Posted May 14, 2019

Deacon Joseph W. Niland, a retired permanent deacon for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, died Sunday, May 5. He was 86 years old.

Deacon Niland was ordained June 4, 1989 by Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. He was assigned to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Bensalem, where he remained until he retired on June 16, 2008.

He was employed as a supervisor-mechanic at Somerset Knitting Mill until he retired from the company in August 1992.

The funeral Mass for Deacon Niland was celebrated Saturday, May 11 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Bensalem. The celebrant was Father Michael J. Lonergan, pastor emeritus of St. Elizabeth Parish, assisted by Deacon John Gallagher. Interment was at Resurrection Cemetery.

Deacon Niland was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Mary F. (O’Gorman). He is survived by three children: Karen, Joseph Jr. and Kim. He is also survived by his granddaughter.  In addition, Deacon Niland was preceded in death by his sister Helen Voce.