Obituaries
Father Joseph McCloskey, retired Navy chaplain, pastor dies at 85
The South Philadelphia native marched with the Mummers as a young man then studied for the priesthood. As a priest chaplain he rose to commander and served on aircraft carriers in Vietnam and the Middle East.
Father Francis Gallagher dies, was former pastor in Croydon
Ordained in 1964 by Archbishop John Krol, Father Gallagher served mostly as a parochial vicar at several archdiocesan parishes before he was named pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Croydon.
Father Edmond Speitel, WWII soldier, Army chaplain dies at 93
The Philadelphia native enlisted in the Army during World War II and after his ordination became a chaplain serving in Vietnam, rising to colonel. A pastor of two parishes, he will be laid to rest April 9.
Sister Ella Mae Hill, S.S.J., dies at age 86
The Philadelphia native and Hallahan High School grad entered the Sisters of St. Joseph as Sister Michael Andrew, and served in the Philadelphia Archdiocese and two other dioceses.
Sister Mary Bonaventure Gowan, skilled nurse, dies at 86
The Sister of Mercy showed resourcefulness in feeding people during a drought in India. She later became a director of McAuley Convent in Merion. She is remembered for her compassion and laughter.
Sister William Eileen Jester, West Phila. native, dies
The former Helen Marie Jester attended St. Agatha Grade School and West Catholic High School before entering the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1952. She would teach in Philadelphia and four other dioceses.
Sister Julia Tierney, teacher and college lecturer, dies at 88
The Sister of St. Francis left her home in County Mayo, Ireland and entered religious life in 1946. She would go on to teach in schools and universities around the world, including in the Philadelphia Archdiocese.
Sister Catherine Green, teacher and principal, dies at 91
Serving for 73 years in religious life with the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the former Sister John Aloysius taught in grade schools and high schools of the Philadelphia Archdiocese.
Sister Loretta Tiernan dies, was teacher and pastoral minister
The Sister of the Holy Child Jesus taught in Catholic schools and served in parishes in her native Midwest as well as in the Philadelphia area. She was 80.
Sister Mary Iavarone, teacher for 40 years, dies at 87
The Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary hailed from Most Blessed Sacrament Parish in Philadelphia. In addition to teaching, she cared for the sick and elderly for another 16 years.