Reverend Thomas Joseph Major

Reverend Thomas Joseph Major, Pastor, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Dushore, died on the 6th day of December, 2024, after having faithfully served the Diocese of Scranton for thirty-three years.

Reverend Thomas Joseph Major, son of the late Fred C. Major and Alma Jean Ardoline Major, was born in Pittston, PA on April 4, 1964. He was a graduate of Abington Heights High School, Clarks Summit, PA and attended NPW Geisinger Pittston School of Nursing, graduating as a registered nurse. Father attended the University of Scranton and earned a bachelor of science degree in May 1987. He received his seminary education from St. Pius X Seminary, Dalton and Immaculate Conception Seminary, Seton Hall University, NJ. Father was ordained to the priesthood in St. Peter’s Cathedral, Scranton on June 29, 1991 by the Most Reverend James C. Timlin, late Bishop Emeritus of Scranton.

 Father Major was appointed assistant pastor, Annunciation, Williamsport in July 1991. He was assigned in residence, Our Lady of Snows, Clarks Summit in July 1995 and was appointed assistant pastor in July 1997. Father was appointed assistant pastor, Epiphany parish, Sayre, July 1998 and assistant pastor, St. Aloysius, Wilkes Barre, July 2000.

 Father received his first pastorate in July 2005 at St. Ann Parish, Bentley Creek. In July 2006, he was assigned pastor, St. Ann, Shohola and in July 2009, while remaining pastor at St. Ann Parish, Shohola, St. John Neumann, Lords Valley was added to this pastorate. In November 2018, Father was appointed pastor, Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, Dushore serving for six years until his passing.

 Father Major also served the Diocese as chaplain, Penn College, Williamsport, Lycoming College and the Clarks Summit State Hospital.

 Father Major is survived by a brother, Jeffery A. Major, and his wife Susan of Bayonne, NJ; nieces and nephews including Annessa Vlachos, Charles Major and Chance VanSickle.

In addition to his parents, Father was preceded in death by a sister, Norina Van Sickle and three bothers Theodore, Charles, and Patrick Major.

Viewing will take place Thursday, December 12 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., at St. Benedict Church, 1849 Newton Ransom Blvd, Newton Township. 

A Vesper Service will be celebrated at 7:00 p.m.

A Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, on Friday, December 13, 2024, at St. Benedict Church, 1849 Newton Ransom Blvd, Clarks Summit, Pa. at 10 a.m. Viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Interment will be in Milwaukee Cemetery. Ransom Township.

Arrangements are being made by Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service, Inc., 111 Colburn Avenue, Clarks Summit, PA 18411