Deceased Friars

Kevin Fitzgerald, OFM

Kevin Fitzgerald

1935 – 1963

Fr. Kevin Fitzgerald, OFM, was born on Jan. 4, 1935 in Philadelphia. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., and was a member of the first class to enter the novitiate at St. Raphael’s Friary in Lafayette, N.J., in 1955. He professed temporary vows one year later and made his solemn profession in 1959.

In 1961, Fr. Kevin was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. He was ordained in 1962 and was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City, where he continued medical treatment. Though his priesthood was brief, Fr. Kevin ministered with enthusiasm and generosity at St. Francis, and spent much of his time in the confessional and parlor consoling people.

He died on Dec. 21, 1963 at St. Clare’s Hospital in New York City. Fr. Kevin was two weeks short of his 29th birthday, a professed friar for seven years, and a priest for one and a half 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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Kevin Fitzgerald, OFM

Kevin Fitzgerald

1935 – 1963

Fr. Kevin Fitzgerald, OFM, was born on Jan. 4, 1935 in Philadelphia. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., and was a member of the first class to enter the novitiate at St. Raphael’s Friary in Lafayette, N.J., in 1955. He professed temporary vows one year later and made his solemn profession in 1959.

In 1961, Fr. Kevin was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. He was ordained in 1962 and was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City, where he continued medical treatment. Though his priesthood was brief, Fr. Kevin ministered with enthusiasm and generosity at St. Francis, and spent much of his time in the confessional and parlor consoling people.

He died on Dec. 21, 1963 at St. Clare’s Hospital in New York City. Fr. Kevin was two weeks short of his 29th birthday, a professed friar for seven years, and a priest for one and a half years.