Fr. Raymond Hand O.F.M. CAP.

Fr. Raymond [baptized Francis] was born in Yonkers, NY. He attended Sacred Heart Elementary School, Yonkers, NY [1941-50] and St. Mary Seminary, Garrison, NY [1950-54].

He entered the Capuchins in 1954; professed perpetual vows in 1958; and was ordained to the priesthood at Sacred Heart Church, Yonkers, NY on June 23, 1962.

From 1964-1967, Father resided at St. Lawrence Friary, Milton, MA where he served as Asst. Novice Master and later Director of Novices.

Fr. Raymond served as an assistant in many Capuchin parochial ministries including Our Lady Queen of Angels, E. Harlem, NY [1963-64]; St. John the Baptist, NYC [1984-94]; St. Francis Chapel, Springfield, MA [1994-98]; and St. Joseph the Worker, E. Patchogue, NY [1998-99].

Father was appointed pastor and guardian of Our Lady Queen of Angels, E. Harlem, New York City where he served from 1982-1984. Recognized for his leadership qualities, in 1981, Fr. Raymond was elected Provincial Councilor ministering in this position until 1984.

One of Fr. Raymond’s many personal and professional achievements was his dedication as Director of E.N.T.E.R [Ecumenical Narcotic Treatment for Effective Rehabilitation] a NY city-wide acclaimed agency committed to the care of the addicted, where he lovingly labored for almost 15 years.

In his later years, Father resided at St. Lawrence Infirmary, Beacon, NY [1998-99] and later joined the Senior Friar Community of St. Clare, Yonkers, NY [2000-12]. In April 2012, he was transferred to Holy Name Friary, a private nursing home in Ringwood, NJ providing Father with needed skilled nursing care.

He was survived by his sister Joyce Adams and her husband of Webster, MA and two nephews and their families.

Viewing will be held at St. Clare Friary, 110 Shonnard Pl., Yonkers, NY [2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.] on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 with a Wake Service at 7:30 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church, Yonkers, NY on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Province of St. Mary Friar’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, kindly send your donations to St. Clare Friary, Yonkers, NY for the continuing care of our senior Capuchin friars.