Rev. Joseph E. Horgan

Rev. Joseph E. Horgan

99, of Johnston passed away peacefully on Friday, June 17, 2016 at the Philip Hulitar Hospice Inpatient Center, Providence. Born in Chelsea, MA, a son of the late Eugene F. and Alice (Healey) Horgan, he graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Revere. He attended Catholic University before joining the National Guard.

He served in the army for 5 years during WWII, rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer in charge of personnel in the 103 Field Artillery, 43rd Division.  He was on the USS President Coolidge when it sank off the island of Espirito Sancto in the Pacific.  He was awarded the bronze star.  After the war he completed his undergraduate work at PC and went on to earn a law degree at Catholic University.  He completed studies for the priesthood at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland and was ordained a priest on May 30, 1954 at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul, Providence by Bishop Russell J. McVinney.

After a summer assignment at St. Benrnard’s Church in North Kingstown, Fr. Horgan was assistant pastor at St Leo’s Church in Pawtucket (1954 – 1961). From 1962 to 1963 he served as assistant pastor at St. Matthew's in Cranston, and as assistant pastor at St. Joseph’s Church in Pawtucket from 1964 1973.  In 1974 Fr. Horgan was appointed pastor of St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Johnston where he served until his retirement in1986.

In addition to his parish duties, Fr. Horgan also served as chaplain for the Johnston Police Department and the Municipal Police Training Academy of RI.  After his retirement, Fr. Horgan took up residence in Johnston but continued to assist at St Patrick’s in Burrillville.

Fr. Horgan is survived by a niece and two nephews; Nancy Zinkiewicz, Joseph Dean, Dennis Dean and was the brother of the late Esther Dean.

A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:30 am at St. Robert Bellarmine Church,1804 Atwood Avenue,Johnston. Burial with military Honors will be in Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, Johnston. VISITING HOURS Tuesday 4-7 pm in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Johnston. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope Hospice and Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.