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Rev. Carmen J. Coletta, O.S.A. (1907 - 2002)

Oldest Augustinian in North America

Carmen J. Coletta, O.S.A., who was at age 94 the oldest Augustinian in North America, entered eternal life July 12, 2002.

Carmen John Coletta was born September 28, 1907 in Lawrence, Massachusetts to Theodore and Rose Greco Coletta. He was baptized at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Lawrence, Massachusetts December 15, 1907. He attended Holy Rosary Elementary School in Lawrence. He graduated in 1928 from Lawrence Evening High School, Lawrence. He did additional studies at McIntosh Business College.

After working in the textile mills in Lawrence, he entered the Augustinian Seminary at St. Rita Academy, Staten Island, New York.

He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 11, 1930. He professed simple vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 12, 1931 and solemn vows September 12, 1934.

Father Coletta studied at Villanova College, where he received a B. A. in Philosophy in 1935. From 1935 to 1939 he studied theology at Gregorian University, Rome, earning an S.T.L. in 1939. He was ordained to the Priesthood July 17, 1938 in Rome.

In July, 1939, Father Coletta was assigned to Good Counsel Parish, Staten Island, New York, as an Assistant Pastor. From 1940 to 1943 he served as Assistant Pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Flint, Michigan. In 1941 he was assigned as a member of the newly formed Augustinian Midwest Province.

In 1943, Father Coletta was transferred to St. Augustine Parish, Detroit, Michigan, as Assistant Pastor. He remained in this assignment until 1972, when he became Administrator of Mother of Consolation Church, Detroit. He remained there until 1989, when the church was closed due to the declining Catholic population in the area.

Father Coletta retired to Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery at Merrimack College, North Andover, Massachusetts in July, 1989, where he remained until the time of his death. He died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of July 12, 2002.

Father Coletta enjoyed singing. His voice was recognized for its operatic quality. Those who knew him found him to be generous, joyful and full of life.

Father Coletta loved people. He is remembered with affection by those to whom he ministered, particularly during his many years of service at St. Augustine’s and Our Mother of Consolation, Detroit.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated July 17 at Holy Rosary Church, Lawrence, Massachusetts. Burial was in the Augustinian plot at St. Mary Cemetery, Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.