OBIT: J. P. LOONEY, Rev., 1930, of interest in Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

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J. F. LOONEY

Father Looney Died at Tyrone
Former Pastor of Meyersdale Catholic Parish Succumbs to Mortal Ills

  Word was received in Meyersdale Tuesday morning of the sudden death of Rev. J. 
P. Looney, pastor of St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church at Tyrone for the last 
eighteen years, and former pastor of SS. Philip and James Church, Meyersdale, 
and St. Michael's Church, West Salisbury.  He passed away in his home in Tyrone 
Tuesday morning.
  Father Looney came to Meyersdale as pastor of SS. Philip and James parish, May 
1, 1904, from St. Michael's Church, West Salisbury, and was transferred to St. 
Bridget's at Lilly, March 17, 1911, Rev. John J. Brady being his successor both 
at West Salisbury and Meyersdale, and still in charge here.  Father Looney 
remained at Lilly only about one year, and moved on to Tyrone as pastor of St. 
Matthew's Church of that place, where he remained until his death at the age of 
70 years. He was a scholarly and popular priest, loved and respected by his 
parishioners, generally, and also by his many Protestant acquaintances.
  He suffered a slight stroke of paralysis about three years ago, but recovered 
in a short while and continued his ministry until the very morning of his death, 
when he officiated at mass only a short while before he passed away.
  Bishop McCort of Altoona sang the requiem high mass at Father Looney's funeral 
Thursday morning.  No less than 70 priests took part in the solemn rites.  Very 
Rev. Father Brady, Mr. and Mrs. Joe F. Reich and Miss Margaret Weber, of 
Meyersdale, attended the obsequies.
  His body taken to Syracuse, N.Y., for interment in the family plot in which 
his parents, a brother and a sister are buried.  He was the last of his 
immediate family, but is survived by a niece and a nephew living in Syracuse.

Meyersdale Republican, October 2, 1930

[NOTE: Middle initial listed as F. and P.; not sure which is correct. ap]