Kevin P Henry, OFM

1918 – 1981

Fr. Kevin Patrick Henry, OFM, was born on June 4, 1918, in Curry East, County Sligo, Ireland. In 1938, he studied for the priesthood at St. Peter’s College in Wexford but after two years decided to come to America to join the friars. On his way to America, he survived a torpedo attack on the ship that brought him here.

He entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1940 and professed temporary vows the following year. In 1944, Fr. Kevin made his profession of solemn vows and was ordained a priest in 1945.

Fr. Kevin’s first assignment was at St. Francis Church in New York City. In 1947, he went to St. Elizabeth’s Church in Denver and three years later became a member of the western mission band. He preached retreats, parish missions and Forty Hours Devotions with zeal until 1969.

A gifted speaker, Fr. Kevin possessed a deep understanding of human nature and a fun-loving disposition. He loved poetry and enjoyed good literature.

Ill health forced him to resign from the mission band, and he became chaplain at St. Mary’s Hospital in Hoboken, N.J. for five years. In 1981, Fr. Kevin was assigned to St. Francis Chapel in Providence, R.I.

He died in his sleep in West Falmouth, Mass., on Nov. 3, 1981. Fr. Kevin was 63 years old, a professed friar for 40 years and a priest for 36 years.