Richard C. Alton

The Rev'd Richard Charles Alton, 69, died on November 1, in Philadelphia, PA. Born on June 1, 1955, in Manchester, CT, survived by his wife Barbara, son Francis, and brother Tom; preceded in death by Elizabeth Hawkins Alton and Richard Charles Alton in 1978.

Vespers will be held on Friday, November 8 at 5:30pm. Mass will be offered on Saturday, November 9 at 11:00am. Both services will be held at Saint Clement's Church, 2013 Appletree Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

A devoted priest, Richard began as organist and choirmaster for St. Maurice Church, Bolton, CT, in 1970. He studied at Saint Anselm College, Manchester, NH, and graduated from Boston College in 1978. Ordained deacon on June 11, 1988, and priest on February 25, 1989, after completing degrees at Yale Divinity School and General Theological Seminary. He served as deacon at Saint Mary's Church, Manchester, CT, in 1988; as associate rector at Trinity Church, Southport, CT, from1990-1994; as a curate and interim rector at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue from 1994-1996; as rector of Saint Mark's Locust Street, Philadelphia from 1997-2007; priest in charge of Saint Andrew's Church, Stamford, CT, from 2007-2012; as rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Rosemont, PA, from 2012-2014; and died as rector of Saint Clement's Church.

Richard frequently prayed the rosary at the Chapel of Divine Love. He also loved to iron, polish silver, rescue dogs, and walk in Philadelphia and on the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Saint Clement's Church or The Polyphonia Society.