Rev.Monsignor John J. Bevins

1932 - 2025

Rev. Monsignor John J. Bevins
WATERBURY- It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that the parish family of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception shares the news of the peaceful passing of their beloved former Pastor and resident, the Reverend Monsignor John J. Bevins, age 93, a lifelong resident and favorite son of Waterbury.
Monsignor Bevins was born on October 9, 1932 in Waterbury, the son of the late George W. and Theresa (Byrne) Bevins. He was educated in local schools, graduated from St. Francis Xavier Grammar School, Sacred Heart High School, St. Alberts Jr Seminary, and graduated from St Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield in 1952. He then went on to further his studies to the priesthood at Christ the King Seminary, St. Bonaventure and was ordained a priest on May 15, 1958 in Hartford by his excellency the Most Rev Henry J. O'Brien in St Lawrence O'Toole Church. Msgr. Bevins's first assignments were as an assistant at St. Anthony (Litchfield) and later at St. Justin (Hartford). Following these assignments, he faithfully served as a Chaplain in the United States Navy from 1966 until 1990, obtaining the rank of captain in 1985. Following his service and ministry in the military and continuing studies at the North American College in Rome, he returned to Connecticut and was assigned as a temporary Administrator of the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford in 1991. Later that year, he was named pastor at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury. He served as pastor there for 24 years, retiring in 2015. During his time as pastor, he held other assignments including serving as dean of the Waterbury-area churches (1992-1995; 2005-2009) and service on the Archdiocesan Presbyteral Council. In 2015, Pope Francis appointed Msgr. Bevins a Prelate of Honor of His Holiness, bestowing on him the title of Monsignor.
His time in the U.S. Navy was exemplary. Upon the start of the Vietnam crisis, he requested permission from the Archbishop to enter the service as it is told. "He said the men and women representing our country there need spiritual help and guidance". A year later, the Archbishop granted his request and he was made a Navy Chaplain in Newport RI in 1967. He was first assigned to the Combat Wing stationed in Japan for one year and then heroically served with First Marine Brigade in Vietnam from 1969-1972. He then was transferred to Athens, Greece where he served the troops until 1975 and was assigned to the Groton Submarine Base in 1975. He then had another tour of duty on the USS Saratoga and in 1977 was re-assigned stateside, where he served both the Coast Guard and the Merchant Marine Corp. Two years before his retirement in 1990 as a Captain, Senior Chaplain, U.S. Navy, he served three years in Spain. The gift of his time and talents to the United States Armed Forces was not just admirable and worthy but the lives he touched during his 23 years of service to our country were beyond measure.
Any tribute for Monsignor Bevins could fill an entire newspaper page but suffice it to say that he would be most honored to be remembered for the following: His lifelong undying commitment to his priestly vocation, his city and country, to the Catholic education of our youth as well as his efforts in 2008 to attain the designation of Minor Basilica for the Church of the Immaculate Conception. Additionally, his relentless diligence in seeking the posthumous award of the Navy Cross to Rev. Lt. Thomas Conway but most important of all, his efforts to attain sainthood for Waterbury's own, Blessed Michael McGivney.
Besides his brother priests, whom he leaves and asks to continue the pursuit and prayers for the canonization of Blessed Michael McGivney, are his nieces and nephews: Gail Baer and her husband, Buddy, of Murrells Inlet, SC. Paul Bevins and his wife Pamela of Woodbridge, VA, Matthew Bevins of Graysonville, MD, as well as several grandnephews and two grandnieces. He was particularly proud of his great-grand nephew and great-grandniece. He also leaves many friends and close parishioners of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Monsignor was predeceased by his nephew, George P. Bevins.
Funeral services for Monsignor Bevins will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 12 noon, when a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception 74 West Main St., Waterbury, CT with Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt, SEMV as the principal celebrant. Burial with full military honors will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury. Friends and parishioners may pay their respects to Monsignor and visit with his family on Friday October 17, 2025 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Basilica. A brief parish prayer service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Parking for both services is available off Prospect St. Those attending should simply tell police officers of your intention to attend services and you will be directed further. To honor Monsignor's memory and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 74 West Main St., Waterbury, CT 06704 would be gratefully appreciated by his family. Casey's Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 1987 East Main Street, Waterbury, CT has been honored to care for Monsignor and his family during this difficult time. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence and share a memory or words of comfort with the family and friends of someone who was important to you. Please do that on the funeral home tribute page, please go to our Sympathy Store at www.caseyfunerals.com.