THE REV. RICHARD MICHAEL MCGARRIGLE

BRUNSWICK and CALAIS – The Rev. Richard Michael McGarrigle went home to be with our Lord July 23, 2010, in Brunswick, after a brief illness. He was born Oct. 9, 1924, to John Philip “Phil” and Dora Mildred (Purcell) McGarrigle Sr. of Calais. He was a graduate of Immaculate Conception Convent School and Calais Academy, Class of 1941. He attended St. Thomas College, Chatham, New Brunswick, and upon graduation entered St. Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore. He was ordained by Bishop Daniel Feeney, June 11, 1949, and his first assignment was as parochial vicar at Holy Name Church, Machias, during summer 1949 and then at St. Athanasious Parish, Rumford, from 1949 to 1950. He was chaplain at St. Ann’s Parish, Pleasant Point, and St. Ann’s, Peter Dana Point, from 1950 to 1954, before moving to St. Mary’s, Houlton, where he became parochial vicar and administrator from 1954 to 1966, when he became pastor of St. Thomas Parish, Dover-Foxcroft, for two years. In 1968 he became the founding pastor of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Cape Elizabeth. He was appointed pastor of St. Joseph’s Church, Portland, from 1975 to 1977, and then transferred to St. Mary’s Parish, Bath, from which he retired in 1994. In addition, Father McGarrigle served on diocesan boards and committees, including but not limited to: priest-coordinator for, and later as a consultant to, Charismatic Renewal; Clergy Benefit Board, board of trustees; Diocesan Ecumenical Commission, member and consultant; Priest Personnel Board, elected member; chaplain – Sacred Heart Circle of Daughters of Isabella; chaplain for Sagadahoc Council of the Knights of Columbus; vicar forane/dean of South Cumberland Deanery, 1973-1976, and of Sagadahoc and Lincoln Deanery, 1985-1994. Although Father McGarrigle retired from full-time parish ministry and administration in 1994, he continued to provide ministry as a retired priest for many years. Father McGarrigle was predeceased by his parents; his brother, John P. “Jack” McGarrigle Jr.; and sister-in-law, Elsie, and their son, Richard. Father McGarrigle will be missed by his sisters, Doreen Hill and Marie McGarrigle, both of Calais; by a very special family member, Peggy Sullivan of Brunswick; and by his nieces and nephews, Rita (Hill) Yardley and her husband, Shawn, and their children, Josh, Shane and wife, Eileen, Jeremy, Megan, Kiana, Kira and Tessa; John Hill and his daughters, Courtney and Allie; Michael Hill and his wife, Debbie, and their daughters, Stephanie and Carina; Susan (McGarrigle) Esposito and her daughter, Kathleen; and Diane (McGarrigle) Hunnewell and her husband, Avery, and their daughter, Bridget. His camp on Sebec Lake was a very special place for him and we will all miss spending time with him there. Vigil for the deceased with the reception of the body at the church and evening prayer will take place 4 p.m. Monday, July 26, at St. Charles Catholic Church with a wake afterward until 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 27, at St. Charles Catholic Church, Brunswick, by Bishop Richard Malone and concelebrated by priests of the diocese with a reception immediately after. A committal service will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, at Calais Cemetery, Calais, with a reception immediately after at Immaculate Conception Church. Arrangements are being handled by David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath. If you would like to share your thoughts and prayers with the Rev. Michael’s family please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.