Rev. JOSEPH A. NEWELL S.J.

I worked with Joe at St. Aloysius in DC from 1978 to 1980 and just learned of his death. He was a kind and gentle soul. May he rest in peace.
Pat Davis

Fr. Joe was the most loving and caring pastor I have ever known. Our children considered him an honorary grandfather and part of the family. I will always think of heaven as "one big banquet with everyone enjoying each other's company and celebrating special days." Joe was so special to everyone who knew him. he inspired me to go back to college and finish my education. My husband who is not Catholic thought of him as his pastor.
Maria Horton

We were very sorry to hear of the death of Fr. Joe. He had been our pastor at St. Barnabas Church in Arden, NC. After Fr. Joe arrived, he quickly became like a member of our family. He especially loved children. I have great memories of him after Sunday Mass, in the recreational hall, stooping down with a huge smile to hug one of the little ones who had just come crashing up to him. As with others, he kept up with us and our children after he transferred out of the parish.
Another...

Fr. Joe was a wonderful friend to me and my family and kept up with me for years after he left the St. Baranabas parish in Arden, NC. He watched my daughters grow up and was able to fly to Atlanta when my oldest daughter was married. He was very intelligent, kind, compassionate, and an extra enthusiastic Democrat. I will miss him tremendously! We have lost a wonderful priest and fine person. Sharon Fender, Asheville, NC

Our family just returned from vacation and was saddened to hear of Father Joe's passing. He was a kind and gentle soul to our church family here at St. Stephen's in Sanford, NC. Our personal family was most touched when he traveled to Boone, NC, for our daughter's wedding. We will always remember his "sticky notes" throughout the parish house, reminders to keep him "on track." Love and prayers to his family,
George and Kathy Kostrewa

We are parishioners of St. Barnabas in Arden, NC where Fr. Joe was our priest when we first arrived in 1986 and for several years after. He is responsible for putting us together with our closest friends here in the Asheville area who have become more family than friends.

He dubbed us "The Happy Herd". He spend much time with our 8 families and 18 children (at that time) and our families are blessed to have known him, loved him and been loved by him.

God bless Fr....

Thank you for being our Partor at St. Stephen in Sanford, NC. May God Bless you and your family.

Father Joe married us and baptized our only child. He was a great friend of forty years, dating back to Woodstock and Wheeling College. He was a loved pastor and priest. We'll miss him. Ed and Teresa Mullen