Seamus will be lovingly remembered by his four siblings, Noel Murtagh, Kathleen (Pat Joe) Hunt, Annie Schultz & Agnes (Ron) Healy; thirty-five nieces and nephews; and numerous extended family members, friends and former parishioners. He was the eighth of thirteen children and was predeceased by his beloved parents, Peter & Kate Murtagh (nee Croghan); and siblings, Michael, Paddy, Eddie, Maura, Bob, Joe, Sean and Gerry.
He was born in Corlis, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, Ireland, attended seminary at Mungret College and St. Patrick’s College, Carlow. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Miami in 1966. His first parish was St. Clement’s in Ft. Lauderdale. He was sent to Rome by Archbishop Carroll for further studies and received a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University. On his return to the archdiocese, he served as a faculty member at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach from 1971 – 1983 and as Academic Dean from 1980 – 1983. He became pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church and then St. Ann Catholic Church, both in West Palm Beach. He served the Diocese of Palm Beach in many roles, including Chancellor, Vicar General, Diocesan Administrator and Apostolic Administrator. He was co-founder in the creation of St. Ann Place Homeless Outreach Center, where he served those in need with dignity and respect. Father Seamus cast the vision for Holy Ground Shelter for Homeless and also served on the Board. After his retirement, Seamus continued to celebrate Mass at Holy Cross Church in Indiantown and Lourdes Noreen McKeen Residence in West Palm Beach.
Seamus enjoyed playing cards with his family – he especially enjoyed winning. He was an avid walker and an accomplished Scrabble player. He enjoyed trips with friends and family and traveled to Ireland every year. He was fond of saying he led a blessed life; however, many count themselves blessed to have been a part of his life.
A wake and visitation will be held on Monday, February 22, from 3:00pm – 6:00 pm, at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola in Palm Beach Gardens.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 23, at 12:00 pm, also at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius Loyola. The Mass will be live streamed and can be accessed at www.cathedralpb.com. Click on the link for “Live Mass”.
Burial at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in Royal Palm Beach will follow the Funeral Mass.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Ann Place Homeless Outreach Center, 2107 N. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 or Holy Ground Shelter for Homeless, 200 W. 20th St., Riviera Beach, FL 33404 or simply perform an act of kindness in Seamus’ name for someone less fortunate.
