DENVILLE, N.J. — Vincent Grogan, OFM, 79, a professed Franciscan friar for 59 years and a priest for 53, died on July 29 at St. Clare’s Hospital.
A wake and wake service were offered at St. Anthony Church in Butler, N.J. Provincial Minister Kevin Mullen, OFM, celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial on Aug. 1 at St. Anthony Church. Burial followed at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Butler.
Early Years
Vincent was born Edwin Earl in Netcong, N.J., on June 18, 1937 to James and Agnes Grogan. After graduating from Bayley-Ellard High School in Madison, N.J., in 1954, he entered St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y., where he studied for two years.
He was received into the Order of Friars Minor in 1956 in Lafayette, N.J., and professed first vows there the following year. He studied philosophy at St. Francis College in Rye Beach, N.H., and theology at Holy Name College in Washington, D.C., earning a bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, N.Y., in 1959. Vincent professed final vows in 1960 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1963.
Ministry
After a brief assignment at St. Leo’s Parish in Elmwood Park, N.J., Vincent was appointed Provincial Secretary, a position he held from 1964 to 1971. He then left New York to pursue graduate studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, receiving a doctorate degree in canon law in 1974.
From 1974 to 1987, Vincent was professor of canon law and director of alumni relations at Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, N.Y. During this time, he was also involved in parochial ministry, and visited and celebrated Mass for residents of a nursing home in the local area. From 1984 to 1987, he served as a judge in the Tribunal of the Diocese of Buffalo.
In 1987, Vincent returned to New York City to work as a judge in the Tribunal of the Archdiocese of New York, serving in that capacity until 2004. During this time, he was also canonical consultant and assistant archivist for the Province, and ministered at St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street in Manhattan. He also served as editorial consultant for the Provincial Annals.
In 2004, Vincent transferred to St. Anthony Friary in Butler, where he worked as archivist until 2014. While at Butler, he did Tribunal work for the Diocese of Paterson and continued in his role as provincial canonist. A member of the Canon Law Society of America, he also served as canonical consultant to the Holy Name Federation of Poor Clares.
Vincent is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Gralinski, of Clarks Summit, Pa., and nephews Joseph Gralinski of Jermyn, Pa., and James Gralinski of Topton, Pa.
Memorial donations may be sent to Franciscan Friars — Holy Name Province, 144 West 32nd St., New York, NY 10001-3202.
— Compiled by Carolyn Croke and Maria Hayes
Related Links
- “HNP Congratulates Jubilarians” — Jan. 3, 2007, HNP Today