Paul Neville, OFM

1891 – 1950

Fr. Paul Neville, OFM, was born in Boston, Mass., on March 13, 1891. From St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., he entered the Province’s novitiate in 1911 at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J.

In 1912, he professed his temporary vows and made his solemn profession of vows in 1915. Fr. Paul was ordained a priest in 1918 at St. Bonaventure Church.

Fr. Paul ministered in parishes for five years before being assigned to the mission band to preach retreats and missions for a dozen years. Throughout his life, he was available to the young friars who needed help with sermons or preaching advice. His presence in the community was marked with joyful laughter and a delightful sense of humor.

He enjoyed his Franciscan life and was dedicated to whatever work he was asked to do. Fr. Paul was pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in Beach Haven, N.J., for six years, served as guardian at Holy Cross Friary in Clason Point, N.Y., for three years, and was the assistant director of the mission band.

Fr. Paul died Sept. 6, 1950, at St. Francis Hospital in the Bronx. He was 59 years old, a professed friar for 38 years and a priest for 32 years.