Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
John Cox Obituary
He attended public elementary schools, was a 1928 graduate of LaSalle Academy, a 1932 honors graduate of Providence College and received a Master of Arts and Doctorate in Philosophy from Catholic University of America.
In preparation for the priesthood, he studied Theology at St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, MD, and was ordained a priest on June 6, 1936 in the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul, Providence by Bishop Francis P. Keough. He celebrated his first Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church, his childhood parish, and appropriately to where he will be returned for his Mass of Christian Burial.
After a year of service in the Cathedral in Providence, Msgr. Cox completed his graduate studies, and became a member of the faculty at the new Our Lady of Providence Seminary, Warwick Neck in 1941. For twenty-nine years he taught Philosophy, Science, History and English; as well as serving as Dean of Students. As an educator for so many years, Msgr. Cox taught many of the next several generations of Roman Catholic priests in the Diocese of Providence. An additional diocesan responsibility included serving as a Synodal Judge. In 1961, Pope John XXIII appointed him a Domestic Prelate with the title of Monsignor. Msgr. Cox was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education from Providence College in 1963. He was inducted into the LaSalle Academy Hall of Fame in 2004.
In 1969, Msgr. Cox became the pastor of St. Peter Church, Warwick and retired in August 1986 with the title Pastor Emeritus. During his pastorate, he also served as the Dean of the Warwick Deanery from 1970 through 1974, Vicar General of the Diocese of Providence in 1971, and as a member of the Senate of Priests.
Although Msgr. Cox devoted his life to his priestly vocation, he pursued a lifelong avocation to sports, both participating and spectating. His earliest interest in baseball came from his catching in sandlot ball at Providence's Davis Park and his dedication to the Boston Red Sox was rewarded early as he followed the 1918 World Series championship by listening on the crystal radio. Msgr. Cox occasionally mentioned that the only career he would have liked if he had not been a priest was a professional baseball player-as a catcher. His dedication to the Providence College Friars was well known to his fellow fans, as he seldom missed a game through his mid-80s. Msgr. Cox remained an avid swimmer and golfer through most of his life, crediting exercise as a key to longevity. Msgr. Cox was the oldest living Catholic priest in the Diocese of Providence.
Msgr. Cox was the brother of the late Miss Rosella V. Cox, Mrs. Anna (Cox) Monahan, and Mrs. Alice (Cox) Cooney. He leaves a niece, Alicia Cooney Quigley of Boston and a number of cousins in both the United States and Ireland.
A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday morning, at 11:00 am, in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, 179 Academy Avenue, Providence, to which relatives and friends are invited. Burial will be in Saint Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket. Visiting hours Tuesday, 3-7 pm, in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in memory of Msgr. Cox to St. Peter's Tri-Parish School, 350 Fair Street, Warwick, RI 02888. www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Cox
George Strom
March 21, 2009
A gentle man with exceptional brilliance. The deepest knowledge of the Church, Ireland and the Red Sox were his own personal trinity.
Cousin Gigg
joe broomhead
March 17, 2009
He really was as sweet, gentle and kind a man you could meet. Even as a bratty kid going to St. Peter School you could sense it. It was always nice to hear from my mother through the years that Msgr. was still doing well. He'll be missed.
Frank Miller
March 14, 2009
A true man of God who impacted so many people over the years. For so many of us who grew up in Warwick in the 1960's and 1970's he was the church and his humble walk continues to influence us. A life so well lived and profound that you can only smile and be thankful that he was part of our lives. I thank God for his life.
breege GuckianOReilly
March 12, 2009
Alicia, deep sympathy at this time of bereavement
Angela
March 11, 2009
I used to live in Edgewood and attended St. Peter's while I was in my twenties and thirties. Msgn. Cox always gave very meaningful sermons. He always gave you something you could take away from the mass and relate to or apply to your own life during the week. He was never boring. To me the sermon is a very important part of the mass since it is direct communication from the priest on how to apply Jesus' principles to our own lives. Also, as a young person, I didn't want to be bored. I continued to attend St. Peter's even after I moved to the East Bay because I really liked his sermons and got a lot out of them. "Well done good and faithful servant."
Patrick & Barbara McCaffrey
March 11, 2009
Eternal Rest to this Gentlest of men and the thousands of those who he so deeply touched. Our family is the third generation who were blessed to have known and witnessed his heavenly presence.
An Old Irish Blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Claire (Hadfield) McDonald
March 11, 2009
Dear Alicia and family of Monsignor John, The memories of this gentle, loving man of God will forever be with me as I continue on my journey through life. I met him at eighteen years of age and am now fifty eight, and I carry all that he taught me in my heart forever... I shall never forget you, you gave so generously without remembering, and took so little without forgetting. May God watch over you always and may you be able to join in with the celestial choirs with, your own glorious rendition on Danny Boy!! Thank you for your kindness and unconditional love.
Ann Helmstetter
March 11, 2009
Alicia, my heart goes out to you at this sad time . Fr John was a brilliant man with a great sense of humor with the capacity to make people feel at ease. He made the Guckians proud . I have the picture of my dad and he taken in 1953 blessing on you Ann
Judy Houle
March 10, 2009
Msgr. Cox was a humble servant of Jesus Christ and it was always a delight to be in his presence. I could literally feel God's light shining through him. I knew Msgr. Cox as the daughter of his colleague, Rev. Lincoln Smith and even played the organ at St. Peter's when my father was pastor at Lakewood Baptist Church. They were good friends and worked well together. He will be missed.
Sheila Garbecki
March 10, 2009
Msgr Cox, was the kindest, most gentle and humble man and priest we ever knew. He married Bob & I in April 1977. I am so sorry he has left this earth but he has left many wonderful memories and lasting impressions on many people. Now he has gone Home, is enjoying the birth of his eternal life. Rest in Peace Msgr Cox. We will always love you.
Sheila & Bob Garbecki
Marta V. MartÃnez
March 10, 2009
When we first moved to St Peter's Parish, we were greeted with a warm, welcome smile by Monsignor Cox. He baptized our oldest son, and we always felt his presence at St Peter's in many ways. He will be missed! - Marta, Patrick, Jose, Miguel and Pablo
Jodie Hannon
March 10, 2009
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Marie Foley Ahlert
March 10, 2009
Msgr. Cox,
Wonderful, caring, loving man who made a room glow when he walked into it with that wonderful smile and great chuckle! He touched many of our lives in a most positive way. Thanks!
Love, Marie
Sue, Garrett & Kevin Stenhouse
March 10, 2009
We will never forget Msgr. Cox, not only for his devotion to our parish at St.Peter's, but for his passion and keen interest in baseball. Our sincere sympathies.
John Leonard
March 10, 2009
I was blessed to meet this man at a very early age. He taught things to my class at St.Peters that at the time I did not understand. As time passed and I grew older his words began to make sense. Forty years later I still think of his words of wisdom and guidance. I was lucky to have served many masses with him as a young alter boy. His words and compassion will always remain with me.
Liz and Steve Richards
March 9, 2009
Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of Msgr. Cox. We are parishioners of St. Peter's Church.
Edward J. Flanagan
March 9, 2009
Monsignor Cox(Johnny)and I spent four years at P.C. and graduated in 1932. He was my friend and priest since that time. Great memories, I will miss my friend. God bless you Monsignor Cox.
Rev. Mr. Christopher Feeney
March 9, 2009
Monsignor, a priest who trully lived his vocation, in every aspect. "Jesus live in me!" - He did, Monsignor. You were the truest example of "another Christ."
I was blessed to have him as my pastor and a staple in the parish even after his retirment. He said Mass every single day and I was blessed to be able to serve for him so often. God blessed me with such an example, and some VERY big shoes to fill as I approach ordination. Monsignor, please pray for me! If I turn out to be only 1/4 the priest you are ... then I'd be a saint!
I have always thought that this line was written for him:
"There was not the like of him who kept the law of the Most High." Sirach 44
Dom and Carol Germani
March 9, 2009
The Most Holy Man We Knew.
Rest in Peace Monsignor
Donna Dwyer
March 9, 2009
To the family of Msgr.Cox,
He was a great priest at St. Peter*s especially to large families and a great homilist. He will be missed by all who knew him. Many of my family members are in St Peter*s parish and they say the same think. He was a month short of 98. I only have a couple of aunts and a grandmother who lived to their 90*s. The men in my family died young and my father was middled aged at 5 weeks of 81 when he passed away in Oct. 1992.
Ann Marie Hannon-Wells
March 9, 2009
Msgr Cox played a major role in so many young people's life and I was one as well as my son. As a young child attending St Peters School, he was always in and out of the school checking on the progress of all the students. He has played a major role in my life for almost 40 years and he will truly be missed. Msgr Cox was a true "gentle" man.
Alan and Suzanne Walsh
March 9, 2009
Alicia, we are sorry to hear your Uncle passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Cathy ZITO
March 9, 2009
God's Garden
God looked around His garden, and found and empty place.He then looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face.He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest.God garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best.He knew you were suffering.He knew you were in pain,He knew you would never get well on earth again.He saw the road was getting rough,and the hills were hard to climb,so he closed you weary eyelids, and whispered " Peace be thine."It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn't go alone. For part of us went with you the day God called you home I will always love you Msgr.,and hold you forever in my heart. Love Cathy and Phil Zito.
Peter J Hannon
March 9, 2009
in 1969 when Msgr Cox was assigned to St Peter's parish one of his first duties was to deal with a group of mishevious
young men I was one of that group and he always treated us fairly. God Bless May He Rest in Peace
Peter J Hannon
Linda and Bob Mast
March 9, 2009
Alicia,
Bob and I know how close you were to your uncle and want you to know we're thinking of you. You have been the best niece anyone could ever hope for. He surely loved and appreciated all you have done for him over the years.
cathy molloy
March 9, 2009
Alicia-
I am sorry for your loss but hope that you find comfort in the wonderful memories you shared.
Rev. Frank Stone
March 9, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Frank McGINN OLP "54
March 9, 2009
Father Cox was a great priest and a great guy. He taught world history in my freshman year at OLP with a full month's emphasis on Irish History. He was loved by all.
Kathleen (Dooley) McCoombs
March 9, 2009
Monsignor Cox always has been and always will be "My Favorite Christian" --straight from a written assignment from Mrs. Spencer's Grade 4 classroom at St. Peter's School. God welcomed home a true disciple today and Rhode Island lost a legend. I have never met a kinder man, Monsignor Cox was the epitome of the perfect priest. He will live on forever in our hearts and memories. He made St. Peter's Parish like one big family in the many years he served as our pastor there. He will be truly missed.
Rev. Joseph Protano
March 9, 2009
This is a great priest! Deeply spiritual, highly intelligent yet humble to the core, he was what we really mean when we say he is a priests' Priest. God take him to Himself. May Msgr. Cox never cease to pray for his beloved Diocese and his fellow priests. I will offer Holy Mass in thanksgiving for hisl noble personage and mighty soul. Fr. Joe Protano
velana garner
March 9, 2009
Dear Msgr. I will miss you very much.You were a great friend and cousin and I will always remember the time you visited me in Ireland when I was a child and how my father (your uncle) loved you and was so proud of you.
J F CARUSO
March 9, 2009
FOND MEMORY,S R . I. P. FATHER
Br Ronald Francis Crepeau-Cross MGC
March 9, 2009
Dear family of Msgr. Cox,
Sincere condolences on the passing of this man of God! May he enjoy eternal life with Our Blessed Lord, and may you all be consoled. I am one of hundreds whom he taught at Our Lady of Providence Seminary.
Mercy! Peace! Love!
Julie Gill (Bangs)
March 9, 2009
He was a true priest (in persona Christi.) May he receive now his eternal reward. God bless you, Msgr., and thank you.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in John Cox's name
Memorial Events
for John Cox
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor John Cox's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
