Deceased Friars


Paul Feeley, OFM

Paul Feeley

1913 – 1986

Fr. Paul Feeley, OFM, was born in Jamaica Plain, Mass., on May 13, 1913. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., he entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., on Aug. 12, 1939, and professed his temporary vows Aug. 13, 1940. Fr. Paul made his profession of solemn vows Sept. 17, 1943, and was ordained a priest in Washington, D.C., June 17, 1945.

After his ordination, Fr. Paul worked at St. Richard’s Church in Emporia, Va., for six years. In 1952, he was assigned to St. Anthony Shrine in Boston. A year later he went to St. Stephen’s Friary in Croghan, N.Y., and cared for the missions of Belfort and Indian River. In 1955, Paul was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City, and he worked there with a joyful spirit for 30 years.

He died at St. Clare’s Hospital in New York City on June 17, 1986, the anniversary of his ordination. Fr. Paul was 73 years old, a professed friar for 45 years and a priest for 41 years.

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

Main Content

Paul Feeley, OFM

Paul Feeley

1913 – 1986

Fr. Paul Feeley, OFM, was born in Jamaica Plain, Mass., on May 13, 1913. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., he entered the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., on Aug. 12, 1939, and professed his temporary vows Aug. 13, 1940. Fr. Paul made his profession of solemn vows Sept. 17, 1943, and was ordained a priest in Washington, D.C., June 17, 1945.

After his ordination, Fr. Paul worked at St. Richard’s Church in Emporia, Va., for six years. In 1952, he was assigned to St. Anthony Shrine in Boston. A year later he went to St. Stephen’s Friary in Croghan, N.Y., and cared for the missions of Belfort and Indian River. In 1955, Paul was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Church in New York City, and he worked there with a joyful spirit for 30 years.

He died at St. Clare’s Hospital in New York City on June 17, 1986, the anniversary of his ordination. Fr. Paul was 73 years old, a professed friar for 45 years and a priest for 41 years.