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Fr. Clement Arthur Davenport

1924 - 2014

Fr.  Clement Arthur Davenport obituary, 1924-2014, Oakland, CA

BORN

1924

DIED

2014

Clement Davenport Obituary

Fr. Clement Arthur Davenport
August 19, 1924 - August 19, 2014
Resident of San Rafael
As many of you are aware, Fr. Clement Arthur Davenport died on August 19, 2014 on his 90th birthday. He was born in Oakland to Clement Joseph and Mina Poston Davenport. He and his brothers William and Walter attended Saint Joseph Grammar School in Berkeley. Art went on to Saint Joseph's College in Mountain View before entering Saint Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park. Fr. Art was ordained by Archbishop John J. Mitty on December 18, 1948 at Saint Mary's Cathedral, and celebrated his First Solemn Mass at Saint Joseph's Church in Berkeley. Initially assigned to Holy Name of Jesus Church, he was commissioned a Chaplain with the U.S. Army on June 6, 1950, and was called to active duty in Korea with the 820th Aviation Engineer Battalion in 1952. Fr. Davenport completed a year in Korea, serving the men of the Forty-Fifth Division, 279th Infantry Regiment and returned to the Archdiocese and an assignment at Saint Bernard Church in Oakland. Fr. Davenport was appointed to Saint Philip Church in San Francisco in 1958, and later that year began two years of service as Chaplain at Saint Mary's Hospital in San Francisco. On June 17, 1960, Fr. Art was appointed as Associate Pastor of Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park where he served five years until being assigned to Saint Thomas the Apostle Church, where he also served as Chaplain at the Veteran's Administration Hospital at Fort Miley. In September, 1966, Fr. Davenport was recalled to active duty in the Army with the rank of Major, and was stationed in Vietnam as Brigade Chaplain for the First Infantry Division. He and his nine assistant chaplains ministered to approximately 30,000 men. Fr. Davenport was awarded the bronze star with three oak leaf clusters for acts of bravery, two air medals, two Army commendations, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. He retired from the military in February 1971 as an Army Chaplain with the rank of full Colonel, remaining in the Active Reserve. In April, 1971, Fr. Davenport was given his first pastorate, at Saint Peter Parish in Pacifica.
Fr. Davenport was named Pastor of Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park in 1976. During his years there, he also ministered as Adjunct Chaplain to the San Francisco 49ers. In 1999, after serving at Church of the Nativity for 23 years. Fr. Davenport retired. He resided at Saint Matthew Parish for six years and then returned to live in retirement at Church of the Nativity. In 2013, Father moved to Nazareth House in San Rafael.
Vigil (Rosary) Sunday, 8/24 at 6:30 p.m. at Nativity Church. Funeral Mass Monday 8/25 at 11:00 a.m. at Nativity Church. Burial Tuesday 8/26 at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma.
Your letters on condolence may be sent to the Davenport family in care of Father Art's niece, as follows:
Mina Davenport c/o Church of the Nativity, 210 Oak Grove Avenue., Menlo Park CA 94025. If you wish to make a donation in Fr. Davenports memory, contributions can be made to the Archdiocese of San Francisco's Priests' Retirement Fund or to Nativity Church.
Arrangements entrusted to John O'Connor Menlo Park Funerals.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Aug. 24, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Clement Davenport

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Michael Kavanaugh

August 28, 2014

During my 62 years on this earth, I have always considered Father Davenport as my primary priest. The Church of the Nativity has been my family's parish since 1948. Having attended Nativity elementary school from 3rd through 8th grades, I (as many other boys) did a stint as an alter boy and served mass with Father Davenport many times. When my wife and I were married (1992), Father Davenport performed our wedding. In 2004, Father Davenport performed the Last Rites for my mother in her final days. I will always remember Father Davenport with fond memories and a special place in my heart.

August 28, 2014

When I think of Nativity - I always think of Fr. Davenport.

Presentation Sisters

August 26, 2014

Rev. Clement Davenport was very supportive of the Sisters of the Presentation, especially when they lived in the Convent at Nativity. The Sisters of the Presentation are praying for your family and friends during this difficult time. May God bless you with love, comfort and peace.

Family photo & letter from Father! ??

Pat Galvez

August 26, 2014

We met Father Art when he came to St. Peter's in 1971 and he has been "Our" family priest ever since. He has been there with us at literally every important family event, both happy and sad, ever since. Words can't explain how much he will be missed!!

August 25, 2014

One of the good guys I had the honor to have meet while a young teen.

So sad to hear of his passing and proud of his service to others.

He made a everlasting impression on me back in his early priesthood days while at Nativity.

Great full life with unconditional love for those in need.

Kathie Proctor

August 25, 2014

To a kind and good man.He always had a wonderful smile and enjoyed everyone around him, he will be missed! I met him in 1976 and enjoyed talking with him in the years I was around he helped me get through hard times . He has a great since of humor.His legacy will continue.

Dolores Cribari

August 23, 2014

When Fr. Davenport retired and came to live at St. Matthew's Church, I was a Secretary there at the rectory. He was a wonderful priest! The lady that was his secretary at Nativity would call me all the time to tell me that they missed him and how lucky we were to have him! I will NEVER forget that he taught me to TRUST IN GOD and he had a HUGE picture of THE DIVINE MERCY in his room! I was blessed to have known him and his wonderful sense of humor!

Steve and Mary PELLEGRINI

August 23, 2014

We first met Father Art through my sister when he was in Pacifica, CA. A sincerely kind, compassionate, and loving man. He became a figure in our family and we asked him to officiate our wedding. Thank you Father Art for being present and guiding us through our family's ups and downs. May you rest in eternal peace.

August 22, 2014

To a dedicated man..Robert M. Genevro I

Joe Collins

August 22, 2014

A good and kind man who served God, members of the military as well as thousands of parishoners throughout the Bay Area. A great football fan of the 49ers and the Cal Bears. He is loved by many including our family who were blessed with his friendship for many years. The Collins Family, Santa Rosa, Ca.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
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Memorial Events
for Clement Davenport

Aug

24

Vigil

6:30 p.m.

Nativity Church

CA

Aug

24

Rosary

6:30 p.m.

Nativity Church

CA

Aug

25

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Nativity Church

CA

Aug

26

Burial

10:00 a.m.

Holy Cross Cemetery

Colma, CA

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