived by his sister, Maureen Habershaw and her husband Joe, and his twin brother Robert McElroy and his wife Ellen as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was pre-deceased by his two brothers, William McElroy and Paul McElroy.

Fr. Tom, who recently celebrated his 50th Anniversary of Ordination, has been a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts for over 57 years, having entered the novitiate in Fairhaven in 1960 at the age of 20. He professed his first vows on September 14, 1961 in Fairhaven, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 7, 1967 at Queen of Peace Seminary in Jaffrey, New Hampshire.

During his more than fifty years as a priest, Fr. Tom served his community in a wide range of ministries. After beginning his career in an inner-city parish in Rochester, New York in 1967, he was assigned to Queen of Peace Church in Harlingen, Texas in 1970. A mission parish founded by his community in the Diocese of Brownsville, TX, he served the people along the Mexican/American border there for five years.

From 1975 to 1983, Fr. Tom was assigned to the Formation Team at the Sacred Hearts House of Theology in Washington, D.C. During his ministry there, he did extensive work with military families in the DC/Virginia area where he formed life-long friendships, continuing to give a retreat to a group there every year for over 35 consecutive years.

In 1983, he became pastor at Our Lady of the Assumption in New Bedford. He later served as pastor at St. Francis Xavier in Acushnet and St. Joseph in Fairhaven. A respected retreat master, in 1987 he was twice appointed Director of the Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham, Massachusetts. During the 10 years he spent there, he also continued to travel in his Preaching Ministry spreading the “Word of God” locally, nationally and internationally.

In 1991, seeing a great need in Wareham and the surrounding communities, he and Fr. Gabriel Healy, ss.cc., founded the Family Pantry-Damien’s Place as an outreach of the Retreat Center. Today, more than 25 years later, Damien’s Pantry feeds over 2,500 people each month. Fr. Tom remained active in the pantry until only several weeks ago when he passed the responsibility on to one of his SSCC brothers.

When illness finally forced him to step down as pastor of St. Joseph’s in 2014, that did not stop Fr. Tom from continuing to find a way to stay involved with the poor and marginalized, part of the Congregation’s mission in which he so strongly believed. He began a Prison Ministry at Dartmouth House of Corrections going there every week to offer Mass and “walk a spiritual journey” with the men and women incarcerated there.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Father McElroy at St. Joseph’s Church, 74 Spring Street, Fairhaven, Massachusetts on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at 11:00 AM followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery. Visiting hours will take place at St. Joseph’s Church prior to the funeral on Saturday, beginning at 9:00 AM.

Standard Times Newspaper Oct. 8, 2017

Father Frederick J. Meyers

NEW BEDFORD - The Reverend Frederick J. Meyers, SS.CC., a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, died at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in New Bedford on Saturday, August 30, 2008. Fr. Meyers was born on February 13, 1924, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. His parents, Frederick and Frances, as well as his sister, Mary Anne, are deceased. His brother, Francis, lives in Woodbridge, New Jersey. He is also survived by a cousin, Dorothy Pilutkiewicz.

Fr. Meyers was a Brother of the Sacred Heart for twenty years and taught in New Jersey, New York, Louisiana, and Canada. While a missionary in Kenya, he requested to become a priest in the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Fairhaven, MA. He was ordained a priest on January 9, 1971, in Washington, DC, by Cardinal Joseph Bernadine. Fr. Meyers held a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Master's degree in History from Fordham University in New York. He obtained a Master's of Divinity degree from Seton Hall University in Newark, New Jersey.

Fr. Meyers was first assigned to formation work at the Sacred Hearts Novitiate in Wareham, MA. He also served at St. Joseph's parish in Fairhaven, MA, St. Francis Xavier parish in Acushnet, MA, Good Samaritan Hospital in Pottsville, PA, and St. Anne's Hospital in Fall River, MA. He continued his parish work at Holy Redeemer Church in Chatham, MA, Our Lady of Lourdes in Wellfleet, MA, Our Lady of the Assumption in New Bedford, MA, St. Mary's Church in North Fairhaven, MA, and Sacred Heart Church in Edinburg, TX, where he retired until arriving at Sacred Heart Home in New Bedford in July, 2008.

His wake will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2008, from 4:00-7:00PM at the Damien Residence, located at 73 Adams Street, Fairhaven, MA. A vigil prayer service will be held that same evening at 6:00PM. The Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, at 10:00AM in St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven. Burial will follow in the Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Fairhaven.

Hathaway Funeral Homes Online Obituary

William "Alphonse" Mitchell

NEW BEDFORD - The Rev. William "Alphonse" Mitchell, SS.CC., 87, died Saturday, March 21, 2009. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of the late Vincent Mitchell and the late Ursula (Cizauskas) Mitchell, he is survived by his two sisters, Zita-Jean McCartney of Highland Heights, Ohio, and Dr. Ruth U. Mitchell of Apex, NC.

Fr. Alphonse joined the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and took his first vows in the community on September 14, 1944, in Wareham, MA. He made his perpetual profession on September 14, 1947. After finishing his studies in philosophy and theology in Washington, D.C., he was ordained to the priesthood on June 6, 1950.

He was first assigned to the work of the Enthronement of the Sacred Heart. In 1951, he was one of the three missionaries that were sent to Japan to work in the Mission of the Congregation in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture in Japan. They joined the other three missionaries there and began their studies of the Japanese language. He was stationed in various places, both in Ibaraki and Yamagata prefectures. In 1981, he returned to the U.S. to continue the first work that he started back in 1950.

Hathaway Family Funeral Homes Online Obituary

Father Austin T. Nagle

Father Austin Nagle, ss.cc., an ordained member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary-United States Province, passed away on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at Sacred Heart Nursing Home in New Bedford, Massachusetts where he had resided for the past several months.

Father Nagle, who celebrated his 89th birthday on August 2, was born to James and Anna (Brennan) Nagle in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1928. The third youngest in a family of ten children, he is survived by his sister, Margaret Grealish, and his brother and sister-in-law, Joseph and Loretta Nagle, as well as nine nieces and eleven nephews. He was pre-deceased by his siblings, Rita, Thomas, John, Anna, Mary, Fr. James, a Maryknoll Missionary, and Francis.

Fr. Nagle has been a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts for over 68 years, having entered the novitiate in Fairhaven in 1948 at the age of 20. He professed his first vows on September 14, 1949, and was ordained to the priesthood on September 21, 1954 at Queen of Peace Seminary in Jaffrey, New Hampshire.

During his over fifty years of ministry, Fr. Nagle has held positions ranging from assistant novice master and vocation director in Ireland, to teaching at Pomona Boys High School in California. He served in parishes throughout the southeast Massachusetts area, including St. Joseph in Fairhaven, St. Anthony in Mattapoisett, St. Mary in N. Fairhaven, Our Lady of Lourdes in Wellfleet, and St. Francis Xavier in Acushnet.

In 1979, Fr. Nagle transitioned from parish work to serving as chaplain at V.A. Hospitals in the New England area, a ministry he continued for twenty years. In 1981, he was also appointed Chaplain at Our Lady of Sorrows Convent and St. Joseph Manor Nursing Home in Brockton. Until his health forced him to retire, he also spent weekends as chaplain for the Veteran’s National Cemetery located in Bourne, Massachusetts on Cape Cod.

The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts and Fr. Nagle’s family extends sincere thanks to the staff at Damien Residence, Sacred Heart Skilled Nursing, and the Fairhaven Community Nurse and Hospice for the love and care given to Fr. Nagle.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Father Nagle at St. Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at 11:00 AM followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery.

Standard Times Newspaper Sept. 21, 2017

Brother Thomas "Damien" P. O'Hare

Brother Thomas P. (Damien) O'Hare, ss.cc. a perpetually professed Brother in the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts-United States Province, passed away on Friday, July 6, 2012 at Our Lady's Haven Nursing Home in Fairhaven.

Brother Damien, who celebrated his 89th birthday on December 12, 2011, was born in Brooklyn, New York to Irish parents, Luke and Ellen O'Hare. He entered the SSCC Novitiate in Wareham, Massachusetts in April of 1947 at the age of 24 and made his perpetual profession to the Congregation on April 17, 1951.

Brother Damien spent several years in Cootehill, Ireland working as a helper and a cook on the community farm, something he continued to do at the SSCC residence in Glendora, California. Later, Brother Damien was the first smiling face people saw as he became the official "greeter" for retreatants staying in Wareham, where he resided for a number of years. During that time, he also worked as a volunteer for hospice, visiting patients in their homes. He was a regular visitor to the Wareham Council on Aging and to Our Lady's Haven Nursing Home where he assisted patients to and from daily Mass and could be frequently seen volunteering at Damien's Pantry in Wareham. He lived his final years at Damien Residence in Fairhaven where he continued to be a living expression of his Faith in the Lord.

Brother Damien will be missed by his SSCC Brothers and Sisters, his many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Funeral Information

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Brother Damien at St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on Wednesday July 11, 2012 at 10:00 AM followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery.

Hathaway Family Funeral Homes July 6, 2012

Rev. Paul Price

The Rev. Paul Price, ss.cc., 86, chaplain at the Sacred Heart Home, died Thursday, July 6, 2006, after a brief illness. Born in Fall River, James, who later took the religious name Paul, was the son of John Price and Honora Sullivan, the youngest and last surviving of their nine children. He was educated at Sacred Heart Parish School in Fall River, graduated from Coyle High School and attended Providence College, before entering the Novitiate of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SS.CC.) in September 1941 and made his first vows in 1942. He then studied at the community's seminary in Washington, DC., being ordained a priest in 1948 by the then apostolic delegate to the US, Archbishop A.G. Cicognani. Father Paul served in a variety of ministries. He held positions within the Congregation in the formation of its new candidates in both the USA and Ireland. He served diligently in the parishes in the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, and in the Diocese of Fall River. He will be fondly remembered by the priests of the Diocese and by the parishioners in Our Lady of Lourdes, Wellfleet; Holy Redeemer, Chatham; St. Anthony, Mattapoisett; St. Boniface, New Bedford; and in St. Francis Xavier in Acushnet.

He is survived by many nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins and the Brothers, Sisters and Secular Branch of the Congregation. He was the brother of the late John Price, Frances Price, Margaret Edward, Lillian Shea and Irene Curt.

Father Paul befriended many people over the decades that he administered pastoral care. With a remarkable recall for names and faces, he enjoyed sending humorous greeting cards that were always sure to provoke a smile among he many acquaintances. He took a keen interest in the on-going events of the Diocese of Fall River, his immediate local church and the pastoral activities occurring in his ministry at Sacred Heart Home. A much beloved chaplain, he had concern for everyone and believed deeply in the power of a simple "hello", to keep a person's spirit lifted. He will be much missed by the residents and caring Sisters, staff and administrators there.

Calling hours at Damien Residence, 73 Adams St., Fairhaven, MA, will be Monday, July 10, beginning at 2 pm with Father Paul's family present from 4 to 7 pm. At 7 pm there will be a "Vigil for the Deceased". His funeral Mass will be at St. Joseph's, Fairhaven, MA on July 11 at 10 am, with burial to follow in the SS.CC. community's cemetery.

Hathaway Family Funeral Homes Online Obituary

Father David Patrick Reid

Father David Patrick Reid, ss.cc., a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, passed away in Boston on April 19, 2022, at the age of 80.

Father David was born in Dublin, Ireland, on March 9, 1942, during World War II, when life in Ireland was frugal and centered on the family and church. Growing up in the family practice of night adoration in the home, an apostolate of the Congregation, made a lasting impression on David and strongly influenced his decision to join the missionary community.

He entered the Novitiate in 1959 in Cootehill, Ireland making his first profession the following year, before going to Queen of Peace Mission Seminary in Jaffrey, New Hampshire where he made his final profession in 1963. He became a Deacon in 1965 and on June 12, 1966, Father David was ordained to the priesthood at his home in Ireland.

He went on to further studies at Catholic University of America in Washington DC earning an STL in Theology in 1967 and did his graduate scripture in Rome where he received a License in Sacred Scripture (SSL from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in 1970. For eighteen years, Father David taught scripture at the Washington Theological Union in Washington DC, before returning to Rome where, in 1983, he completed a doctoral degree in Biblical Theology (STD) at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

Leaving academia to experience a more pastoral life, he headed to the inner-city of Rochester, NY, where he served for eight years as Pastor for the parishes of Sts. Peter and Paul and St. Francis. In 1999 Father David was named Pastor of Our Lady of Assumption in New Bedford, MA, and in 2000 was elected Provincial of the USA East tProvince, a position he held until 2006.

In 2007 he traveled to India where he spent three years as the first Regional Superior of the Sacred Hearts community there and then became Formator until visa problems forced him to leave India in 2011. When he returned to the USA, he was named Pastor at St. Margaret of Scotland Parish for three years until in 2015, he was called back to Rome to work as a Postulator Generalfor the Congregation, presenting SSCC causes to the Vatican for canonization.

In 2019, Father David finally began to think about retirement, but as he would say, he would not "fully-retire" but "semi-retire". He spent a year at Sacred Hearts Retreat Center in Wareham, MA followed by more pastoral work at Our Lady of Assumption in New Bedford, MA. In2021, Father David was named Director of the National Enthronement Center, an Apostolate of the Sacred Hearts in the Home, and most recently, he was appointed Director of Damien Residence.

In addition to his brothers and sisters of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts throughout the world, Father David is survived by his siblings, Mary, Margaret, and Alexander, 10 nephews, four nieces, and 24 grandnieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Stephen, sisters Therese and Elizabeth and his stepmother Mary, who married his father after the death of David's mother when he was three. Mary mothered the family lovingly until she died at age 96.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Parish in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022, at 10:30 AM followed by burial in Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery,. Visiting hours will take place at St. Joseph's prior to the funeral, beginning at 8:30 AM. Principal celebrant will be SSCC Provincial Lane Akiona, ss.cc.

The Standard Times Newspaper April 26, 2022

Brother James George Rukavina

Brother James George Rukavina, ss.cc., a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary-United States Province, passed away suddenly in Fairhaven, MA on Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at the age of 75.

Born on May 22, 1947, to Anthony and Helen (Horbachewski) Rukavina, Jim attended the College at Brockport, State University of New York, where in 1970 he received a B.S. in Chemistry, majoring in Math and Physics. From 1987 to 1990 he attended Catholic University of America in Washington, DC., where he was awarded his Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Brother Jim entered the East Coast Province of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in August 1984, and attended novitiate in Hemet, California. He professed his first vows in Fairhaven on August 19, 1985.

Jim began working as a nurse at George Washington Hospital in Washington, DC from 1991 until 1994, when the Congregation assigned him to its new mission in India. During his seven years there he became an integral part of the history of the SSCC work with leprosy patients and their families, a ministry that still continues there today. He served as both caregiver in the many leprosy colonies and at Damien clinic, and assisted in the training of doctors in the project of leprosy awareness with treatment workshops and seminars.

When he returned to the US in 2001, he began the next phase of his career as a registered nurse at Sacred Heart Home in New Bedford, MA, a position he held until his "retirement" in 2016. But as anyone who knew him would attest, Brother Jim never really did retire as he continued to lovingly care for his SSCC Brothers, providing guidance and support as they faced medical challenges. Whether it was a doctor's visit, a trip to the emergency room, a hospital stay, or time spent in a nursing home, Brother Jim quietly and humbly always stayed at his brother's side.

In an interview for an SSCC publication in 2006, he wrote, "Not long ago at work I realized the encouragement I get from people who are suffering. It's from them that I derive my strength to go on to help them while at the same time they are helping me even more". The life of Brother Jim Rukavina, ss.cc. certainly exemplifies his firm belief in what became his guiding principle. He was always ready to serve.

In addition to his many SSCC Brothers and Sisters, Brother Jim is survived by his brother-in-law, John Pienta, nephews Mark Pienta, Michael Pienta and his wife Lucy, as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Along with his parents, Anthony and Helen, he was pre-deased by his brother Anthony and sister Carol (Pienta).

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Parish in Fairthaven, Massachusetts on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at 10:30 AM followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery. Visiting hours will take place at St. Joseph's prior to the funeral, beginning at 9:30 AM. All are invited to attend a luncheon in honor of Brother Jim in St. Joseph Church hall immediately following the burial. Principal celebrant will be SSCC Provincial Lane Akiona, ss.cc.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Brother Jim's memory may be made to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, PO Box 111, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Arrangements are being handled by Fairhaven Funeral Home. May he rest in the Eternal Peace of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Standard Times Newspaper, May 27, 2022

Rev. John G. Shanley

HARLINGEN, TX — Reverend John Gerard (Gerry) Shanley, ss.cc., a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts – United States Province, passed away on Friday evening, April 21, 2017, in Texas, after a courageous battle with cancer. Gerry, who celebrated his 82nd birthday on February 28, had retired in the last few years and was residing at Queen of Peace Parish in Harlingen, Texas.

Born in Roscommon, Ireland, to Bernard and Kate (Regan) Shanley, he entered the novitiate of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in Cootehill, Co. Cavan, Ireland in August 1954. Professing his first vows on August 15, 1955, in Ireland, he was ordained a priest on June 25, 1961.

His first assignment in the Province was at Bishop Amat High School in California which was followed by appointments in the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Massachusetts, where he served at Our Lady of Lourdes in Wellfleet from 1963 to 1964 and St. Mary’s in Fairhaven from 1969 to 1970. In 1970, his responsibilities brought him to the state of Texas where his service to the people there continued for almost 50 years.

From 1970 to 2000, Gerry ministered to the people in the Diocese of Brownsville, Texas. Then in 2001, he requested and received permission from his Province to bring the love and word of the Lord to the people in Reynosa, Mexico, a place of poverty, corruption, extreme danger — and a place filled with people he came to love so deeply — and who loved him in return.

As pastor of San Felipe de Jesus Parish, he helped the parishioners build three new churches and schools. He provided them with food, clothing and sometimes shelter, and became their protector as best he could in the midst of an area so deep in need. Each week Gerry would make the journey back across the border into the U.S. to pick up whatever donations he could manage to solicit from stores, churches — anyone who would help. At times, he reported providing essentials for up to 400 families a week as well as offering supplies to two orphanages and a children’s “Tutelar,” a “kind of prison” where children from 8 to 18 were housed for a variety of reasons.

When he finally reached the “age of retirement” for the Diocese of Matamoros, Gerry had to leave a people whom he had come to love and understand, and a place that truly became a very special home for him. In his own words, expressed in an interview in 2003, he reflected, “In life’s journey you see how selfish people can get. But you also see their grandeur and the nobleness that is possible and found in the most difficult situations, finding God-who-is-love in very unexpected places.”

Reverend Gerry is survived by six siblings including his brother Rev. Matthias Shanley, ss.cc., Sister Monica Shanley, P.J. Shanley, Ethna Shanley, Pauline Shanley, and Fidelma Shanley.

A funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edinburg, Texas with Most Reverend Daniel E. Flores, Bishop of Brownsville presiding. Following the funeral, Father Gerry’s remains will return to Fairhaven, Massachusetts where a celebration of his life and death will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at St. Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven, MA. at 10:00 AM. Fr. Gerry will be buried with his SSCC Brothers in the Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Fairhaven.

Standard Times Newspaper April 25, 2017

Rev. Harold A. Whelan

NEW BEDFORD - Rev. Harold A. Whelan Jr. SS.CC., 72, died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1997, after a brief illness. He was the son of the late Harold A. and Margaret A. (O'Connor) Whelan.

He died at St. Luke's Hospital.

He was born in Boston and was a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, west-coast Province and served as Provincial from 1970-1973. He was professed at Fairhaven on September 14, 1943 and ordained a priest at Washington, D.C. on September 14, 1946.

Among his priestly assignments, Fr. Whelan taught at the Congregation's Scholasticates in Wareham, Jaffrey, N.H., and at Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, Calif. He was a resident of the Damien Residence retirement home since October 1989.

Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Paul Brady of Norwood; nieces and nephews; and the brothers and sister of his religious congregation.

Standard Times Newspaper Jan. 18, 1997

Father John Francis "Roy" Yurco

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Fr. John Francis (Roy) Yurco, ss.cc., an ordained member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SSCC) in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, passed away at Our Lady's Haven in Fairhaven on Sunday, September 19, 2010, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Fr. Roy, who would have been 77 years old on October 10, was born in New York City to Ludwig and Della (Risavy) Yurco, who had immigrated to the United States from Czechoslovakia in the early 1930s. The middle child of three sons, Fr. Roy was predeceased by his two brothers and is survived by his sister-in-law Diane of Chicago.

Having learned about the life of Saint Damien of Molokai in the vocation club at school at the age of 15, Fr. Roy felt a connection to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts. After visiting the Queen of Peace Seminary in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, he entered the novitiate in Fairhaven in 1956 and was ordained in Jaffrey on June 21, 1962.

During his almost 50 years as a priest, Fr. Roy served his Church and his Congregation in many capacities. As a young priest, his first assignment was as a teacher in Glendora, California. From 1964 to 1965 he assisted at both St. Joseph's in Fairhaven and Our Lady of the Assumption in New Bedford before being assigned for a short time to the National Enthronement Office in Washington, DC.

Upon his return to the area he was appointed procurator at the "Monastery," in Jaffrey before accepting a position at St. James Church and New England Medical Center in Boston where he served for ten years. In later years, Fr. Roy was an associate at St. Anthony in Mattapoisett and pastor of St. Boniface in New Bedford. He also was the spiritual director for the Damien Council of the Knights of Columbus and later became Grand Knight, one of the only priests to ever hold that office.

Fr. Roy's final assignment was as chaplain at Our Lady's Haven, where he fondly remembered removing the pews around the altar to make room for the residents in wheelchairs and where eventually he became a beloved resident.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated for Fr. Roy at St. Joseph's Church in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on Thursday, September 23, 2010 at 10:00 AM followed by burial in the Sacred Hearts Community Cemetery.

Hathaway Funeral Homes Online Obituary Sept. 19, 2010