Posted October 10, 2023

Reverend Donald P. McNamara, Retired, Resident, Saint John Chrysostom Parish, Wallingford, died on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

Father McNamara was born on July 2, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of the late John J. McNamara Sr, and the late Anne O’Brien. Father McNamara attended Most Blessed Sacrament Parochial School, Philadelphia, and West Catholic High School, Philadelphia, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father McNamara was ordained on May 13, 1961, at The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by Most Reverend John J. Krol. Father McNamara spent several months each year as a missionary in Venezuela from 1970 through 2020. He served as Parochial Vicar, Saint Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square; Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Philadelphia; Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Philadelphia; Saint Bonaventure Parish, Philadelphia; Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Philadelphia; and Saints Simon & Jude Parish, West Chester. He served on the Faculty at Bishop Shanahan High School, Downingtown. He also served as Pastor, Saint Veronica Parish, Philadelphia, from 1991-1994. He also served as Coordinator for Hispanic Ministry, Northern Chester County, from 2003-2007.

The Reception of the Body will be held at Saint John Chrysostom Church, Wallingford, on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 8:30AM, followed by visitation at 9:00 AM. Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez will celebrate the Funeral Mass for Father McNamara at Saint John Chrysostom Church, on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 10:30 AM. Concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Reverend Monsignor John J. Jagodzinski, Reverend Edward J. Hallinan, and Reverend Monsignor Henry McKee will be the homilist.

Father McNamara is survived by his brother Peter (Carole), and many nieces and nephews. Interment will be at Saints Peter & Paul Cemetery in Springfield, PA.