Reverend John Francis Edwards

John Edwards Obituary

EDWARDS, Reverend John Francis In CT. Hospice Saturday, (October 25, 2008) Reverend John Francis Edwards, 79, of Glastonbury, loving uncle of Charles B. (Claire) Rose Jr. of North Haven, Mary Ellen (Stanley) Montefusco of Cheshire and Margaret (Glenn) Rybacki of Hamden; great uncle of Kerry, Caitlin and Hilary Rose, Michael and Adam Montefusco and Sarah and Emma Rybacki. Predeceased by a sister, Mary E. Rose, and his brother-in-law, Charles B. Rose, Sr.; Father Edwards was born in New Haven July 5, 1929 son of the late Walter and Mary (Killeen) Edwards. He graduated from St. Thomas Seminary and St. John's Seminary and was ordained January 6, 1955 in St. Brendan's Church, New Haven by The Most Reverend Henry J. O'Brien, D.D. His appointments included Chaplain of St. Francis Hospital, Hartford; St. Thomas Seminary in many capacities, Professor, Director of Studies, Dean of Studies, Principal of High School Departments and Vicar for Deacons for the Archdiocese of Hartford; Co-Pastor and Administrator for St. Joseph Church, Meriden; Pastor of Incarnation Church, Wethersfield; and Pastor Emeritus of Incarnation Church, Wethersfield with residence at St. Paul's Church in Glastonbury. Reverend John F. Edwards will lie in state TODAY from 4-7 p.m. in Incarnation Church, 544 Prospect St., Wethersfield, followed by a Parish Mass at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by The Most Reverend Henry J. Mansell, Archbishop of Hartford, Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. in Incarnation Church. Burial in St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Father Michael J. McGivney Cancer Center, 1450 Chapel St., New Haven, 06511 or Catholic Charities, 467 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, 06002. Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave., Hamden in care of arrangements.

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Published by The Repository from Oct. 26 to Oct. 27, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for John Edwards

13 Entries

Deacon Richard M. Flenke

January 30, 2021

Fr. Edwards was very kind to my wife and me when he interviewed us when I was discerning a vocation to the diaconate. I went on to be ordained in 1983, and now serve at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in North Myrtle Beach, SC. I think of Fr. Edwards often, and his words of encouragement during that interview. God bless him.

Les Marsh

November 3, 2008

Fr. Edwards was my Math and History teacher during my years at St.Thomas Seminary (1974-1978). He was a kind and quiet man who was more than just a school teacher - he was a teacher of life who always taught thru his actions as well as words. May his soul rest in peace.

Ted Szarzanowicz

October 30, 2008

I was a student at Saint Thomas Seminary High School from 1976-80. I was blessed to have known Fr. Edwards during this time and prior to this from his time as pariochial vicar at Saint Helena's in West Hartford in the mid 1970's. He was a tolerant, patient and decent man. He acted always with the utmost courtesy and grace towards high school seminarians and had a genuine love for U.S. History. He was truly a consumate gentleman and kind hearted person.

I thank God I was fortunate to have known him and pray for the repose of his soul.

Mary Listro

October 30, 2008

Father Edwards was my favorite priest at St. Augustine Church. He had such presences on the altar. He was a comfort to listen to and a wonderful example of goodness and love. I will miss him.
Mary Listro
Coordinator Religious Education
St. Augustine Church

Michael Murphy

October 29, 2008

Father Edwards was my teacher at STS from 1972-1976. I remember him with great fondness. My freshman year, he had us keep a journal of algebraic theories which he referred to as “The Saying of Father Edwards.” This was his parallel to "The Saying of Mao Se Tung" (The Little Red Book). One of his favorite responses to a student's complaint was "If you look very closely, you will see a tear in my eye." There was rarely a tear but rather a amused smile. He was quite patient with adolescent boys who often did not deserve his tolerance.

I am a teacher now and look back with appreciation at the priests and laity who taught me at St. Thomas Seminary. His was a life very well lived indeed.

Joyce Rossignol

October 28, 2008

Father Edwards was a good and holy man. The Church of the Incarnation was blessed by his presence.
Joyce Rossignol

cathy Hartley

October 28, 2008

I cannot put it any differently than Father McLean said at last night's Mass for Father Edwards; he was a good, holy, gentle, compassionate, loving Priest. It breaks my heart to lose good Priests' such as Fr. Edwards. I knew him only slightly, as I typically go to St. Mary's in East Hartford, but St. Paul's/St. Augustine's is closer to where I moved; at one Mass a few years ago at St. Ausustine's, Fr. Edwards said at the end of the Mass that there was still a need for an 8th grade CCD teacher, with only a week to go until classes were due to start. His gentle plea could not go un-answered, so I called the DRE when I got home as Fr. Edwards inspired me to do, and my husband and I have been teaching CCD at St. Augustine's for two years. Thank you Father for being a 'good Shepard' to your flock, even to me...not part of your regular flock. After last night's beautiful Mass, it appears he was very loved by many Parishioners and indeed, by his family. How lucky for those who were blessed to have 'crossed his path' on this Earth. May you all be comforted in the love you are seeing that everyone had for Fr. Edwards, and may you know that Fr. Edwards continues to keep you all in his prayers and love from above; may we honor his memory by becoming stronger in our Catholic faith and devotion to Mary. My love, prayers and sympathy in the loss of a very, very fine Priest.

Brian & Sue Skehan

October 27, 2008

When Fr. Edwards took over from Fr. Crawford, he had big shoes to fill. And fill them he did, beautifully.
Sincere condolences to Fr.'s entire family.

Matt Poland

October 27, 2008

Fr. Edwards was a great priest and teacher. I remember my days as a student in his class at Saint Thomas Seminary happily. May he enjoy the fruit of his labor with Jesus in heaven.

Joan and Sharon Reynolds

October 27, 2008

'Well done, good and faithful servant! ... Come and share your master's happiness!'

JIM Capenera

October 26, 2008

my deepest sympathyto the father Edwards family.Father Edwards was a true follower of god and always did his wiil may we always follow in his foot steps.JIM Capenera

Michael and Nella D'Onofrio

October 26, 2008

To the family of Rev. John Francis Edwards - We belong to the Church of the Incarnation in Wethersfield and were saddened to hear and read of the passing of our dear Pastor, Fr. Edwards. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Michael and Nella D'Onofrio

Rev. Joseph Napolitano

October 26, 2008

May Father Edwards rest in God's eternal joy and happiness for all his great priestly work.

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