Thomas F. Ahern

The Reverend Monsignor Thomas F. Ahern A retired priest of the Diocese of San Jose, died in the peace of the Lord on Tuesday, September 30, 2008, in Saratoga, California at the age of 82. Thomas Francis Ahern was born on January 22, 1926 in San Francisco, California to the late Thomas P. Ahern and Margaret Mary Elliott. He is survived by two sisters, Mary Dean and Margaret Cullen (Robert), a brother, Paul Ahern (Stephanie), and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. After finishing primary studies at St. Cecilia's School, Tom went on to St. Ignatius High School in San Francisco. After graduating early from high school, Tom enrolled at the University of San Francisco and later at Stanford University. He then joined the Army and served in the Philippines during WWII. After the Army, the priesthood beckoned and Tom entered St. Joseph College in Mountain View where he graduated in 1948. From 1948 to 1954, Tom studied at St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park where he finished his theological studies. Archbishop John J. Mitty ordained Father Ahern to the priesthood on June 11, 1954 at St. Mary's Cathedral. His first assignment was at St. Lucy Church in Campbell, where he was assistant pastor for six years. He was then assigned as assistant pastor of St. Agnes Parish in San Francisco where he served for a year. While in San Francisco, he taught senior religion at Presentation High School. He then moved up north to Marin County and served as chaplain at San Quentin State Prison for about ten years while living in St. Raphael Parish in San Rafael and at St. Hillary Parish in Tiburon. While in Marin County, Father Ahern also served as chaplain of Marin Serra Club and director of the Newman Center at the College of Marin. In 1971 he returned to Santa Clara County when he was assigned as associate pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Saratoga. In 1973, Archbishop Joseph McGucken assigned Father Ahern to his first pastorate at St. Victor's Church in San Jose. During his time at St. Victor's, an arsonist set fire to the church. Fr. Ahern led the process of designing and building the new parish church of St. Victor's Parish. In 1981, the Diocese of San Jose was established. Bishop Pierre DuMaine appointed Fr. Ahern as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Saratoga in 1986. After ten years of serving the Saratoga parish, Fr. Ahern retired on June 30, 1996. During his retirement he ministered at St. Cyprian and Our Lady of Fatima Villa. At the request of Bishop McGrath, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Father Ahern a prelate of honor, with the title of "Monsignor," in recognition of his outstanding service as a priest for more than five decades. The Services for Monsignor Ahern are as follows: Funeral Vigil and Rosary, Thursday, October 2, 2008, at 7 p.m.; Funeral Mass on Friday, October 3, 2008 at 11 a.m. Both services will be held at Sacred Heart Church, 13716 Saratoga Ave., Saratoga, CA 95070-5432. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma. In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Father to Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County or Hospice of the Valley.