Timothy McNamara, OFM

1913 – 1990

Br. Timothy McNamara, OFM, was born in Binghamton, N.Y., on May 28, 1913. He learned a genuine sense of service working as a bellhop at the Marquette Hotel in Binghamton.

In 1936, he entered the Province’s novitiate at St. Bonaventure Friary in Paterson, N.J., and professed temporary vows the following year. In 1941, he professed solemn vows.

Br. Tim served the friars of Holy Name Province as a welcoming guest-master, sacristan, porter, chauffeur and cook at St. Francis of Assisi and St. Stephen of Hungary friaries in New York City, at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y., and St. Bonaventure College in Allegany, N.Y., St. Bonaventure in Paterson, St. Elizabeth’s Friary in Denver, St. Joseph’s Friary in East Rutherford, N.J., St. Francis Retreat House in Brookline, Mass., and St. Anthony Shrine in Boston.

In 1979, Br. Tim retired to St. Anthony Friary in Butler, N.J., and later moved to Sacred Heart Friary in East Rutherford where he continued to be of service to the guardian and the friars. He loved his brothers and would go out of his way to cheer up a depressed friar and remind him how great it is to be a Franciscan: “Never forget that the friars who have gone before us made Holy Name Province what it is, and we stand on their shoulders.” To him every little service had meaning and value.

He died at Holy Name Friary in Ringwood, N.J., on Aug. 30, 1990. He was 77 years old and a professed friar for 53 years.