Obituaries
Franciscan sister, a teacher for 57 years, dies
Sister Joan Schmal, O.S.F, taught briefly in Allentown before spending most of her ministry teaching in Catholic schools of the Philadelphia Archdiocese. She was once named educator of the year.
Deacon Kretsch dies at 88, after years serving in Norristown area
Deacon Donald J. Kretsch, a retired permanent deacon, ministered at Holy Savior and St. Helena parishes. He once met and prayed with Blessed Mother Teresa.
Father Moore, beloved pastor of St. Benedict’s, dies at 76
As a seminarian, Father George Moore served at Most Precious Blood Parish where he got his first taste of ministry in the African American community, which really became his life’s work. He was pastor of St. Benedict's for 35 years.
Father DeSimone, scholar on early church fathers, dies at 90
Augustinian Father Russell J. DeSimone died Dec. 29. Known internationally as a Patristic scholar, he was also the brother of retired Philadelphia Auxiliary Bishop Louis A. DeSimone.
Sister Anita, native of Transfiguration Parish, dies at 83
Sister Anita Regina Timlin, I.H.M., died Dec. 11 in Camilla Hall, Immaculata, in the 65th year of her religious life. She taught in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Dioceses of Hartford and Camden.
Sister of St. Joseph laid to rest in Flourtown
Sister Marjorie T. Sweeney, S.S.J., formerly Sister Alice Gertrude, died Dec. 10 at age 90.
Deacon Fontanez, among first of Hispanic permanent deacons, dies at 81
Deacon Jose Fontanez is remembered as a community leader and, along with his wife Edna as "inseparable and collaborators in ministry," at the former Incarnation of our Lord Parish.
Msgr. Menna, remembered as a selfless priest, dies at 84
Msgr. Francis J. Menna, a former pastor, regional vicar and rector of Villa St. Joseph, the archdiocesan home for retired priests, died Dec. 10.
Deacon and communications professor dies at age 66
Permanent Deacon Martin P. Lomonaco was assigned to St. Agnes Parish in West Chester. He is remembered as an influential professor at Neumann University.
Retired pastor of ‘South Philadelphia’s cathedral’ dies at 94
Parishioners and fellow priests fondly recall Father Philip Barr, who was the beloved pastor of St. Edmond Parish for 16 years. He is remembered as a compassionate confessor who spent time with his extended family.