Obituaries
Sister Maria Angelita Ortiz, pastoral minister, dies at 88
A Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 66 years, the Puerto Rico native ministered for many years there and in the Philadelphia Archdiocese in Hispanic ministry.
Sister M. Patricia E. Youtz, I.H.M., dies at 79, was longtime teacher
Formerly Sister Maureen Bernard, the Little Flower High School graduate served in grade schools and high schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese for 61 years as an I.H.M. sister.
Father Laurence Gleason, active in health ministry, dies at 67
The Norristown native attended Visitation School and Bishop Kenrick High School before earning degrees in voice, and performing in operas before discovering his vocation to priesthood.
Deacon Francis Burke of St. Bernadette Parish dies at 80
A business manager at several parishes who was ordained a permanent deacon in 1999, Deacon Burke is remembered fondly: "Most people ... would describe him as a saint," said a fellow deacon.
Sister Mary Agnes Loftus, I.H.M., dies at 95
The former Sister Michael Raphael taught in schools mostly in the Philadelphia Archdiocese over the course of her 76 years as a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Msgr. Charles McGroarty, former St. Matthew’s pastor, dies
The former pastor of one of Northeast Philadelphia's largest parishes was also director of the archdiocesan Family Life Office and began the annual wedding anniversary Masses. He was 86.
Sister Marie St. Anne, I.H.M., dies at 90
The former Mary Ellen McClung served as an Immaculate Heart of Mary sister for 70 years, mostly teaching in grade schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese.
Father John Farry, who led St. Leo Parish, dies at 79
The pastor emeritus of the former parish in Philadelphia's Tacony section, Father Farry is remembered for his ability to make people laugh, for his generosity and for his love of the priesthood.
Sister Eileen Russell, S.S.J., dies at age 87
The Orange, New Jersey native entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Chestnut Hill in 1950 and would minister in three archdioceses on the East Coast.
Francisan Brother, longtime servant at St. Francis Inn, dies at 85
Brother Thomas Ennis, O.F.M., ministered for 26 years at the Franciscan-run soup kitchen in Philadelphia's Kensington section, among other assignments in his 54 years of religious life.