Rev. James R. Dunphy MS

Father James R. Dunphy, M.S., 96, a Missionary of Our Lady of La Salette, died Monday, August 18, 2025 at Hartford House in Hartford, CT. Father Dunphy was born September 28, 1928 in Worcester, MA, to Maurice J. and Mary (Hennessey) Dunphy. After graduating from grammar and high school in Worcester, Father went to La Salette Seminary in Hartford, CT and then to the La Salette Seminary in Milford, Iowa. He studied Theology and Philosophy at the La Salette Seminary in Ipswich, MA. He continued on to receive an M.A. from Boston College. He entered the La Salette Novitiate on July 1, 1948 in Bloomfield, CT, where he made his first Profession of Vows on July 2, 1949. His Perpetual Profession of Vows was on July 2, 1952 at the La Salette Shrine in Ipswich, MA and was also ordained there on May 11, 1957. Following his ordination, Father Dunphy was an English professor, Spiritual Director and Conference Master for the Brothers at the La Salette Seminary in Jefferson City, MO. In 1969, he was assigned to the La Salette community in St. Louis, MO. In 1985, he also ministered as Chaplain to the Franciscan Sisters of Mary in St. Louis. Father Dunphy moved to the La Salette Hartford House in 2017 where he remained until his death. In addition to his La Salette Community, Father Dunphy, M.S., is survived by his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, John Dunphy, Donald Dunphy and Mary Dunphy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the La Salette Hartford House in Hartford, CT at 10:30 AM. Burial will be at Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery in Bloomfield, CT following the Funeral Mass. Calling hours will be at Hartford House on Friday, August 22, 2025 from 9:15 AM to 10:10 AM. Contributions in his memory may be made to: Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette Retirement Fund, P.O. Box 331370, West Hartford, CT 06133. The Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Wethersfield, CT has charge of arrangements. To share a memory, please visit www.dillonbaxter.com