Posted January 13, 2021

Father Thomas J. Furey, 74, a former pastor of Mother of Divine Providence Parish in King of Prussia, died Dec. 26 at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Darby.

He was born in San Francisco, California, son of the late John and Dorothy (Jamieson) Furey. Raised in Philadelphia, he attended Most Blessed Sacrament School and West Catholic High School for Boys before entering St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

He was ordained on May 19, 1973 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul in Philadelphia by Cardinal John Krol.

Father Furey served as parochial vicar at several parishes including St. Cyril, East Lansdowne; St. Joseph, Downingtown; St. David, Willow Grove; St. Vincent de Paul, Richboro; St. Thomas Aquinas, Croydon; St. Katherine of Siena, Philadelphia; Our Lady of Fatima, Secane; St. Bede the Venerable, Holland; and St. Mary, Schwenksville.

In 2002 he was appointed pastor at Mother of Divine Providence Parish, King of Prussia. He subsequently served as parochial vicar St. Mary Parish, Schwenksville; St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Springfield; St. Eleanor Parish, Collegeville and, with the status of senior priest, at St. Matthew Parish, Philadelphia.

In retirement he resided at Villa St. Joseph in Darby, the home for retired priests of the Philadelphia Archdiocese.

Father Furey was an avid Notre Dame football fan and rooted for all Philadelphia sports teams. He also loved vacations in Wildwood, N.J., and watching classic movies.

He is survived by his brothers John (Alice) and Robert (Jane), and his sisters Maureen Romanelli (Nicholas) and Eileen Koch (Stephen). He is predeceased by his sister Dorothy (Quinn). He is also survived by three nieces, two nephews and a great-nephew and great-niece.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, Jan. 15 at Holy Cross Church, Springfield at 10:30 a.m. with Bishop Edward Deliman as the celebrant. A viewing will precede the Mass beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The Mass will be livestreamed on Zoom – watch here, using the password Furey.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 5300 Chester Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143.