By Lou Baldwin • Posted May 12, 2020

Msgr. Joseph P. McGeown, 80, pastor emeritus of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Philadelphia, died May 5.

Born in Philadelphia the son of the late John McGeown and the late Sara C. (Boyle) McGeown, he attended St. Barbara School, St. Rose of Lima School and St. Thomas More High School before entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He went on to further studies at La Salle University, Ohio State University and Harvard University.

He was ordained May 22, 1965 by Archbishop John J. Krol at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, with his first assignment as parochial vicar at St. Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square.

Father McGeown then pursued a career in Catholic education as a faculty member of Cardinal O’Hara High School and Archbishop Wood High School followed by principal at Lansdale Catholic High School and Cardinal Dougherty High School.

This was followed by pastor at St. John Chrysostom Parish, Wallingford and St. Clare Parish, Linfield. He was named monsignor in 2005 and appointed pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Philadelphia in 2006 and pastor emeritus in 2014. He then resided at Nativity B.V.M. Parish, Media.

Because of the current coronavirus pandemic, the funeral for Msgr. McGeown will be private. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date.

Msgr. McGeown is survived by his sisters, Sister Francis Xavier, I.H.M. and Evelyn Bernatowicz, and nieces and nephews.