Our brother and fellow priest, Monsignor William Easton, passed on from this life on December 29, 2013 at the age of 69.

Monsignor Easton was born on June 18, 1944 in Detroit, Michigan and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on June 14, 1970.

Monsignor Easton’s many assignments included serving as associate pastor at St. Mary Parish, Royal Oak, administrator at St. Joseph Parish, Pontiac; St. Michael Parish, Pontiac; and St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Pontiac. In addition, Monsignor Easton served as dean of spiritual formation and vice rector at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit and pastor at St. Mary Parish, Royal Oak; St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Pontiac; and National Shrine of the Little Flower Parish, Royal Oak.

Visitation will take place at the National Shrine of the Little Flower, 2100 West 12 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, on Thursday, January 2 from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a scripture service at 7 p.m.

Monsignor Easton will lie in repose on Friday, January 3 at The National Shrine of the Little Flower Parish Church, from 8:30 a.m. until the celebration of his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.

Monsignor Easton was predeceased by his father, William, brothers Robert and Donald. He is survived by his mother, Shirley, siblings Karl, Theresa Naski, Kathleen Wigmosta, and many nieces and nephews. Condolences may be sent to Shirley Easton at 10114 Lakeside Drive, White Lake, MI 48386.

Kindly include in the general intercessions of your weekend liturgies a prayer for the repose of the soul of Monsignor Easton. Keep him in your prayers and include him in the Masses celebrated in accord with our revised Mass Pact.

Dear Brothers in Christ,

We have received notification that our brother and fellow priest, Fr. Richard Anthony Ranalletti, CSB entered eternal life on February 14, 2014 at the age of 69.

A Basilian Father for 47 years, his priestly ministry was devoted to education, with appointments to The Aquinas Institute in Rochester, NY; Detroit Catholic Central High School in Redford and Novi, MI and Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, CA.  He concluded his distinguished career in administration as the Secretary-General and Treasurer-General of the Congregation of St. Basil at the Basilian Fathers' Curial Offices in Toronto, ON.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 25 at Detroit Catholic Central High School, 27225 Wixom Road, Novi beginning at 4 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Father Ranalletti will lay in repose on Wednesday, February 26 from 6:30 p.m. until the celebration of his funeral Mass at 7:30 p.m. at St. James Parish Church, 46325 W. Ten Mile Road, Novi, MI.  Interment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the Congregation of St. Basil, 95 St. Joseph Street Toronto, Ontario Canada M5S 3C2.

Kindly remember Father Ranalletti and his family in your prayers.

In the Lord,

Rev. Jefferson M. Thompson, CSB
Religious Superior of the Basilian Fathers of Detroit Catholic Central High School

Our brother and fellow priest, Father Robert McGrath, passed on from this life on April 10, 2014 at the age of 74.

Father McGrath was born on July 30, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on September 11, 1971.

Father McGrath’s assignments included serving as associate pastor and administrator at St. Rita Parish, Detroit; pastor at St. Francis de Sales Parish, Detroit; St. Benedict Parish, Highland Park; and St. Alexander Parish, Farmington Hills.

Visitation will take place at St. Alexander Parish Church, 27835 Shiawassee, Farmington Hills on Sunday, April 13 from 3-8 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 7 p.m.

Father McGrath will lie in repose on Monday, April 14, at St. Alexander Parish Church, from 10 a.m. until the celebration of his funeral Mass at 11 a.m.  Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.

Father McGrath was predeceased by his parents Bernard and Lynn.  He is survived by his sister Kathleen (Jack) Marsh and many nieces and nephews.  Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Kathleen Marsh, 3623 State Route 104, Mexico, NY 13114.

Kindly include in the general intercessions of your weekend liturgies a prayer for the repose of the soul of Father McGrath. Keep him in your prayers and include him in the Masses celebrated in accord with our revised Mass Pact.

Our brother and fellow priest, Father Thomas Joseph Moloney, S.A.C., passed peacefully into eternal life on April 29, 2014 at the age of 67.

An Irish Pallottine priest for almost 41 years, Father Moloney served in Ireland; Africa; St. Joseph, Wyandotte; St. Matthias, Sterling Heights; St. Joan of Arc, St. Clair Shores; St. Peter, Mt. Clemens; and most recently as Pastoral Care Minister at Henry Ford Hospital in Wyandotte.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2014 from 2–9 p.m., with Scripture Service held at 7 p.m. at the R.J. Nixon Funeral Home, 2544 Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte, Michigan.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 5, 2014 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Church located at 344 Elm Street in Wyandotte where Father Moloney will be lying in state from 9–10:30 a.m.

Condolences may be sent to the Pallottine Fathers, 3352 Fourth Street, Wyandotte, Michigan 48192.

Father Moloney will be interred in the Immaculate Conception Church Cemetery in his native County Clare, Ireland.

Our brother and fellow priest, Monsignor Dennis Harrity, passed on from this life on Friday, May 16, 2014 at the age of 79.

Monsignor Harrity was born on July 17, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on June 4, 1960.

He served as associate pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Detroit; and as pastor at St. Dennis Parish, Royal Oak; Sacred Heart Parish, Auburn Hills; Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Grosse Pointe Woods. In addition, he served as superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Detroit; principal at Shrine Catholic High School, Royal Oak; Bishop Foley High School, Detroit; as member of the Archdiocese of Detroit College Consultors and Presbyteral Council. He was granted senior status on July 1, 2004.

He will be waked at the A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236.  Visitation hours will be on Thursday and Friday, May 22 and 23, from 2-9 PM with a prayer service on Friday at 7 PM.

Monsignor Harrity will lie in repose on Saturday, May 24, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Grosse Pointe Woods, from 9-11 AM until the celebration of his funeral Mass at 11 AM Burial will take place at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Detroit.

Monsignor Harrity was predeceased by his parents John and Geraldine and brother William. He is survived by his sister Joan Smith; several nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews. Condolences may be sent to Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, 467 Fairford Road, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236.

Kindly include in the general intercessions of your weekend liturgies a prayer for the repose of the soul of Monsignor Harrity.  Keep him in your prayers and include him in the Masses celebrated in accord with our revised Mass Pact.

Our brother and fellow priest, Monsignor Stanley E. Milewski, P.A., passed on from this life on July 6, 2014 at the age of 84.

Monsignor Milewski was born on November 30, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on June 4, 1955.

Monsignor Milewski’s many assignments included serving as associate pastor at St. Francis D’Assisi Parish, Detroit.  In addition, Monsignor Milewski served as faculty of the Orchard Lake Schools since January, 1957.  His many positions included: athletic director, faculty member, procurator-treasurer of the Orchard Lake Schools, vice rector of SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, and Chancellor of Orchard Lake Schools from 1977-2000.

Visitation will take place at the Shrine Chapel of Our Lady of Orchard Lake, 3535 Indian Trail, Orchard Lake on Wednesday, July 9 from 3-8 PM with a scripture service at 7 PM and Thursday, July 10 from 3-8 PM with a rosary at 7 PM.

Monsignor Milewski will lie in repose on Friday, July 11 at the Shrine Chapel of Our Lady of Orchard Lake, from 9 AM until the celebration of his funeral Mass at 11 AM. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.  Priests concelebrating Mass may arrive at the main dining hall for vesting.  Bishops will vest in the Shrine Chapel.  Please bring your white alb and stole.

Monsignor Milewski was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Jadwiga. He is survived by his brother priests of the Presbyterate of the Archdiocese of Detroit and the family of Orchard Lake Schools.  Condolences may be sent to Monsignor Francis Koper and Reverend Walter Ptak, 3535 Indian Trail, Orchard Lake, MI 48324.

Kindly include in the general intercessions of your weekend liturgies a prayer for the repose of the soul of Monsignor Milewski. Keep him in your prayers and include him in the Masses celebrated in accord with our revised Mass Pact.

Fraternally yours in the Lord,

The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron
Archbishop of Detroit

Visitation will take place at St. Clement Catholic Church, 5275 Kenilworth in Dearborn on Wednesday, July 16 from 2 - 8 p.m., with a rosary at 7 p.m.

Father Muir will lie in repose on Thursday, July 17 at St. Clement Parish from 10:30 a.m. until the celebration of his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

Father Muir was predeceased by his parents Ellen and Cecil Muir; brother James; sisters-in-law Shirley and Grace. He is survived by his brother Donald; sister Betty (Kenneth) Law and several nieces and nephews. Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Betty Law, 3266 Interlaken, West Bloomfield, Michigan 48323. Donations may be sent to the Senior Priests Pension Fund, Archdiocese of Detroit, 1234 Washington Boulevard, C-4, Detroit, Michigan 48226.

Visitation will be held at Wasik Funeral Home, 49150 Schoenherr Road,  Shelby Township, (586-532-8600) on Sunday, August 3, from 3 - 9 p.m. and Monday, August 4, from 3 – 9 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m.

Mr. Donahue will lie in repose on Tuesday, August 5 from 10 a.m. until the celebration of his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Bonaventure Monastery, 1820 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit.

Condolences may be sent to Mr. Donahue’s daughter, Julia Donahue, P.O. Box 152, Port Hope, MI  48468.

Visitation will be at Gendernalik Funeral Home (586-725-0177), 35259  23 Mile Road, New Baltimore. Visitation will be from 2 until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, with a 7 p.m. Scripture service.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Immaculate Conception Parish or Sacred Heart Major Seminary.

On Wednesday, August 6, she will lie in repose at Immaculate Conception Parish Church from 9:30 a.m. until her 11 a.m. funeral Mass. Immaculate Conception is located at 9792 Dixie Highway in Ira Township.

Read the Obituary by the Michigan Catholic.

Our brother and fellow priest, Cardinal Edmund Casimir Szoka, passed on from this life on 20 August 2014, at the age of 86.

Cardinal  Szoka was born on 14 September 1927 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and ordained a priest for the Diocese of Marquette on 5 June 1954.

Cardinal Szoka’s many assignments included serving as the First Bishop of Gaylord; Eighth Ordinary and Third Archbishop of Detroit; Cardinal Priest of SS. Andrea e Gregorio al Monte Cielo, Roma; President of the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs of the Holy See; President of the Governatorate of Vatican City State; President of the Vatican City State.

Visitation will take place at The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 9844 Woodward Avenue in Detroit.

Sunday, August 24
Visitation 2 PM – 9 PM
2 PM Reception of the body
7 PM Office for the Dead

Monday, August 25 Visitation 2 PM – 9 PM
3 PM Rosary in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
7 PM Vigil Service

Tuesday, August 26
9 AM – 11 PM Visitation
11 AM Funeral Mass

Burial will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield.

Any priests who would like to offer Mass for the repose of the soul of Cardinal Szoka is welcome to do so at the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at the Cathedral on Monday.  Priests may bring a small group of the faithful with them.  Monday times will be available on the hour and half-hour from 9 AM – 2 PM and 4 - 6 PM.  To reserve a time for such celebrations, please contact Msgr. Michael LeFevre, Cathedral Rector, at 313-865-6300, Extension 225.

Cardinal Szoka was predeceased by his parents.  He is survived by his sister Irene Szoka; and several cousins.  Condolences may be sent to Monsignor Todd Lajiness at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, 2701 Chicago Boulevard, Detroit, Michigan 48206.

Kindly include in the general intercessions of your weekend liturgies a prayer for the repose of the soul of Cardinal Szoka. Keep him in your prayers and include him in the Masses celebrated in accord with our revised Mass Pact.

Our brother and fellow priest, Father David Brecht, O.S.A., passed on from this life on September 6, 2014, at the age of 75.

Born and raised in Detroit, Father Brecht professed his first vows with the Religious Order of Saint Augustine on September 10, 1957. Father Brecht professed his solemn vows on September 10, 1960 and was ordained on February 6, 1965.

As an Augustinian, Father Brecht served mostly as an educator in the Midwest. In the Archdiocese of Detroit, Father Brecht served as pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco Parish, Grosse Pointe Park and as principal of his own alma mater, Austin Catholic High School, Ray Township.

Visitation will take place in St. Clare of Montefalco Parish Church, 1401 Whittier Road, Grosse Pointe Park on Thursday, September 11 from 2-6 p.m. Funeral Mass will follow at 6 p.m.

Interment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 17100 Van Dyke, Detroit, on Friday, September 12 at 10 a.m.

Our brother and fellow priest, Father Richard Cyr, passed on from this life on September 7, 2014 at the age of 80.

Father Cyr was born on August 14, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on June 4, 1960.

Father Cyr’s assignments included serving as associate pastor at St. Raymond Parish, Detroit; Christ the King Parish, Detroit; St. Regis Parish, Bloomfield Hills; and as pastor at St. Ronald Parish, Clinton Township and St. Matthias Parish, Sterling Heights.

Visitation will take place at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile), Sterling Heights on Wednesday, September 10 from 5-8 p.m.

Visitation will continue at St. Peter Parish Church, 95 Market Street, Mt. Clemens on Thursday, September 11 from 2-8 p.m.

Father Cyr will lie in repose on Friday, September 12, at St. Peter Parish Church, from 10 a.m. until the celebration of his funeral Mass at 11 a.m.  Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township.

Father Cyr was predeceased by his parents George and Elizabeth; and brother Thomas.  He is survived by his siblings Mary Ann (Jack) Brehmer, Jacquiline Whelan, Paula Michaels, Gary (Machiko), Douglas (Barbara), Janet (Jim) Mowid, Donna Derey, George (Gloria), Bernadette (Mike) Coats, Diane (Gary) Kuechen, and Gerilyn (Tim) Doherty. He is also survived by 95 nieces and nephews. Condolences may be sent to Ms. Paula Michaels, 18981 Lauren Drive, Clinton Township, MI 48038.

Our brother and fellow priest, Father Charles Fontana, passed on from this life on September 23, 2014, at the age of 71.

Father Fontana was born on June 17, 1943 in Detroit, Michigan and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on June 7, 1969.

Father Fontana’s many assignments included serving as associate pastor at St. Suzanne/Our Lady Gate of Heaven Parish, Detroit; St. Mary Parish, Wayne; St. Clement Parish, Dearborn; and as administrator at St. Andrew Parish, Rochester. In addition, Father Fontana also served as pastor at St. Pius X Parish, Southgate; St. Timothy Parish, Trenton; St. Paul of Tarsus Parish, Clinton Township and St. Clement Parish, Dearborn.

Visitation will take place at John Molnar Funeral Home, 23700 West Road, Brownstown Township, 734-692-1515 on Sunday, September 28 from 1-6 p.m. Visitation will continue on Monday, September 29 at St. Clement Parish Church, 5275 Kenilworth Street, Dearborn from 2-7 p.m. with a rosary at 6:30 p.m.

Father Fontana will lie in repose on Tuesday, September 30 at St. Clement Parish Church from 10 a.m. until the celebration of his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Detroit.

Father Fontana was predeceased by his parents Luigi and Anita. He is survived by his sister Linda (Craig) Fontana-Smith and many cousins. Condolences may be sent to St. Clement Parish, C/O Bernadette, 5275 Kenilworth Street, Dearborn, MI 48126.

Our brother and fellow priest, Father Valentine Gattari, passed on from this life on September 24, 2014, at the age of 86.

Father Gattari was born on April 23, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan and ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit on June 5, 1954.

Father Gattari’s many assignments included serving as associate pastor at St. Peter the Apostle Parish, Harper Woods; St. Margaret Mary Parish, Detroit; St. Barnabas Parish, Eastpointe; Nativity of Our Lord Parish, Detroit; Visitation Parish, Detroit; chaplain at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, Clinton Township; Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center, Mount Clemens; DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital, Detroit; and as a spiritual director in the Legion of Mary Regia Council of Michigan. In addition, Father Gattari also served as pastor at Annunciation/Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Detroit.

Visitation will take place at SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish Church, 41233 Ryan Road, Sterling Heights on Friday, September 26 from 2-9 p.m., with a wake service at 7 p.m.

Father Gattari will lie in repose on Saturday, September 27 at SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish Church from 10 a.m. until the celebration of his funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township.

Father Gattari was predeceased by his parents Henry and Maria and sister Gloria. He is survived by his brother Remo (Rosemarie); brother Gino (Beverly) and many nieces and nephews. Condolences may be sent to Mr. Gino Gattari, 42500 Ryan Road, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48314.