Quentin Parris, OFM

1912 – 1987

Fr. Quentin Parris, OFM, was born on Sept. 25, 1912 in Brooklyn, N.Y. After high school, he began working while taking college courses at the City College of New York. He became very active with the Knights of Columbus. While vacationing with his family in Callicoon, N.Y., he came to know the friars at St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary. At age 26, he entered the seminary and was received into the novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1942. He professed temporary vows one year later, made his solemn profession in 1946 and was ordained in 1948.

In 1950, Fr. Quentin began teaching mathematics and science at Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, N.Y. He became a science professor at St. Bonaventure University, Allegany, N.Y., in 1953, where he taught until he asked to be assigned to St. Anthony Shrine in Boston in 1972.

Fr. Quentin was methodical and regular in every aspect of his life. He could describe a snowstorm flake by flake. He prepared homilies as methodically as he did his science classes. Fr. Quentin was a quiet and reserved friar, and yet among close friends was witty and entertaining.

He died on Oct. 17, 1987 at St. Anthony Shrine. Fr. Quentin was 75 years old, a professed friar for 44 years and a priest for 39 years.