Daniel J. Martin

The Rev. Monsignor Daniel J. Martin Erie Priest for 62 years The Reverend Monsignor Daniel J. Martin, 88, 444 East Grandview Boulevard, Erie, died Tuesday May 23, 2006 at his residence. Born October 26, 1917 in Erie, he was the son of the late Daniel and Pauline Martin. He attended St. Patrick grade school and was a 1936 graduate of Cathedral Preparatory School. He attended Gannon University and St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, Md. where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1940 and completed his seminary training in 1943. He also studied at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and later received a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1950. He was ordained as a priest on November 17, 1943 at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Md. by Bishop John McNamara. His home parish was St. Patrick Parish in Erie, Pa. Monsignor Martin served as a parochial vicar at Sacred Heart parish in Sharon from 1943 to 1945 when he was reassigned to teach at Cathedral Prep in Erie, remaining at Prep until 1962. He served as assistant headmaster from at Prep from 1948 until 1962. During those years of teaching, he resided at Blessed Sacrament parish in Erie from 1945 to 1950 and then served as resident chaplain to Mercyhurst College from 1950 to 1962. In 1962 he was named pastor of St. Boniface parish in Kersey and headmaster of Elk County Christian, as the school was then called, serving there until 1970. He then served as pastor of St. Joseph parish in Oil City from 1970 to 1974 and as pastor of St. George parish in Erie from 1974 until his retirement in 1986. During his tenure at St. George, he oversaw the construction of the parish’s first rectory and office complex and undertook extensive renovations of St. George School. Upon retirement he moved to Mount Calvary parish in Erie where he served as administrator during 1987, after which time he moved to Mercyhurst College, serving as chaplain to women religious. In 2003 he moved to Blessed Sacrament parish where he resided briefly and then to the Mercy Motherhouse, where he remained until his death. In 1984 Pope John Paul II named him a Prelate of Honor with the title of Monsignor. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jean Martin and a brother, Rev. William D. Martin. He is survived by: his brother Frank L. Martin of St. Louis, Mo. and a nephew Dr. Daniel J. Martin and his wife Ruth of Columbus, Ohio. Friends may call at the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse, 444 East Grandview Boulevard, Erie on Friday, May 26 from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. Further visitation will be held there on Saturday, May 27 from 9 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. with Bishop Donald Trautman presiding. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of Mercy Motherhouse Fund or to St. George parish. Brugger Home for Funerals 1595 W. 38th Street at Greengarden Blvd is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences at bruggerfuneralhomes.com. Sign the guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.