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Charles McCloskey Obituary
Fr. Charles John McCloskey III
On February 23, 2023 Fr. Charles John McCloskey, III entered into eternal life. He passed away from complications related to advanced Alzheimer's disease. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles John McCloskey, Jr. and Joan Marie McCloskey. He leaves behind seven beloved siblings, Mary McCloskey Corzine (Paul) of Silver Spring, MD, Ann Denise Roth (Stephen) of Bethesda, MD, Kathleen Marie Forst (Paul) of Richmond, VA, Joann Maria Wagner (Michael) of Norfolk, VA, Laura Jane Marks (Joseph) of Silver Spring, MD, Eileen Marie Ackerman (Paul) of Phoenix, MD and Mark Joseph McCloskey of Westminster, MD. He also leaves behind 34 nieces and nephews, 28 great nieces and nephews and many beloved cousins.
Fr. McCloskey grew up in Bethesda, MD. He attended St. Jane de Chantal Elementary School, class of '67, St. John's College High School, class of '71, Columbia University, class of '75 and University of Navarre, Spain, 1982. He was ordained a priest by the Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei in Torreciudad, Spain in 1981. A funeral Mass will be held on March 1, 2023 at 10:15 a.m. at Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Great Falls, VA.
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles McCloskey
Tom Pyle
April 21, 2024
This "Hound of Heaven" caught me one snowy night in February 1993. We both attended a Rep. Chris Smith lecture on the Princeton campus that our guest couldn't get to because of the weather. A former atheist transitioning through Protestant evangelicalism, I was curious about this take-no-prisoners priest who showed up to the lecture in his long cossask. Father C. John must have noted my continuing disquiet amidst my spiritual "Solo Scriptura" sojourn. One thing led to another. I read the several titles he recommended. When I said I thought I was ready to enter the Church, he said I wasn't and sent me to a retreat at Arnold Hall. Then he sat me down for a face-to-face confession in the best of Catholic tradition. Finally, on August 4, 1996, he brought me into the Church in oratory of Mercer House. He taught me to take my evolving Christian faith to the ultimate level. I am so blessed that he took an interest in me. Though sometimes still stumbling, as do we all--Father C. John's bar was always rigorously high--I have been a better man ever since. Thank you, Father John, for all you gave me. May God keep you well in His peace, as we who still are temporally bound wait await His call to join you in paradise. Requiescat in pace.
George Makovic
March 5, 2023
Fr McCloskey really helped me during the two years I received spiritual direction from him. He gave me really helpful advice for how to care for my mother when she was struggling with Alzheimer´s. The Lord will make use of his suffering and I´ll continue to pray for him. May he rest in peace.
George Makovic
John and Christina
March 5, 2023
Fr. C John played such a great role in my husband's conversion and led me to CDU when I was questioning the Catholic faith. Our faith life might be quite different without his influence. He also married us which is a privilege. Rest in peace Father. John and Christina
Fr. Peter Irving
March 2, 2023
Father C. John was a wonderful priest. We were the same age and he would always remember me on my birthday. He will be greatly missed. I will remember his soul at the altar. May he rest in Christ´s peace.
Noah Sullivan
March 1, 2023
Put a word in for me, Father.
Thanks
Fr Ambrose Bennett, OSB
March 1, 2023
I met Fr C. John at Princeton in the spring of 1986, when he used to come twice a month from New York. He's the most courageous priest I ever met and the only one who played an important role in my monastic and priestly vocation. He was a great friend and a kindly confessor. I'll offer a requiem Mass for Fr C. John today in Stanley, in the Falkland Islands, where I am now the parish priest. May he rest in peace after his labors and sufferings.
Dan Cheely (elder)
February 28, 2023
Father C. John was definitely a friend. I will be praying for him in a special way tomorrow. The good that he did overwhelmingly outweighs the results of whatever debilities he had. He opened up new areas of vision and strength to many, many people, and improved many lives. Requiem aeternum dona ei, Domine. Miserere ei et nobis, Domine.
Deacon Keith Fournier
February 28, 2023
Father "CJ" was a friend and a hero of mine, a true teacher of the faith. During the 80's and 90's he was a great source of wisdom and counsel to me. A man of the Church, a "priests priest", He was a great evangelizer and apologist who led many to the Lord Jesus and into full communion with the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. It has been a long time since we talked. I will miss him dearly. I pray for the repose of his soul and look forward to being with him again in the life to come.
Deacon Keith Fournier
Alice Aguehounde
February 27, 2023
Father ,
I will never forget you . You imposed me the relic of St JoseMaria that you had at the catholic information center right before my surgery. How generous of you! Thank you
May your soul rest in peace with Our Lord.
Alice Aguehounde
Joe Atkinson
February 27, 2023
A great priest (and a wicked squash player). May he rest in peace!
Jerry Sullivan
February 26, 2023
I witnessed Fr. McCloskey's courage and strength in bringing the faith to so many. May Fr. C. John rest in peace.
Eileen (Tierney) Slattery
February 26, 2023
My first retreat ever was with Fr. C. John right before I was married. He set the tone for what I was about to enter into. It made a lasting impression. Been married 36 years. Also, I had a special connection. Father was the eldest of 8 with 6 sisters and 1 brother. I´m the eldest of 8 with 6 brothers and 1 sister. God bless you father and may your soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God Rest In Peace.
Diane Seery
February 26, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
LORD, please rest Your generous servant Father C. John McCloskey, who was a good friend to me and to countless others.
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