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Denis Hackett Obituary
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Friar Denis Hackett, O.F.M. Conv., died peacefully in Branchburg, N.J., on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2007, after a brief illness. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., he was the son of Denis Hackett Sr. and Mary Whalen Hackett. He is survived by two sisters, Alice Hackett and Sister Patricia Mary Hackett, SA; a brother, Kevin Hackett (Margaret), as well as his many Franciscan brothers. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and numerous cousins in Cleveland, Ohio, and County Mayo, Ireland. Friar Denis professed his first vows as a Conventual Franciscan Friar on Aug. 13, 1968, in Rensselaer, N.Y. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 11, 1974, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany. Friar Denis served as associate pastor at Ss. Cyril & Method Church, Binghamton, Assumption Church, Syracuse, St. Peter's Church, Riverside, N.J. He served as guardian and pastor at Ss. Cyril & Method, Binghamton, and pastor in the following parishes: St. Peter's, Point Pleasant Beach, N.J.; Infant of Prague, Jacksonville, N.C.; St. Mary's, Minoa; Our Lady of Mercy, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Blessed Sacrament, Burlington, N.C. He also served as Vicar Provincial of the Immaculate Conception Province from 1991-1994. He was guardian and pastor at St. Catharine of Siena, Seaside Park, N.J., when he became ill. At the time of his passing, he was a member of the Franciscan Community at St. Francis Friary, Staten Island. A reception of the body will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at St. Francis Friary, 500 Todt Hill Road, Staten Island, N.Y. 10304. The Franciscan Wake Service will be held at 7 p.m. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at St. Francis Friary Chapel. Interment will be in the Friars' Plot in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery, Trenton. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Friar Denis may be made to Conventual Franciscan Friars, PO Box 629, Rensselaer, NY 12144.
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Memories and Condolences
for Denis Hackett
Connie Nickell
August 21, 2025
I am so saddened to learn that Fr. Denis passed away in 2007, still such a young man. He was a wonderful Priest at my Parish of St. Peter's in Riverside, NJ many years ago. I was just looking through a New Testament that he gifted my oldest son in remembrance of his First Holy Communion in 1983. He included a beautiful inscription. My son passed away in 2001 so this memento is very special to me. As l was reminiscing l thought to see if l could find him through the internet and found his obituary instead. It just made me so sad.
He was a good and thoughtful Priest, always helpful to me and my family.
May the Eternal Light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen
Pat and Jim Piwinski
March 1, 2007
We were honored to get to know Father Denis for one short year at St. Mary's Minoa. But in that short time he accomplished a lot and made us laugh and became our friend. He has raised him up on eagle's wings.
Vince Janney
February 21, 2007
Father Denis, my friend, to say that you had a profound influence on my life would be an understatement. I cannot think about St. Peter's and the altar boys and the youth group without immediately thinking of you. Trips to NYC, volleyball-a-thons, my Eagle Scout project (and the skull and crossbones you painted at center court of the gym), midnight masses, the list goes on. I am so glad I reached out and contacted you last year and now I know that I can look forward to seeing you again in heaven ... I'd like you to meet my wife and kids. You were a good man and a great Christian role model. A hero gone, but not forgotten.
George Orfe
February 20, 2007
Fr. Denis and I were in the seminary together in 1963 - 1966. As a young man he always had a great sense of humor and would brighten the day. Our paths crossed again when he was at St. Peter's in Riverside - still the same sense of humor. He was a wonderful servant of the Lord who now brightens heaven. To those who had the pleasure of knowing him I am sure he will be sorely missed.
Fred and Rita Peisel
February 19, 2007
We were fortunate to know Fr. Denis only briefly. He was a wonderful man and priest. Our deepest sympathy to his family. God Bless.
Irene Bruce
February 16, 2007
Fr. Denis will truly leave a large void in the lives of people who knew him. He was a very caring, giving and compassionate man but first of all a good priest. I was sacristan when he was pastor at St. Cyril's Church in Binghamton and there never was a dull moment. His humor was very infectious. Sincerest condolences to his family and the Franciscan Friars community. In one's passing memories will abound.
Bob and Jo Calandra
February 15, 2007
Fr. Denis personally touched our lives and our hearts so deeply. He was a truly great man who will never be forgotten. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family.
Anne & Dennis O'Brien
February 15, 2007
Fr. Denis was a very special man who touched our hearts and souls. He will always live on in all who knew him. We send our deepest sympathy to his family.
Eileen Kumpon
February 14, 2007
Fr. Denis was a wonderful kind person, friend, and a priest who truly cared about people. He sure had a sense of humor too! Many people were praying for him, but God wanted him home! He will be missed greatly! GOD BLESS YOU FR. DENIS! You are no longer in pain and suffering! We all will miss you!
Sue & Bill Kosakowski
February 14, 2007
Fr. Dennis - The parishioners of St. Catharine only "had" you for a year. A year that will make a difference in the faith and lives of all the members of the Parish. We mourn for the pain you suffered and we mourn for the loss we have suffered. We are sure God welcomed you into arms. Thank you for gracing our lives and our Parish. Our time with you was much too short. Thank you
Roberta VanPatten
February 14, 2007
Thanks for the honor to serve you, and for your great sense of humor. You brought alot of laughs to the Bridgeport Friary. You will greatly be missed.
Bridgeport Housekeeper and Good Friend "Natalie" (Rob)
Joanne B. Klamm
February 14, 2007
The family of Joseph and Joanne Klamm extend ther deepest simpathy...Father Dennis was the most humrous priest our family has ever known and loved....God Bless him always...
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