REV. GERARD B. McCORMICK, OMI
MISSIONARY OBLATE PRIEST FOR 60 YEARS
TEWKSBURY, MA - Rev. Gerard B. McCormick, OMI, 93, died after a long illness on September 30, 2007 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence in Tewksbury, MA. He had just celebrated his 60th Anniversary of Priesthood this past June. He was born on August 18, 1914 in New York City to Bernard and Anna (Fallon) McCormick. He was educated in Brooklyn and Buffalo, NY.
Fr. McCormick was accepted at the Oblate Novitiate in Tewksbury, MA and received his habit in September of 1940. He professed his first vows on September 8, 1941, followed by his perpetual vows on September 8, 1944. His Ordination to the priesthood took place in Washington, DC on June 2, 1947. The ordaining Bishop was Bishop Arsene Turquetil, OMI. Fr. McCormick celebrated his first solemn Mass at St. Catherine’s in Brooklyn, NY.
Fr. McCormick spent most of his priestly years as a missionary preacher, but also ministered in other ways over the years. His first assignment was to Brazil as a missionary from 1947-1951. Following his return to the States, he was a teacher at the Oblate Novitiate in Tewksbury, MA. He ministered in Port Huron, Michigan for 6 years, followed by a short term as Pastor at St. Joseph’s in Essex, NY. He was assigned to Our Lady of Hope in Newburgh, NY and remained there until 1969. He was chaplain at Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, NJ for one year. Following that assignment, he returned to Our Lady of Hope in Newburgh, NY where he was stationed for nearly 30 years, preaching and doing parish ministry. In 2000, Fr. McCormick was assigned to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence in Tewksbury where he remained until his death.
Fr. McCormick was predeceased by his parents as well as 3 brothers, James, Francis and Donald. He is survived by several nephews and nieces.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, October 4, followed by burial in the Oblate cemetery on the premises.
Donations in memory of Fr. McCormick may be made to the Oblate Infirmary Fund, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876-2849.