Evan F. Banks, OFM

1924 – 2009

Fr. Evan Banks, OFM, was born Jan. 12, 1924 in Astoria, N.Y., and baptized Gerard. He entered St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y., in 1938 and was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1944, professing temporary vows one year later. Fr. Evan made his solemn profession in 1948 and was ordained in 1950.

He taught at Bishop Timon High School, Buffalo, N.Y., from 1951 to 1954 before joining the faculty of St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y., where he served as an instructor and director of student activities from 1958 to 1963. Fr. Evan then enlisted as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force, serving for four years before returning to St. Bonaventure University. He served as guardian for six years before becoming parochial vicar of Our Lady of the Holy Angels Parish, Little Falls, N.J., in 1973.

From 1976 to 1982, Fr. Evan served as pastor of St. Francis Parish in Wanaque, N.J. He then served as parochial vicar at Assumption Parish, Wood-Ridge, N.J., for a year. From 1983 to 1991, he ministered as pastor of Queen of Peace Parish in Hewitt, N.J. For the next 13 years, Fr. Evan ministered as parochial vicar at St. Anne’s Parish, Fair Lawn, N.J. He retired to St. Anthony Friary, Butler, N.J., in 2004, transferring to Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J., in 2006.

He died there on March 21, 2009. Fr. Evan was 85 years old, a professed friar for 63 years and a priest for 58 years.