Reverend Neil David Fuller, SVD

The Society of the Divine Word mourns the loss of Fr. Neil David Fuller, SVD, who passed away peacefully at his retirement home in Crestline, CA, on July 26, 2024. Born on November 10, 1939, in Lynn, Massachusetts, Fr. Fuller was the beloved son of the late David R. Fuller and Wanda D. Placzek. He cherished his family deeply and was particularly proud of his only sibling, Barbara Carpinella, and her family. He remained close to Barbara until her passing in 2011.

Fr. Neil Fuller valued the gift of his life as a Divine Word Missionary priest. In many ways Fr. Neil lived outside the cut! He, like all of us, had his shortcomings, but the photo below portrays the "real Neil".

His smile was so genuine; it will live deep within us

his pastoral heart was large;

his convictions were strong;

his beliefs were deep;

he empowered the rejected;

his compassion was so moving and life-giving;

his friendships were deep and reverenced;

his commitment to Community & Church was spot on - sometimes blunt.

Neil Fuller embarked on his religious missionary journey with the Society of the Divine Word at a young age. He attended and graduated from Divine Word Seminary High School in Miramar, Massachusetts in 1958. Following this, he began his junior college. In 1960, he entered the novitiate at Conesus, New York, where his spiritual journey evolved and deepened through prayer, study, and reflection. Embracing the charism of the Society of the Divine Word and the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience, he professed his first vows in 1962. Before the Overseas Training Program was established, Neil, as a seminarian, volunteered to study theology in Argentina. It was a challenging experience, and Neil picked up some Spanish. He returned to the United States earlier than expected. He then completed his theological studies at Techny, Illinois, and was ordained in June 1969 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Fr. Neil David Fuller, SVD began priestly ministry as a Divine Word missionary in the USW Province at Riverside, California. His early years in his priestly vocation were challenging, as he struggled with Religious Community life and priesthood. After a few years, he took a sabbatical to reassess his calling. Through the invitation of Fr. Mike Manning, SVD, he returned to active ministry.

Returning with renewed strength and confidence, Fr. Fuller assumed roles and responsibilities others would not. He became the Rector of Divine Word Seminary at Riverside in 1987 during a crucial transition. He developed a student visitation program between SVD in Nagoya, Japan at Nanzan University and Divine Word Community, reorganized and developed the Oktoberfest Fundraiser, supported summer camp and retreat programs, and advocated for SVD Brothers to assume positions of authority. Br. Jeremiah Walsh was trained and prepared to assume Rector responsibilities upon the completion of his term in 1993.

While residing at Divine Word Riverside Community, Fr. Fuller served honorably as Catholic Chaplain at California Institute for Women. His commitment to social justice was unwavering. He had a passion for theater and excelled in acting, gaining recognition for his roles at The Riverside Community Theater of the Arts. He loved a good party and enjoyed playing cards with those around him.

In his later years, Fr. Fuller served as priest minister and pastor of St. Matthew in Corona from 2004 to 2015, pastor of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Church in Beaumont and Banning from 2015 to 2018, and Administrator of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Crestline from 2018 to 2023. He retired after many years of devoted service to the Church and its people. His pastoral leadership was respected, and he valued personal friendships. His love for animals, especially his dogs, was evident, though their presence sometimes caused division within the community.

Fr. Neil David Fuller, SVD, will be remembered for his profound dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to his faith and community. His legacy of service and love will continue to inspire all who knew him. He was a Jesus figure.

A reflection by Joanne Fink, “Hineini” (Hebrew for “Here I am”), beautifully sums up Fr. Neil David Fuller, SVD’s life:

“He reached out to those who are suffering.

He used his voice as a force for good.

He had the courage to do what is right - not what is easy.

He had the strength to shine a light in the darkness.

He did not distance himself from himself.”