Fr. John J. ‘Fr. J.D.’ Duggan

89, Priest of the Diocese of Ossory, Ireland and long time priest-in-residence at Ss. John and Paul Parish, Coventry, peacefully passed away at the Rectory on Thursday, November 4, 2021. 

Born in County Kilkenny, he was the beloved son of the late Richard and Molly (O’Gorman) Duggan, and attended St. Kieran’s College and Maynooth Seminary in preparation for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest on June 17, 1956. 

In his early priesthood, Fr. JD taught Greek and Latin at St. Kieran’s College. He received his MA in Education and PhD in Counseling from Boston College  in the 1970s, and also at this time served as Chaplain to the Pittsburgh Steelers during their string of Super Bowl victories. Returning to Ireland to serve in several parish assignments, in 1983 he began serving as Chaplain at Salve Regina University, Newport. In 1997, Fr. Duggan moved into Ss. John and Paul Parish to assist at the parish. For the past 24 years, Fr. JD has been well loved by his parishioners. He will be sadly missed.

Father Duggan is survived by his brothers Thomas, Richard, and Michael Duggan, all of Kilkenny, his sister Anne Brereton of Norwich England, and his sister and caregiver Sr. Vincent Mary Duggan of Dublin, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and countless friends from the US and Ireland. He was brother of the late Fr. Nicholas Duggan of the Diocese of Sacramento. Fr. JD's family wishes to thank Fr. Woolley, Renee Johnson, the Rectory staff, and all who cared for him in his final days.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, November 10, from 4 - 7pm at SS. John and Paul Church, 341 South Main Street, Coventry, followed by a Mass for Vocations at 7pm. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Thursday, November 11, at 11am at SS. John and Paul Church. Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich, RI, will be private at a later date. The services will be live-streamed through Saints John and Paul Parish Facebook page (http://www.Facebook.com/ssjpri).

In lieu of flowers, donations to Ss. John and Paul Parish, 341 South Main St. Coventry RI 02816, or Our Lady of Providence Seminary 485 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence RI, 02908, in his memory would be appreciated.
 

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