Brother Anthony Joseph McCoy

Brother Anthony Joseph McCoy, 79, of the Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross in Springfield, Illinois, passed away September 22, 2025, at HSHS St. John's Hospital.

Brother Anthony Joseph McCoy, the former Frederick Edward McCoy was born in Syracuse, New York on July 30, 1946, to Frederick Edward and Erma Helen (nee LaBeef) McCoy. He was Baptized on November 17, 1946, in Syracuse, NY; First Communion, Penance and on November 27, 1957, was Confirmed in St. Matthew's Parish in East Syracuse, NY.

He attended Heman Street Elementary School, Syracuse, NY; E.S. High School (7-10 Grade); Franciscan Preparatory Seminary, Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania (11th -12th Grade) and LeMoyne College.

Following a one-year work experience along with one year of Catholic College, Syracuse, NY, Frederick experienced a deep call to the religious life. He entered the Congregation of Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross on July 25, 1967; invested in the Habit on January 25, 1968, and received the religious name of Brother Anthony Joseph. He made his First Profession of Vow on January 25, 1970, and Perpetual Vows on January 19, 1975.

Brother Anthony Joseph served the community as a teacher at Elementary Schools, High School and in Special Education, having completed both a Degree in Teaching Special Education and teaching in Elementary Education. On "mission", he served in Springfield, Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, Jefferson, Wisconsin and Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was a gifted musician, poet and enjoyed reading and taking long walks.

In service and leadership in the community, he was an office worker, a childcare worker, Vocation Director for the Congregation, Novice Master, Superior and Regional Superior.

His father, mother and stepfather and two infant brothers have preceded him in death.

He is survived by brothers, Richard McCoy (Linda), and Francis William A'Hearn (Sharon, deceased); and his sister, Lorene McCoy (Patrick) Dadey. Brother Anthony Joseph has nephews and a niece and great nephews and nieces, cousins, colleagues, and his community of Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross whom he shared his religious life for 57 Years.

We are grateful to God for the life and gifts of Brother Anthony Joseph. He will be missed by us, his community as well as those who have come to know him and love him.

Funeral arrangements include a Wake Service at St. James Monastery and a Memorial Mass later.

Brother Anthony Joseph will have his funeral Mass at St. Matthew's Church in East Syracuse, NY on Monday, September 29 at 11 am. A calling hour will be held on Monday at 10 am at the church. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in DeWitt, NY.

Staab Funeral Home, Springfield, IL and Delaney Greabell Adydan Funeral Home in East Syracuse, NY will be collaborating services.