Obituaries
Sister Mary McGrath, S.S.J., dies after 68 years of religious life
The sister of St. Joseph entered the congregation in 1949 from St. Joachim Parish, Philadelphia, and went on to teach and serve in hospitals and parish social ministry.
Sister Natalie Dombrowski, 90, laid to rest
The Sister of St. Joseph ministered in several dioceses including the Archdiocese of Philadelphia since she entered the congregation in 1952.
Sister Teresa Urda, formerly on St. Pius X H.S. faculty, dies
The member of the Sisters of SS. Cyril and Methodius ministered nearly 56 years in the congregation primarily in Catholic schools. She edited and wrote for several religious publications.
Father Luke Chow, Phila. priest and native of China, dies at 90
His family converted to Catholicism by the efforts of a saintly missionary. After the communist takeover, Father Chow went to the Philippines and to Philadelphia, where he served since 1977.
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.