Rev. James J. McCloskey, O.S.A. (1919-1980)
Rev. James J. McCloskey, O.S.A. entered eternal life on December 18, 1980.
James Joseph McCloskey was born on April 17, 1919 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to James J. and Sara McCloskey. He was baptized on April 27, 1919 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Philadelphia. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 6, 1927 at the same church.
In 1938, James graduated from Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate on September 9, 1938. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine on September 10, 1939 and solemn (permanent) vows on September 10, 1942.
James earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1943. He then pursued theological studies from 1943 to 1947 at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained a priest on June 11, 1946.
Father McCloskey was assigned to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Jamaica, New York, in 1947 as Assistant Pastor. In 1949, he was affiliated to the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Augustinians of the Midwest). That same year, he was assigned 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 on 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: The Midwest Augustinians, 10161 S Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60643-2032 or via ourOnline Giving Page.
