Obituaries
Sister Antoinette Marie Cocco, R.S.M., dies at 89
The funeral Mass for the sister of Mercy, the former Patricia Teresa Cocco, was celebrated March 28 in the Chapel at the Convent of Mercy.
Maryknoll sister, 98, dies after long ministry in health care
After earning her Doctor of Medicine degree in 1947, Sister Vivian Votruba interned in Philadelphia then served more than 70 years in South America, Africa, the U.S. South and Albania.
Sister Marie Susan Bruno, I.H.M., dies at 65
In her ministry of 42 years, the Immaculate Heart of Mary sister served as a teacher and director of religious education in various parishes in the Philadelphia area.
Sister Veronica Gavin, 71, dies; known for healing ministry
The Sister of Mercy was a registered nurse in hospitals, hospice and private health care, and was dedicated to accompanying people with dignity as they were dying.
Rusty Staub, Catholic baseball star for 23 seasons, dies at 73
Rusty Staub, 73, the New Orleans-born Catholic baseball star who was a fan favorite in a well-traveled, 23-season career, died March 29 in West Palm Beach following a heart attack.
Deacon George Kletzel, longtime high school teacher, dies at 68
The permanent deacon taught at Cardinal O’Hara High School, St. Maria Goretti High School and Lansdale Catholic High School, plus at the school of his home parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Philadelphia.
Deacon Arthur McGuire, 82, dies; served at St. Francis, Springfield
The permanent deacon of the Philadelphia Archdiocese was ordained in 1997 and served his Delaware County parish for 20 years until his retirement last year. He had led his own business, McGuire Publications.
Sister Laureen Discher, 98, dies after 80 years of religious service
The I.H.M. sister originally from St. Martin of Tours Parish in Philadelphia taught in archdiocesan schools and in Peru before serving for many years at Villa Maria House of Studies, Immaculata.
Msgr. John Close, pastor with love for the elderly, dies at 74
The resident of Chester who would go on to become principal of the Catholic high school there, was ordained in 1969. He is recalled for his strong administrative skills, prayer life and care for elderly parishioners.
Longtime Sister of St. Joseph Veronica Connor dies at 82
The Philadelphia native and parishioner of St. Leo's in Tacony entered religious life in 1952. She went on to serve in the Archdioceses of Philadelphia and Washington, and the Dioceses of Allentown, Camden and Trenton.