Deceased Friars


Marshall Della Penna, OFM

Marshall Della Penna

1922 –

Fr. Marshall Della Penna, OFM, was born on Feb. 6, 1922 in Haskell, N.J. He served in the United States Army for one year and was discharged because of pierced eardrums.

In 1951, he entered St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y. He was received at the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1954, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1958 and was ordained in 1960.

He served at a variety of ministries, including those located in Boston, Beach Haven, N.J., and Paterson, N.J. Fr. Marshall ministered for a total of 30 years at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City, retiring in 1996. A compassionate confessor and counselor, he also served for years as guestmaster.

He died on Oct. 8, 1996 at Holy Name Friary in Ringwood, N.J. Fr. Marshall was 74 years old, a professed friar for 41 years and a priest for 36 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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Marshall Della Penna, OFM

Marshall Della Penna

1922 –

Fr. Marshall Della Penna, OFM, was born on Feb. 6, 1922 in Haskell, N.J. He served in the United States Army for one year and was discharged because of pierced eardrums.

In 1951, he entered St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y. He was received at the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1954, professing temporary vows one year later. He made his solemn profession in 1958 and was ordained in 1960.

He served at a variety of ministries, including those located in Boston, Beach Haven, N.J., and Paterson, N.J. Fr. Marshall ministered for a total of 30 years at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City, retiring in 1996. A compassionate confessor and counselor, he also served for years as guestmaster.

He died on Oct. 8, 1996 at Holy Name Friary in Ringwood, N.J. Fr. Marshall was 74 years old, a professed friar for 41 years and a priest for 36 years.