Raphael Iannone

Beacon - The Capuchin Franciscan friars of the Province of St. Mary mourn the death of their brother, Fr. Raphael Iannone, OFM Cap., who passed from this life on July 26, 2025, in Beacon, N.Y., at the age of eighty-seven.

John Iannone was born in Montclair, N.J., on Aug. 4, 1937, to Michael Paul Iannone and Jane T. Notte. He entered the novitiate on Aug. 31, 1955, and was given the religious name Raphael. He professed his perpetual vows on Sept. 1, 1959, and was ordained to the priesthood on Jan. 11, 1964. He taught math and physics for nine years at Glenclyffe High School in Garrison, N.Y., our minor seminary where he himself had graduated.

In 1977, Father Raphael joined the staff of New Hope Manor, Barryville, N.Y., a residential substance abuse recovery program for women. He spent seven years as a counselor and teacher. During his final two years he was also executive director.

In 1984 he moved to New Paltz, N.Y., where he served six years as pastor of St. Joseph Parish. In 1990, Father Raphael returned to formation ministry. For the next 18 years he served outside the Hudson Valley in the formation of new friars.

In 2008, Father Raphael returned to St. Joseph Friary, New Paltz, and served as supervisor of provincial properties. He remained in active ministry into his eighties, serving seven years at St. Francis de Sales Church in Phoenicia, N.Y., until August 2020, retiring to St. Lawrence Friary in Beacon.

A wake will be held on Tuesday, July 29, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Whalen & Ball Funeral Home, 168 Park Avenue, Yonkers, N.Y. The funeral will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 30, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, N.Y. In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Province of St. Mary in memory of Fr. Raphael Iannone in support of the continued good works of the Capuchin Franciscan friars. You can send your donations to the Capuchin Mission & Development Office, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703.