OBITUARY

Rev. William J. Scanlan

June 5, 1946 – April 26, 2013
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Rev. Fr. William J. Scanlan, 66, Friday, April 26, at the Marian Manor in South Boston. Father Scanlan was born in Dorchester on June 5, 1946, the son of the late William F. and Kathleen V. (Carnes) Scanlan. He was raised in Dedham and graduated from BC High School. He attended St. John’s Seminary and was ordained in 1972.

Rev. Scanlan began his ministry at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Belmont from 1972-1975. He was the Associate Pastor of St. Timothy's Church in Norwood from 1975-1983. He then entered a series of special assignments including specialized ministry to youth at Pilgrim Center in Braintree; Prison Chaplain at Southeast Correctional Center in Bridgewater; and co-founding a transitional program called Home for Now, Inc. until 1994. Rev. Scanlan was pastor of St. James Church in Stoughton until 1997 when complications from a heart condition made it necessary for him to take a health leave. In 1998, after a time of recuperation, he returned to active ministry within the Military Archdiocese of the United States as a VA hospital chaplain assigned to the Palo Alto Heath Care System, Palo Alto, CA. until 2002. After having to retire because of physical disabilities, he began to assist at Saint Brigid’s Church in Johnston, RI in 2005.

Father Scanlan leaves his sisters, Maureen (Ryan) Favorito and her husband Sabino of West Roxbury, Mildred Robison of Weymouth, Margaret Hoeg of Easton, Marie Diauto of Florida; also many close friends and their families he considered relatives including Ronald Bartkiewicz of Walpole, Christopher Jones of Canton, Patrick Glennon of Walpole, Jason Mitchell of Tampa, FL and Joanne and her husband James Grant of Stoughton, MA and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his step-mother, Mildred Ryan; by his brothers, George and Robert Ryan; and his nephew, Tony Favorito.

Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday, May 1, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at St. Brigid Church, 1231 Plainfield St., Johnston, RI followed by a funeral mass to be celebrated in the church at 7:00 PM. Relatives and friends may also call on Thursday, May 2, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at St. Timothy Church, 650 Nichols St., Norwood, MA. Father Scanlan’s final funeral services will be held on Friday, May 3, at 10:00 AM from the Gillooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole St., (Rt. 1A) NORWOOD, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Timothy Church. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Roslindale. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Marian Manor, 130 Dorchester Street, South Boston, MA 02127, or to My Brother's Keeper Christian Ministry, PO Box 338, Easton, MA 02356. For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit the funeral home’s website.

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Services

  • Visitation Wednesday, May 1, 2013
  • Funeral Service Wednesday, May 1, 2013
  • Visitation Thursday, May 2, 2013
  • Funeral Service Friday, May 3, 2013
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REMEMBERING

Rev. William J. Scanlan

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Alan I.

May 16, 2014

Father Bill,
Enjoy the kingdom of heaven. Pax vobiscum !

Bobby Burke

February 14, 2014

In the special quiet that only snow storms bring I read the BC High magazine to discover the sad news. With the 50th BC High reunion looming in just a few months, you will be missed. So many happy high school memories and ventures to keep a perpetual smile on my face. What a gift.

Thomas O'Neill

October 5, 2013

I Last saw Billy Boy as a Fugitive from Justice.We dinned in the North End and talked of my return to MCI CONCORD.He mailed the Parole Board a rare letter attesting to my recent sobriety,YOU CAN HANDLE IT TOMMY MY BOY,but try and realize your own self worth this time.What a great man.

paul hutchinson

May 19, 2013

Father Billy Scanlan, always my friend, always seeing the best in others and forgiving the worst. In his darkest moments, his concern for others was always paramount in his mind...sometimes to the point of frustration to his friends.

A fine man....better by half than the best among us. I am lessened by his departure as are we all.

Don and Anita hume

May 14, 2013

We first met Fr. Bill when he was a priest at Our Lady of Mercy, Belmont. Our sons served as alter boys while he was there. He married our four children and we have kept in touch through the years. He was very special to our family and we are saddended by his failing health and death. He will be missed. Rest in peace Bill.

john hanafin

May 8, 2013

I first met Bill in my second year at BC High. Back then he showed signs of leadership ( the Shepard looking over his flock ) by organizing social gatherings at his house or going on trips everywhere. We became close because I was the black sheep of his " flock " and he was constantly trying to set me on a straight course. Father Bill was always there for me and my family. My brother joe was getting married by a Priest and Rabbi in front of hundreds of old fashion Irish relatives. The priest did
not remember to attend but the Rabbi did. So Fr. Bill, being in the audience , came to the rescue. Fr. Bill was there for my parents during their illness and over the years they grew to love him as one of the family. As fate would have it my 95 yr. old dad was buried the same day as Bill. May they both smile upon the face of Our Father.

May 4, 2013

Many blessings on this awesome priest and friend....may you rest in God's eternal peace and joy Fr. Bill! Fr. Vince Bertrand, JCL

Joanne Kinch-Cauteruccio

May 4, 2013

Father Scanlan made a great impression on our family and was a true friend and mentor when we needed one. He always made me feel so special. After reading the other notes I realize that he had a gift for making people feel special and shared it with so many. You will be remembered.

Carol and family

May 3, 2013

Rest in peace.

May 2, 2013

FATHER BILL,
REST IN PEACE, YOU WERE A GREAT PRIEST AND A GOOD FRIEND. CHARLIE & MARIE ARINELLO, SMITHFIELD,VIRGINIA

IN THE CARE OF

Gillooly Funeral Home
Norwood, MA
781-762-0174