RINGWOOD, N.J. — Theodore McNally, OFM, 85, a professed Franciscan friar for 63 years and a priest for 58, died June 2 at Holy Name Friary.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Provincial Minister Kevin Mullen, OFM, at Holy Name Friary on June 9. Burial followed at God’s Acre Cemetery in Ringwood.
Early Years
Born on Feb. 5, 1929 in Philadelphia to Frank and Alma McNally, Theodore was baptized Eugene in Philadelphia. He studied for two years at Roman Catholic High School before enrolling in St. Joseph’s Seraphic Seminary, Callicoon, N.Y.
He was received into the Order in 1949 at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., where he professed first vows one year later. Ted studied philosophy at St. Stephen’s Friary, Croghan, N.Y., and St. Anthony Friary, Butler, N.J., and theology at Holy Name College in Washington. He professed solemn vows in 1953 and was ordained in 1955.
Ministry
After completing theological studies in 1956, Ted went to Sacred Heart Parish in Rochelle Park, N.J., where he served as assistant until 1957. He then spent 11 years ministering at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in New York City, mostly hearing confessions. In 1968, Ted became pastor of Assumption Parish in Wood-Ridge, N.J., serving until 1979, when he returned to St. Bonaventure Parish, Paterson, as assistant.
In 1983, he moved to Sacred Heart Friary, East Rutherford, N.J., and ministered as an assistant in local parishes until he was assigned in 1992 to St. Anthony Friary, Butler. Ted served there until he transferred to Holy Name Friary in 2007.
Memorial donations may be sent to Franciscan Friars-Holy Name Province, 144 West 32nd St., New York NY 10001.
— Compiled by Maria Hayes