Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Joseph Coonan Obituary
A graduate of Oxford High School, he then studied at the College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, St. Francis College in Loreto, PA and Assumption College, in Worcester. He earned his M.A. Degree from Assumption College in Counseling Psychology, and his M.Div. Degree from Blessed John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, MA. While at the seminary, he received the coveted Massachusetts Bible Society Award for proclaiming scripture. He completed his clinical pastoral education at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton, MA and at Westborough State Hospital. Advanced studies were completed at Tufts University and Clark University.
Fr. Coonan taught Latin I & II, English and Psychology at Oxford High School for eight years. He went on to teach at Becker College in Leicester, where he received, the student voted, faculty award on four occasions; he also received three yearbook dedications. On two occasions he gave the major commencement address for both campuses. He was also the recipient of the President's Medal of Honor at Becker. He also taught at Assumption College in the undergraduate psychology and the graduate school of Religious Studies as well as the continuing education programs. At Assumption College, Fr. Joe received the Faculty Excellence Award on three occasions and was chosen by the students to deliver the faculty baccalaureate address at the senior dinner. Fr. Coonan also preached at the baccalaureate address at St. Paul's Cathedral.
Fr. Coonan was ordained a Priest on June 3, 1989 by Bishop Timothy J. Harrington and was then assigned as Associate Pastor of St. Paul's Parish in Worcester, where he served for five years. Following that assignment, Bishop Harrington assigned Fr. Coonan to St. John's Parish in Worcester as administrator and later as Pastor. When Bishop Harrington retired as Bishop of Worcester, he chose to live at St. John's on Temple Street, where he worked with Fr. Coonan, Fr. Anthony Dai, Fr. Joe Pijanowski, Fr. Jean-Paul Gagnon and Msgr. Edmond Tinsley in sacramental outreach.
While at St. John's, Fr. Coonan introduced a convenient Mass schedule as well as 24 hour a day confessions. All requests for Baptisms, Confirmation and the Sacraments were honored with question. Fr. Coonan also taught at the former Central New England College in Worcester and Westborough and the St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing, where the senior class presented him with a chalice on the day of his ordination to the Priesthood.
A world traveler, Fr. Coonan brought many groups to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Portugal. Some say that no one knew the stories of the West Coast of Ireland like Fr. Coonan, and no one knew where the shanachies (story tellers) were hiding like Fr. Coonan.
Fr. Coonan also received the Clergy of the Year award from the Worcester Magazine for four consecutive years.
Calling hours for Fr. Coonan and his mother, Mabel, will be held on Friday, October 14, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. A wake service will be held at 7 PM.
Their Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 15, at 10 a.m. in St. Roch Church, 332 Main Street in Oxford. Interment will follow in St. Roch Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are to be made to: Justice for Priests and Deacons, PO Box 87225, San Diego, CA 92738-7225.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Coonan
Lemire
March 16, 2024
Peace and a hug my friend. I miss you and will never forget you, and all you did to bring me back to the Church. Our mother Mary knows you were a real Shepard for her son. On St Patrick´s Day I will hoist a pint for you Coonan. Pray for all of us Padre.
a friend
November 3, 2011
As this guestbook fades into cyberspace, our memory of you, the stories, the teachings and all the laughter and smiles you brought will remain in our hearts forever. Good Stuff, we'll meet again padre
Therese Oum
November 3, 2011
Dear Father, you were my mentor and my gentle father. It was my greatest honor and blessing to have lived in the city where you lived and served as a priest. You were loving, honest, truthful, and at peace until the end. You were a bright light in this dark cold world. You were the witness of God's love, God's suffering, and God's victory to this world. Please watch over us all from heaven. I will pray for you and pray to you until the day I see you in heaven.
Lori A Richardson
November 1, 2011
In memory of your birthday Fr. Coonan. "100,000 thank you's" for all the "good stuff" you brought to so many...aka Jesus Christ...knowing that you were greeted with the words "Welcome Home". You finished the race and were victorious - now celebrate with the angels and saints in heavenly peace and joy! You are missed but your homilies, messages and music live on. Peace and grace,
Judi Germain-Darling
October 19, 2011
Father Coonan, I grew up on the same street as you, and a more kinder, gentler person I didnot know. May you rest in piece.
October 18, 2011
Fr Coonan, my world is better because you were in it. Thank you
October 17, 2011
Fr. Joe- Wish Natasha and I got to know you better when Bobby was alive. You were a wonderful person to do such great things for so many people. Blessed Be, Darlene & Natasha Emco-Rollins
October 17, 2011
Father Coonan, Rest in Heavenly Peace
Betty Brosnihan
A friend
October 17, 2011
Fr. Joe:
Many years ago when you were at St. John's, I sought counsel from you because of a decision I'd made that would change my life. You very brilliantly and simply made me realize how the Holy Spirit was at work and I was finally able to find peace. Now you can rest in peace -- as you've earned.
Virginia Avedisian
October 16, 2011
Father Coonan - I'll never forget going to your inspirational masses on Saturday nights in High School and College! Where else could I go to hear someone tell me about how I could find God in everything around me - including awesome tunes by The Grateful Dead, Madonna and several others. You brought so much joy to the world and so much peace to the people around you. Good Stuff doesn't even begin to cover how wonderful a person you were. I know Heaven is a brighter place now that you are jamming up there with a pint in your hand. Please say hello to my loved ones and check in on us every now and then. You will never be forgotten...Thank you for living your life to the fullest and leaving the world a much better place than you found it. - Virginia Avedisian
October 16, 2011
Father Coonan was the best Priest, may you rest now.
Joy Layden
October 16, 2011
Father Coonan, I was a student of yours at Assumption, and indeed you were certainly unforgettable. I remember a story you told about carrying the ashes of a deceased homeless person in a can around town in a paper bag for a couple of weeks so that you could distribute the ashes in places where it was meaningful to them, thereby giving them dignity and honor in death. Later when I was working in Worcester I would often sneak off to St. Paul's Cathederal on my lunch break just to hear your weekday sermons. Again, every single one was truly remarkable. Dignity and honor is yours in Heaven. RIP Fr. Coonan!
Bob and Karen
October 16, 2011
We were "unchurched" and you "churched" us!
Daniel J Cahill
October 16, 2011
Father Joe and Mother Mabel,
May God give you "céad míle fáilte"
to the heavenly kingdom.All human suffering on earth has been completed..
Daniel J/Cheryl A Cahill
October 16, 2011
Well Joe, you finally made it to the end of your journey. The rifleman is up there and say hello for me. I'll see you at some point, but not yet my friend. Thank you for being godfather to my daughter. Rest in Peace Dude.
P-G-T member
October 15, 2011
I'l never forget you. Rest easy Fr. Coonan
Linda Muller
October 15, 2011
You were greatly loved. Now you can rest in peace in the arms of our Savior. We will miss you. Sometimes the struggles of this life are intense, but they are fleeting, as you now know. God Bless You Fr Coonan
Tony Corniello
October 15, 2011
Although my path brought me away from Worcester, at many crossroads in my life when I needed it the most, an inspirational card would arrive. In that card there were your kind words of encouragement and of course... some cash for a "Pint".
Catherine Benson
October 15, 2011
Dearest Fr Joseph Coonan, so sorry you departed from earth so soo. i remember racing from the ocean just to make your masses and the beutiful poety that was part of it. Now may you rest in peace with the angels and saints. You were one of a kind and will be sorrifully missed. God's peace and blessings be with you and your family.
Forever, Cathy Benson
Bobbie Chase
October 15, 2011
Many years ago my husband and I attended Mass at the church on Temple Street when Father Joe was the priest. We raise NEADS service dogs as volunteers and we wanted the puppy we were training to have an experience of a Mass; the puppy had been to our synagogue but not to a Mass. (Friends of ours belonged to his church.) Although not of his faith, we were inspired and uplifted when we heard him. I seldom remember hearing such a dynamic speaker and such a kind, warm, and ethical person. He was truly a light unto the nations.....
Dr. Timothy Hoffman
October 15, 2011
Tomorrow you will be buried with your mother and you will both enter into the Great Earth Mother Womb/Tomb waiting the call to eternal Life. Please pray for us and the Church who did not show you the Mercy you yourself preached. Rest In Peace Joe. We will have a drink on the other side.
October 14, 2011
My mother and I loved you sermons, your songs, your joyful presence. God Bless You always and now rest in peace.
Andre G
October 14, 2011
Good Man... "Good Stuff"... May God rest your Good Soul.
Norma Giumentaro-Blanchard
October 14, 2011
Fr. Joe you were a big reason I went to mass every week without fail, I was so impressed after attending my first mass said by you. I Joined St. John's parish after belonging to the same parish I grew up in for many, many years.
You showed me that going to mass was a pleasure and not an obligation! You inspired me as well as so many and not to mention the teachings that I heard for many years came to life through you because I could finally understand them!
We all know how difficult life has been for you for the past 5 or so years and know you now have entered straight into the Lord's arms as he wrapped them around you!
You have been missed for so long now, so we will still go on remembering all you did for so many!
God Bless you Fr. Joe, you were the best and will never be forgotten!
Kim Barton
October 14, 2011
Fr. Coonan, you were an inspiration to us at Becker Jr, you only had one or two years to get our attention. I saw you again in 1991 when I and your mother were hospitalized at the same time. You were so worried about her. Now you rest in peace in heaven with your mother at peace beside you. Thank you for making us realize we need to pay it forward and help those that need us.
Tim Jubinville
October 14, 2011
Father Coonan was a man who impacted my life in a way which could never be described. through him I found faith when lost, hope when there was none and joy where I only knew sadness. Seldom does a day go by where I don't think of him or the impact he has had on my life. It was a privilege to have known him, to be part of his life and in his classes. My condolences to his family. My life and my soul are more full for having known him.
Anne Cariglia
October 14, 2011
I was a student of Father Coonan's at Assumption College and his words of wisdom and kind ways had a deep and profound impact on me. I have carried what I learned from him deep in my heart and I know that I am a better person for having known him. Thank you, Father Coonan for being you and for showing me that teaching and thinking outside of the box can lead to a whole new level of understanding. Peace be with you.
Katherine Waters-Clark
October 14, 2011
Joe Coonan was a courageous individual and a bright shining light who saw the courage and bright light in all of us. Before meeting him in person, I heard wonderful tales of Joe through my husband Ron Clark, who became the courageous world traveling man I married 20 years ago largely because of knowing Joe. It was Joe who married us, Joe who kept vigil all night long with us as Ron's beloved mom Carol was dying, Joe who reached out to our family and those in need every day and night. He will always be loved by the entire Clark family. Joe was the real deal.
October 14, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Father Joe was my prom date at Oxford High School. He was a great friend during my high school years. We had a great time at the prom. I will always cherish those memories. Frances Army
Nicholas CaraDonna
October 14, 2011
You were a great priest to all who needed help, to all the sinners who came looking for forgiveness. You were a light in the darkness to many looking for peace. You showed them love, understanding, forgiveness, and love. You bore your cross and now are at peace in God,s kingdom. You touched hundreds of people's hearts and their souls. You will not be forgotten! May you rest in peace.
Deacon Nick
October 14, 2011
Father Joe was a dynamic teacher and a compassionate priest. We were fortunate to experience both roles. Peace.
Eileen and Michael, Dennis
E H
October 14, 2011
Few people have had such an enormous impact on my life, and I only took one class with Fr. Coonan. He opened my mind to see across prejudices and look at life through a different lens. It has been many years since our lives have crossed paths but his spirit and teachings live in me and now my children. Rest in Peace Joe, Rest in Peace.
Debbie
October 14, 2011
It's easy to bring your children to mass, it's hard to get them to listen - UNLESS it was your mass. Thank you for making it an enjoyable learning experience for them...it's never been the same without you.
Maggie Gaucher
October 14, 2011
Fr. Coonan you accepted everyone for who they were as Jesus did.Thank you for bringing me back to my beloved St. John's Church. I will always treasure your beautifuL sermons but the one that i will always remeber is your sermon on forgiviness. I know you are at peace.
Maggie
A friend
October 14, 2011
Fr.Coonan's Sunday evening masses helped bring me back to the church. He helped many see that the Catholic church could be relevant to our lives and that all were welcome. I wish there were more priests who could connect with people in the real way Father Coonan did. Thanks and RIP.
Linda Murphy
October 14, 2011
One of my GREATEST mentors in my journey of faith. I learned so much from him about forgiveness, acceptance, humility, love of my fellow human being and so much more. I remember he had such GREAT VISION as to how St. John's Church could make Worcester so much better for the poorest of the poor & the underpriveledged. I know he would be overjoyed to be part of The St. John's Celebrity Gala on Saturday night at The Hanover Theatre. I'll be raising a toast to Father Joe & saying, "Your work goes on. You planted the seed and it has flourished!"
October 13, 2011
God Bless Fr. Coonan. You had the most interesting classes at Becker. Gary Martinelli Becker Class of 1983
Joe Montimurro
October 13, 2011
I was a student of Father Coonans at Assumption College and will never forget him. I remember the first day we met, he played the Greatful Dead, smoked his pipe and walked around just grooving to the music. It was 5 minutes before he even introduced himself to Psych. 101. I was hooked right there and then. He taught me to be me, be free and follow my dreams and my heart. He hoped he would influence some of us to follow in his footsteps...he did. I am a teacher who connects with the kids on their level, not requiring them to connect with me, on my level. Joe, you effected me in many ways and for that I say thank you. God certainly has a place for you for all of the good you have done for me, my Assumption compadres, and many, many others. I raise a pint of Guiness to you and know that God will hold you gently in the palm of his hand.
Miguel
October 13, 2011
Dear Joe, I am heart broken by the news. I can only echo the many sentiments offered here and pray that the love, kindness and peace that you spread lift you gracefully to god's light...
October 13, 2011
Pat my deepest sympany. For you on the loss of your dear mom and brother, during this difficult time may u find peace and hope in gods promise of victory over death
October 13, 2011
"If I knew the way, I would take You home."
Ripple
I miss you Father Joe
October 13, 2011
Fr.Coonan, Sunday evening Mass with U2 and your sermons will remain with me for a long time. It is surely a "Beautiful Day" in Heaven today. Peace to you and your mother. Donna Lavoie, Worcester MA
Julie DiNapoli-O'Reilly
October 13, 2011
As a former student at Assumption College, Father Coonan was truly a gift to me. He was an amazing professor. During role call on my first day in his class, Father called my name and gazed at me with his piercing blue eyes for what seemed like 5 minutes. It is one of the most fascinating moments of my life. The only way to describe it accurately is to say that Father Coonan was not looking at the “physical me”, but “seeing the real me” or into my soul. It was moving. From that moment, I eagerly embraced my two year journey with Father Coonan and I am a better person for it.
Thank you, God and the Coonan family for blessing my life with such an amazing man and teacher.
October 13, 2011
Fr Coonan was the best part of my 4 years at Assumption College!! I will always remember him fondly. God Bless.
Michael A.
October 13, 2011
Peace to you, Fr. Coonan. I always loved your Masses. You are at peace now. Pray for us.
Anne Staples
October 13, 2011
Father Coonan mere words cannot express the influence you had on my life and the lives of my children. Sunday masses were always memorable. We loved your stories, poetry, music and the laughter you shared with us. Each week during mass, your sermon inevitably involved what was on my mind. I left mass each week feeling a burden was taken from my shoulders. You confirmed my oldest son and he continues to describe your teachings as profound. You gave him the peace he needed when no one else could. Thank you for all the wonderful lessons and memories you left us with. Most of all, thank you for being the only true priest I have ever met. See you again someday. AMS (Worcester, MA)
Lisa Coakley
October 13, 2011
I remember the day my Grandfather died and you came to visit, my four year old at the time came up to you and asked "are you here to bring my grandfather Jimmy back" you smiled and told him that heaven needed good people. You are good people Fr. Joe.
Marla Perrone-Minichilli
October 13, 2011
Fr Coonan,
may you Rest In Peace! Your were truly one of a kind. A thousand thank you's isn't enough said for the profound effect you had on many lives.You restored faith in my when I thought it was impossible. You spread "Good Stuff" with every interaction you had. Your standing room only Masses at St. Johns will be experiences always cherished. Your teachings are utilized each & everyday and have helped us through some very dark and turbukent times. You will be greatly missed. You will be in our hearts forever....until we meet again, God Bless !
Anne Cahill
October 13, 2011
I always had fond memories of Joe. He orchestrated some wonderful trips in the old "Project Get Together" days. Rest in Peace Fr. Joe.
A Friend
October 13, 2011
Dear Fr. Coonan; Your 7:15 Masses were the epic event of the week for so so many of us. When you left our Hearts were broken. Now you are with God Our Father in Heaven. I pray that Our Lord will comfort you the way you comforted all the sick, the poor and all those who sought love and friendship from the doorsteps of St. Johns and were never ever refused. Your ministry was a Gift of which we were all wicked blessed to have been a part of. Godspeed Our Beloved Friend.
Lisa Peloquin
October 12, 2011
We have thought of you often over the past 22 years that we have been married, especially since we were the very first couple whose marriage ceremony you performed. We knew you were a little bit nervous that day but you were wonderful-so engaging, so enthusiastic and so full of God's love and joy. We followed you to St. John's for your one of a kind, standing room only Sunday night masses. You've always been in our thoughts, even after we moved to Florida. We enjoy watching our wedding video each year and always smile at the part when you give us the "thumbs up" and tell everyone about all the "good stuff". God bless you and your family.
thank you for your example and teachings,
October 12, 2011
"peace be which ya" father coonan. i hope that you can read all these wonderful messages from heaven. i hope you know how much you were loved and how much you did for so so many....all because you were being you (god's eager instrument). thank you for having the courage, strength and faith to do that.
Ange Hill
October 12, 2011
God Rest your soul Fr. My best friend, like a mom to me, loved you. She passed away and you had officiated at her funeral, Betsy Nugent. Thank you.
KFB
October 12, 2011
The World is less without him, but more because of him.
A hundred thousand-I'll miss ya's!!!
Because there are special people in our lives who never leave, even after they are gone.
A friend
October 12, 2011
I am grateful to the wonderful support that Fr. Coonan gave to our family when our mother passed. She so loved attending his Mass each and every Sunday at 12:15 and the sermon he offered at her Mass will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace
Bill Yucatonis
October 12, 2011
Fr. Coonan, I will always remember your masses at St John's. Look at what you did there for that parish and for all those you did it for.
A FRIEND
October 12, 2011
We have truly lost a saint on this earth. Your words of wisdom and extended beyond kindness to others will be missed. How you brought so many people back to the Lord!! St. John's was never the same without you and it will never be. THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU and you will always hold a very special place in my heart and soul. You are at peace now. Enjoy the journey, my friend, and, one day, I hope our paths cross again.
Tom Lamarche
October 12, 2011
Thank you Fr Coonan, for bringing me back to church, you will be surely missed
October 12, 2011
Fr. Coonan was so inspirational and caring in our time of need. He will be missed and we will take strength in knowing his struggles have ended. May he rest in peace.
The Gonyea Family
October 12, 2011
Dear Fr. Coonan,
Thank you for all that you have done to help my family and so many countless others. May God embrace you as you have always embraced others.
Bernie Melican
October 12, 2011
"Death comes not with the last breath, but rather, when your name is spoken for the last time."
R I P
Marilyn Tormey
October 12, 2011
Fr Joe, A truely valient man and devoted priest that none can hold a candle to. Your homily's were an inspiration to me and church was a special place because of you. You will, and have been missed over these past few difficult years but never forgotten in the hearts of many. May you rest in the peace you so deserved with God. This is finally your reward. My heart is heavy at your loss. Marilyn Tormey (former parishoner,lector, eucharistic minister St Johns)
Emily (May) Goodberg
October 12, 2011
Father Coonan left an indelible mark on the lives of all of the members of my family, as he did on so many others. He had a gift for preaching that I have yet to find in the majority of spiritual leaders, and the ability to make even the most doubtful of us believers. He was made of good stuff, and inspired the rest of us to be the same. May he rest in peace.
Mary Seferi
October 12, 2011
Heaven is a beautiful place to be. No pain, no evil, just the bliss of sharing the kingdom with our great Lord.You have touched so many hearts, rest now and know that you truly made a difference in this world.
Jim Prouty
October 12, 2011
Fr Joe, you were my teacher in High School and later my spiritual mentor. I recall bumping into you and your Mom on occasion at restaurants during dinner time. A very sweet lady.
You always had the ability to pick that special "tune" that would enhance your words. This time may I suggest that we listen to Bruce Springsteen's "If I should Fall Behind" keeping you and your Mom in our thoughts. "I will wait for you if I should fall behind wait for me." "Good Stuff"
Vivat Jesus
Raymond Mattress
October 12, 2011
Fr. Joe, you will be so missed. You were loved by so many. You were amazing and truly one of a kind! You will always be fondly remembered. Please pray for us. We will see you someday. I have a big hug for you when I see you. Rest in peace my friend.
Beaudet Family
October 12, 2011
Fr. Joe... It was you who made my family's darkest days just a little bit brighter with your compassion, profound faith and spiritual insight. We are grateful to have known you and to have experienced many of your "Sold Out" Masses, where your message was simply, "Welcome, you are all welcome here."
May you find peace and comfort as you celebrate your beautiful reward. Light a pipe, pour a pint, play some tunes and be mellow. You most certainly were "GOOD STUFF"
RIP Fr. Joe
Meg Lightbown
October 12, 2011
Father Coonan, my great regret of life is that I didn't get to go to Ireland for you. Thinking of you and your mother, and praying. Father Coonan, you were always and will always be remembered as truly "Good Stuff!"
Bill & Ly
October 12, 2011
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Jim M.
October 12, 2011
"Good stuff" was not enough to describe Joe Coonan. "Great stuff" is more appropriate. His ministry was ended so tragically and prematurely. His life was a life well-lived. May he rest in peace.
Pat Dee
October 12, 2011
Dear Father Joe,
You have been a true friend to my family for so many years. We have broken bread together on many occassaions, and you and Auntie Mabel will always be remembered with love.
You were such a comfort to me when we lost Gram and Dad, and your eulogies of both showed the depth of your care and concern for them and for us.
I know that you are now at peace with the God that you loved so deeply, and I take comfort in knowing that you are a resident of Heaven eternally.
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25
Rest in peace, dear friend.
Friend
October 12, 2011
Oh yes, the standing room only masses on Sunday! How I miss those masses. You were definitely the "GOOD STUFF" to everyone who attended your masses. I too have not attended mass since you left Temple Street. It's just not the same without FR. JOE COONAN! Thank you Fr. Joe....may you now be at peace.
Barbara Lavallee
October 12, 2011
Father Coonan I have thought of you so many times in the past 16 years. You helped my family so much, at one of worst times of my life, the death of my Beloved husband Frank Lavallee.
The service was beautiful. Your name will always be remembered in our homes.
Rest in peace, we know you are now where you deserve to be, The better place.
Barbara Lavallee & Family
Fr. Jean-Paul Gagnon
October 12, 2011
I could not put into words what Joe and I shared over these past years. Fifteen minutes every Saturday, was what we were given, and we made the most of it. Being in each other's presence, gave us the courage and the strength to go on for another week. Joe had a unique insite into life that he was able to share with me and so many others. The Cross and suffering he endure over the past nine years is over. He is now sharing in the Victory of Christ! Joe, I envy you. In His love Jean-Paul
Kerry Cahill
October 12, 2011
Father Joe,
Thank you for always being there for me and my family. I will miss your kindness, understanding, and enjoyment in hearing my life stories. My yearly visit to you on Christmas Eve will leave an empty space, but I will always treasure it. Till we meet again...
tara flynn
October 12, 2011
Father Coonan was awesome! He always had a good song to play at his sermons. He baptised my oldest daughter. He will always be remembered - "GOOD STUFF!"
October 12, 2011
Father Coonan, I will miss you a lot. You brought joy to me whenever I would hear you speak at Mass. I'm sure your in a good place with your mom. Take care and until we meet again, your devoted follower, Jane
Chuck Shearer
October 12, 2011
Joe, you inspired a passion for theater and philosophy in me in High School which I carry with me to this day. You helped me through some tough times. May you now enjoy your ride on the "Peace Train".
Judith DuBois
October 12, 2011
I'm so sad to hear of Fr Joes death. His services were fun to go to..always a packed house. Because of him my husband returned to the church. I'll never forget his steely eyes but humble smile. He was a man of God for sure. 2 thumbs up for you Fr Coonan. I will never forget you. You were "good stuff"
Craig N
October 12, 2011
In the darkest of days Father Joe was there for me and my family; whether sitting in the rectory smoking Faneuil Hall tobacco out of pipes, being locked in St. John's Parish after confession or finding him in Founders Hall at AC when the humanity of life seemed overwhelming-he was there. He never said no, never turned me away. He helped bury our loved one's and send them on their next journey. May God bless you and yours. Be and Enjoy my friend...
Joan Fitton
October 12, 2011
You were so kind when I was planning my mother's funeral and the service was beautiful. Thank you so much! May you rest in peace.
Robert M.
October 12, 2011
As a classmate, Joe was quick to smile, kind, and gentle. The world is not always the same, but Joe was. May you find peace in the arms of Him who is all things now and forever. You will be missed.
October 12, 2011
You were an inspiration. You brought me closer to God. I missed you so much at St. John's. You were my teacher at Assumption College and you married my husband and me at St. John's. You will live on in the hearts of all who loved you. God bless you.
Carolyn M
October 12, 2011
Father Coonan, you brought me back to the church, I'll never forget you. May you rest in peace.
Jeremy Galvin
October 12, 2011
Fr. Joe, Thank you for your inspirational classes at Assumption and your packed masses at St Johns. You have taught and inspired many, now be at peace my friend. Hope you are listening to tunes right wherever you are.
Thumbs up,
Susan Fitzgerald
October 12, 2011
You were able to get people back to church, including myself, with your words and stories. I was lucky enough to have you marry my husband & I......may you rest in peace.....you will never be forgotten...GOOD STUFF!
Polly
October 12, 2011
Dear, Dear Joe,
Mitakuye oyas'in.
Each and every one of us who were touched by you burns a bit brighter in this world, loves a bit more openly, walks in a bit more grace! May you walk in beauty.
Peace be with you!
Sandy Legasey
October 12, 2011
My brother was not a religious man and not a catholic but you made a lifelong impression on him after he met you.He thought you were a wonderful...down to earth,human and real in your beliefs and you were there at some of the most important parts of my brothers life. He's been gone for 15 years now. Look him up when you get to heaven you can talk about motorcycles and such like the old days...
Karen & Jody Brammer
October 12, 2011
It was Fr. Joe that brought me back to the church and welcomed my non catholic husband as well. We anxiously awaited Sat. evening Mass so we could hear Fr. Joe's message, it always kept us thinking throughout the week. I looked up to him for guidance and felt a connection to him and his messages. We've missed you, Fr. Joe, for a long time now. Rest in Peace knowing you made a difference in many lives. You were Good Stuff!!
Deanna Foster
October 12, 2011
I will never forget your confirmation classes. I still have the books you had us read from over 10 years ago.
Rest in Peace.
Patti Smilie
October 12, 2011
Fr. Joe, May you and your Mother flourish in the sunshine of God's spirit, as we did during your thoughful and sometimes rousing sermons...always, " GOOD STUFF "
Patricia Reardon
October 12, 2011
How often you said a Funeral Mass or prayed at the graveside of someone who died alone in this world. May they welcome you now into the Eternal Kingdom of Peace.
Pat R.
Ron Clark
October 12, 2011
Joe Coonan was singularly responsible for opening my spirit to the world beyond Oxford. And I was not the only one. His books and films moved and inspired us. Each adventure widened the circle: Cambridge and Boston, New York, Washington, and Europe. He challenged and inspired us to think more deeply and be more courageous. He impacted my education and career. He was a friend to my family and officiated at my wedding. There was no greater benefactor in my life than he. I am forever in debt. Requiescat in pace.
Ron Clark
October 12, 2011
Joe Coonan was singularly responsible for opening my spirit to the world beyond Oxford. And I was not the only one. His books and films moved and inspired us. Each adventure widened the circle: Cambridge and Boston, New York, Washington, and Europe. He challenged and inspired us to think more deeply and be more courageous. He impacted my education and career. He was a friend to my family and officiated at my wedding. There was no benefactor in my life greater than he. I am forever in debt. Requiescat in pace.
T Convery
October 12, 2011
Fr. Coonan was incredible person, my children and I looked forward to Sunday Mass. You have left me and my children with great memories. Thank you, you are greatly missed.
Jo-Ann Bafaro
October 12, 2011
Your songs brought inspiration to our classes; your words hit home and gave much insight; I learned so much that has carried me through the years. Your ordination was beautiful. And now you and your mom are finally at peace.. a long awaited road. May the angels lead you into paradise where you can sit at God's hand and be amongst the musicians singing and playing forever. Thanks for all you were.
Diane D
October 11, 2011
simply a legend....a master of stories and a man who posessed the ability to make you feel like you were never alone ..no matter how sad or low you felt, he made you understand he had been there once too...and found a way threw the lord to rise above it...Rock on Father Coonan...Rock on ....
October 11, 2011
How often you were there to say a Funeral Mass or pray at the graveside of someone who died alone in this world. May they all be there to welcome you.
Pat R.
Anthony Petrone
October 11, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Liz Zingarelli
October 11, 2011
Fr. Joe was instrumental in my personal rediscovery of the Catholic Church.
For this,I am most grateful especially when I recall the depth of his messages.
May you rest in God's peace and love.
Showing 1 - 100 of 156 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Coonan's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Coonan
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Coonan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
