Enfield Obituary: Rev. Francis Kerwan, 99

Reverend Francis T. Kerwan, 99, Pastor Emeritus of Holy Family Church joined his Lord and Savior at St. Joseph's Residence in Enfield on Tuesday, March 22, 2016.

Born September 16, 1916 in Waterbury, Fr. Kerwan was the son of the late James and Mary (Whalen) Kerwan. He graduated from St. Margaret School and Crosby High School in Waterbury in 1930 and 1934 respectively. Fr. Kerwan attended St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield graduating in 1939 with a degree in Philosophy. He completed studies in Theology at St. Bernard Seminary in Rochester, NY in 1943.

Fr. Kerwan was ordained June 3, 1943 in St. Joseph Cathedral by the late Bishop Maurice F. McAuliffe. Father’s first parish assignment was at St. Mary Church in Portland, CT from 1943 – 1945. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps as a Chaplain during World War II serving in the European Theater, in Manila and Japan from 1945 to 1947. After military service he was assigned to St. Joseph Church in New Haven until 1950 when he was recalled for further military duty serving during the Korean War. Again returning from military service in 1953 Father was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi in Naugatuck where he served until 1957 whereupon he was assigned to St. John of the Cross Church in Middlebury. In 1961 he was reassigned to St. Peter Church in Hartford.

On September 16, 1965, Father Kerwan was appointed Pastor of the newly designated Parish of Holy Family Church in Enfield, by the late Archbishop Henry J. O’Brien. Father continued service in the Connecticut Army National Guard and was appointed Senior Chaplain, and retired at the rank of Colonel. During his many years as priest and pastor, he found great joy and relaxation in the game of golf at which he excelled. He was proud of his Irish heritage and was an avid fan of the Boston Red Sox. Fr. Kerwan was a member of the Washington Irving Knights of Columbus Council 50 and the Rev. William Kilcoyne Assembly 4th Degree both of Enfield.

At the time of his retirement in 2013, he had been a priest for 70 years and was the longest serving active pastor in the Archdiocese of Hartford. At that time he was appointed Pastor Emeritus of Holy Family. During many occasions, Father commented that the greatest accomplishment of his life was the founding of Holy Family Parish, building its Church and nurturing its strong, strong-faith based community.

Father Kerwan will forever be remembered by parishioners, area nursing homes and hospitals as a devoted priest. Father was a priests’ priest who was always available, always there, whether day or night.

Father leaves a nephew, John Kerwan and family. He was predeceased by his brothers, Monsignor James Kerwan, and John Kerwan, and his sister, Marion W. Kerwan, R.N.

A Parish Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Church, 23 Simon Rd., Enfield on Monday, March 28, 2016 at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Family Church on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 11:00 AM. The Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, S.T.D. will be principal celebrant. Visiting hours for Fr. Kerwan will be held on Monday, March 28, 2016, from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Holy Family Church, 23 Simon Road, Enfield. Burial with military honors will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Waterbury.

Memorial donations may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1365 Enfield Street, Enfield, CT 06082 or St. Vincent DePaul Society, c/o Holy Family Church, 23 Simon Road, Enfield, CT 06082.

A special thank you is extended to the Little Sisters and staff at St. Joseph's Residence for their compassionate care. Also, a special thank you to, Deacon Art Dickman and Parish Secretary, Linda Sacheli for their many years of unwavering support.