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Aidan Lancaster Obituary
SHREWSBURY - Rev. Aidan "Leo" Lancaster, 92, years old and a priest for 59 years, died on May 10, 2013 at St. Mary Health Care, Worcester, after a brief period of declining health.
Born on October 19, 1920 in Boston, a son of Irish immigrants James and Mary (Hickey) Lancaster, Fr. Leo was raised on Mission Hill along with his younger brothers, William, James & John who all predeceased him.
Served in the U.S. Air Force and was honorably discharged in October of 1945 after serving in WWII as a Staff Sergeant.
He entered the Holy Name Province of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) in 1948 and was ordained a priest on May 5, 1954.
His first assignment was as a missionary in Puerto Rico where he became fluent in Spanish. He later spent time in Franciscan missions in Bolivia. Upon his return to Boston, Fr. Leo served as a hospital chaplain as well as a confessor and counselor at the Franciscan Shrine on Arch St. He worked for ten years with the MA Department of Human Services as a social worker. He was also a free lance writer for the Boston Pilot and Baltimore Sun.
In 1987 Fr. Leo came to the Diocese of Worcester to serve in parish ministry. He served as associate pastor at Holy Family of Nazareth, Leominster, St. Patrick, Rutland, Our Lady of Fatima and St. Stephen Parishes in Worcester, and St. Mary Parish, Shrewsbury. He lived at St. Mary's for nearly 22 years before recently entering St. Mary Health Care in Worcester.
In addition to his parish family and friends at St. Mary's Parish, he leaves behind several cousins, nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Fr. Lancaster will lie in honor on Tuesday, May 14th from 5-7 PM at Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. A wake service will be conducted at 7 PM. A con-celebrated funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 15th at 11 AM in St. Mary's Church. The Most Reverend Bishop Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester will be the Principal Celebrant. Burial with military honors will follow in VA National Cemetery, Bourne. the Britton-Shrewsbury Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. To leave a message of condolence for the family or view the Book of Memories, please visit
brittonfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Aidan Lancaster
Jill Kokernak
May 15, 2013
I got to know Fr Lancaster back in the 80s. He was a dear friend of our family and a delightful guest. It was a blessing to know him. He had a lively sense of humor, wisdom, and a big heart. He'll be missed.
Bob Konetzny
May 14, 2013
If I recall, he served under the dictator pastor at St. Mary of the Angels in Roxbury in his early years. I enjoyed his homily's at the 7:30 Mass on Sundays at St. Mary's in Shrewsbury. God bless Fr. Leo.
May 14, 2013
Always had an "original" addition to masses. Fr. Leo had a great sense of humor.(the Loooord Be With You he'd say) A very genuine and caring priest with a good heart. He will always be thought of with deep respect and will be missed by the St. Mary's community. Lara Forde
Ann-Marie Blute
May 14, 2013
I have so many fond memories of wonderful conversations with Fr. Leo after masses. One of the kindest men I have ever known. I am so glad to have known him. Rest in Peace Fr. Leo.
Frank Myska
May 13, 2013
I encountered Fr. Leo several times during my tenure as Deacon at St. Mary's.
He was a lovely man. I will miss him.
Dennis and Andrea Fitzpatrick
May 13, 2013
7:30 Mass with Father Leo was a family tradition for many years. He had a lot of "Buddies". He was loved and will be missed.
Beth Dunn
May 13, 2013
Enjoyed Fr. Leo saying the 7:30 Sunday Mass for many yrs at St Mary's . His Homily's were always so interesting and thoughtful .
God Bless you Father, may you be at peace with your family in heaven.
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