Deceased Friars


Gabriel MacDermott, OFM

Gabriel MacDermott

1920 – 1993

Fr. Gabriel MacDermott, OFM, was born June 7, 1920 in Chestnut Hill, Pa. He was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1941, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1945 and was ordained in 1947.

A joyful friar who loved people, Fr. Gabriel served as a missionary in Brazil for 27 years. For a short time, he ministered at St. Anne’s Parish, Fair Lawn, N.J., and also at Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford, Mass. He then went to the mission in Kingston, Jamaica, where he served as superior of the mission and pastor of Our Lady of the Angels Parish.

Fr. Gabriel returned to the United States and spent his final 10 years ministering at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City. He was spiritual assistant to the Thomas More Fraternity and the Vico Necchi Fraternity of the Secular Franciscans in New York City. A dedicated priest, he served with quiet calm and a gentle smile.

He died Feb. 19, 1993 on the way to the hospital in New York City. Fr. Gabriel was 72 years old, a professed friar for 50 years and a priest for 45 years.

Each of us should be called a lesser brother, a Friar Minor. Each one of us should wash the feet of the others.”

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Gabriel MacDermott, OFM

Gabriel MacDermott

1920 – 1993

Fr. Gabriel MacDermott, OFM, was born June 7, 1920 in Chestnut Hill, Pa. He was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1941, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1945 and was ordained in 1947.

A joyful friar who loved people, Fr. Gabriel served as a missionary in Brazil for 27 years. For a short time, he ministered at St. Anne’s Parish, Fair Lawn, N.J., and also at Our Lady’s Chapel in New Bedford, Mass. He then went to the mission in Kingston, Jamaica, where he served as superior of the mission and pastor of Our Lady of the Angels Parish.

Fr. Gabriel returned to the United States and spent his final 10 years ministering at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City. He was spiritual assistant to the Thomas More Fraternity and the Vico Necchi Fraternity of the Secular Franciscans in New York City. A dedicated priest, he served with quiet calm and a gentle smile.

He died Feb. 19, 1993 on the way to the hospital in New York City. Fr. Gabriel was 72 years old, a professed friar for 50 years and a priest for 45 years.