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Rev. James J. McCloskey, O.S.A. (1919-1980)

Rev. James J. McCloskey, O.S.A. entered eternal life December 18, 1980.

James Joseph McCloskey was born April 17, 1919 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to James J. and Sara McCloskey. He was Baptized April 27, 1919 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Philadelphia. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation May 6, 1927 at the same church.

James graduated from Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York, in 1938. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate September 9, 1938. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 10, 1939 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1942.

He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1943. He pursued theological studies from 1943 to 1947 at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained a Priest June 11, 1946.

Father McCloskey was assigned in 1947 to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Catholic Parish, Jamaica, New York, as Assistant Pastor. In 1949 he was affiliated to the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Augustinians of the Midwest). He was assigned that same year to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois, as a Teacher. He was transferred in 1952 to teach at Mendel Catholic High School, Chicago.

In 1959 Father McCloskey was sent to Austin Catholic High School, Detroit, Michigan, as a Teacher. He returned in 1965 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, where he taught until the time of his death. He died of a heart attack December 18, 1980.

Father McCloskey was known as an understanding and patient Priest who always extended a helping hand to those in need of comfort and love.

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, Illinois.

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