WILTON The Rev. Richard Ambrose Severson, 71, of Wilton, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, at Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Born on July 9, 1936, in Hoosick Falls, he was the son of the late Charles J. and Rose V. (Carr) Severson. Before ordination, he served as a police officer for Hoosick Falls from 1954 until 1971. In 1965, he worked also as manager of Domestic Finance in Troy. Fr. Severson was very involved in his hometown of Hoosick Falls. He was active in the Hoosick Falls Fire Department, as well as the Hoosick Falls EMS. In 1972, he was named chief deputy coordinator of Ambulance and Rescue for Rensselaer County. He was very involved in Boy Scouts and earned the Pelican Award and the Silver Beaver Award. From 1969 to 1975, he served three terms as mayor of Hoosick Falls. In 1977, he left Hoosick Falls to study for the priesthood. He completed his philosophy studies at Holy Apostle's College and Seminary in Cromwell, Conn., and studied theology at St. Bernard's Seminary in Rochester and Immaculate Conception Seminary in Mahwah, N.J. Fr. Severson was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Rev. Howard J. Hubbard at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on June 12, 1982. From 1982 to 1990, Fr. Severson served as the associate pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hudson Falls, N.Y. During that time, he also served as part-time chaplain at Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock, N.Y., and chaplain of the Monsignor Arthur S. Kiffin Knights of Columbus Council 296 in Hudson Falls, as well as chaplain of the Hudson Falls Fire Department and the Boy Scouts. After leaving Hudson Falls, Father served at Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility in Wilton and resided for a time at St. Joseph's Church in Greenfield Center. He served as a consultor of the Albany diocese from 1987 to 1990. Fr. Severson retired from the Department of Corrections in July of 2002. After retirement, Fr. Severson began his full-time healing ministry through Mary's Mission, Inc., and assisted parishes throughout the area with weekend coverage. Through his ministry, Father brought healing to countless people who were in need. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by three brothers; George Severson, Lawrence Severson and Donald Severson, and a sister, Nora Haley. He is survived by his brother, Robert Severson and his wife, Jean, and many beloved nieces and nephews. There will be a reception of the body at 5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, at Immaculate Conception Church in Hoosick Falls. A Parish Liturgy will be celebrated there at 7 p.m. on Monday evening. A wake will be held from 9 a.m. until the Funeral Liturgy at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at St. Mary's/St. Paul's Church on the park in Hudson Falls. The Rite of Committal will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in the town of Fort Edward. Arrangements are under the direction Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls, N.Y.
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To the family....we have not seen you since my godfather, Larry Severson passed away, but you have been in our thoughts as we visit him at his resting place at Saratoga National Cemetery. You are in our thoughts and prayers again as you bid farewell to Fr. Richard...he's done so many good things for people over the years, in so many different ways...he is surely getting his Heavenly reward. Sorry we were out of the area when he passed... Respectfully, Karen & Jim Folmsbee
Karen & Jim Folmsbee
November 1, 2007
We have lost a great priest , a great human being and a good friend. Father came after me at Mt. Mcgregor and often assisted me at Blessed Sacrament in Bolton Landing. He was greatly loved and respected by all. We will all miss him . Please be assured that he is being remembered in my prayers and masses.
God Bless,
Rev. Peter Young
Vol.CEO PYHIT
Former Chaplain at Mt. mcGregor
Rev. Peter Young
October 25, 2007
Father Severson,
Thank you for all that you did for my family. You will always hold a very dear place in our hearts. Our sympathies are with your family.
Jessica & Tom Carter
October 23, 2007
Dick was a year behind me in the seminary. We were serenaded each Friday night in the refectory to the "Blackhawk Waltz." His piano playing was not accomplished, but he had a true pastor's heart, that he shared with his claccmates and the entire seminary community. Rest well my friend. Job well done. May you enter into the joys of heaven
Fr. Don Rutherford
October 23, 2007
You told me a joke every morning for 5 years at Mt. McGregor, some were good others , well let's say not so good. It was a great pleasure to have known you and I know you will be o.k. up above. Ret. Sgt. Skip Perry
Skip Perry
October 23, 2007
Ramon Tapia
October 23, 2007
Dear Father "Pesty" Severson,
You were a good man, friend but most importantly a good Christian. Your work may be known by many but God knows it all. You are missed by many but all of them know that you are in a place that God has prepared for you. The men that attended REC weekends at McGregor thank you for including us in your life and showing us God's love.
Peae,
Dave McCarthy
October 22, 2007
I met Father Severson about five years ago while assisting with prison ministry at McGregor Correctional Facility. I appreciated his insight and compassion for the men at the facility. I got to know him some more at several of the Healing Masses that he served at in the Albany Diocese. I pray that his work will continue and his greatness as man following Christ will be greatly missed.
Rick Tuers
October 22, 2007
Dear "Pesty",
How I will miss you, but how blessed I have been to have known you! Thank you for your example of faith and commitment to the Lord's will and to Mary's Mission. You will always be in my heart and my very special prayers. May the angels surround you with heavenly music always!
Linda Weber
October 22, 2007
Father, thank you for all that you have done for us, you were such a great man.
I'll miss your jokes and your laugh.
S K
October 22, 2007
fr severson,i want to thank you for your help in the past years.i'm going to miss talking to you.my prayers go out to you and your family.
janice brown
October 22, 2007
Father Severson, we miss you already. You are a holy man and priest and we are sure you are in the arms of Our Blessed Mother. I will miss our almost daily conversations, your voice on your answering machine and the inspiring homilies. Thank you for all the Masses you said for Joyce and me and please pray for us from your heavenly place.
Don and Joyce Bodak
October 21, 2007
Father will be missed by everyone who has ever known him. Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family. He has always kept everyone in his prayers.
Gloria & Ernie Parker
October 21, 2007
Fr.Severson,please pray for us!
Nancy&Tom Rodick
October 21, 2007
Father,
R.I.P., You will be missed from all of us @ Steve's Place.
October 21, 2007
My deepest sympathy's to Father's family. It is a great loss for us at the Saratoga K of C and he will be remembered as a holy man and a dedicated priest. He was also a great and true friend. He will be missed.
Now about his jokes ...... : )
Richard Gorman Sr.
October 20, 2007
Charles & Jane Vogler
Charles & Jane Vogler
October 20, 2007
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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