Obituaries
Father Kevin Kelly, pastor in South Phila., dies at 58
The pastor of Epiphany of Our Lord Parish, which will host his funeral Mass June 20, died June 13. After owning a business, he entered the seminary in 1996 along with his cousin, a priest who will preach the funeral homily.
Msgr. Francis Statkus, former chancellor and pastor, dies at 95
After ordination in 1946 and chancery service in Little Rock, the Military Ordinariate and the Philadelphia Archdiocese, he served as pastor at St. Colman, Ardmore. Funeral rites are set for May 10 and 11.
Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney, lifelong Catholic, dies at 84
Rooney, a lifelong Catholic, died April 13 in Pittsburgh at age 84. He helped shape the modern National Football League.
Rita Schiavone, founder of Aid For Friends, dies at 82
A social entrepreneur before it became fashionable, Schiavone started the volunteer non-profit to serve elderly and disabled shut-ins with food and companionship 43 years ago. It began at her family table with one meal.
Sister Grace Marie Stankiewicz dies at age 77
The Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary served in elementary schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese, the Dioceses of Arlington and Metuchen and parishes in the Allentown Diocese for nearly 20 years.
Deacon Paul Hagerty dies at 87, was banker, professor and golfer
The permanent deacon ordained in 1997 served for many years at Immaculate Conception Parish in Jenkintown, where he and his wife raised their family. His son-in-law, also a deacon, will preach at the funeral Mass.
Sister Mary Jane Hicks, longtime teacher and pastoral worker, dies at 86
The Chicago native was a member of the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus for 62 years, during which she enjoyed varied teaching assignments and leadership roles in Rome and the order's provincialate in Drexel Hill.
Sister Francis Bernard Butt, I.H.M., dies at Camilla Hall
In her 58th year of religious life, Sister Francis taught in elementary and secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Dioceses of Allentown, Arlington and Richmond before she retired in 2012.
Sister Virgo Maria Werner, I.H.M., dies at 86
After teaching in schools of the Philadelphia Archdiocese for many years, she spent the next 37 years on staff at Camilla Hall, where she died. She served for 68 years in the congregation.
Deacon Lawrence Brandon of West Chester dies at age 80
The permanent deacon was ordained for the Baltimore Archdiocese before transferring to Philadelphia in 1977. He served as Newman Center chaplain at West Chester University and at St. Maximilian Parish.