Rev. Richard Severson

Severson, Rev. Richard WILTON The Reverend Richard Ambrose Severson, 71, of Wilton, passed away on Thursday, October 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, 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. 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, Fort Edward. Arrangements under the direction Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main St., Hudson Falls, N.Y.