Wake, Service for Msgr. Robert McCormick

Monsignor Robert F. McCormick, of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York and former pastor of St. Augustine’s Church in Ossining, N.Y., died Friday, September 23 rd , at the Convent of St. Birgitta, in Darien, CT where he was the resident chaplain. He was 95.

Upon his ordination in 1947, Msgr. McCormick served at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel, at the Military Academy at West Point, for 28 years until 1975. While there he helped oversee the redesign and expansion of the chapel. He counseled numerous West Pointers, including cadets, officers and enlisted men and formed many lasting friendships, including leaders at the highest levels at the Academy.

In 1975 he was appointed pastor at St. Augustine’s Church in Ossining, N.Y. and was elevated to Monsignor during his tenure there.

Shortly after arriving in Ossining, he learned that the State of N.Y. intended to widen Rt. 9 which would negatively impact the church and school. Through his farsightedness and the support of a hard working committee, Msgr. McCormick was instrumental in raising sufficient funds to purchase 30 acres of land that had housed the Mary Immaculate School, a private Catholic school for girls, on a spectacular site overlooking the Hudson River. In 1990, his vision for a new church in keeping with the site was realized when His Eminence Cardinal John J. O’Connor consecrated the neo-gothic church with sweeping views of the Hudson.

Over the years, St. Augustine’s Parish and grammar school have thrived. In recognition for his stewardship and dedication to Catholic education, St. Augustine’s started a foundation to support the school in Msgr. McCormick’s name.

After retiring in 1994, Msgr. McCormick assisted at Resurrection Church in Rye, N.Y., and Holy Redeemer Church in Palm City, FL.

In 1997, he became the chaplain at the Convent of St. Birgitta, located in the Tokeneke section of Darien, CT where he served the community with daily Mass and frequent discussion groups. His homilies affected people for their simplicity and wisdom and he will be remembered by many for his trademark line “Only good lovers go to heaven”. Msgr. McCormick had tremendous admiration for the work of the Bridgettine Sisters who run the Convent.

Raised in New Rochelle, N.Y., Msgr. McCormick was the youngest of eight children. He received a B.A. from Fordham University before completing his theological studies at Dunwoodie Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y. Throughout his 69 years in the priesthood, Msgr. McCormick was known for his quick wit and keen sense of humor. He enjoyed tennis in his spare time. He is survived by 21 nieces and nephews and their families.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Church in Ossining on Friday, September 30 th at 10 am, with visitation at 9 am. In addition, a wake will be held on Thursday, September 29 th at St. Augustine’s School from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Burial will follow the Mass at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in New Rochelle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to the Convent of St. Birgitta and/or the Foundation named in Monsignor’s honor to support St. Augustine’s school.