Fr. Robert J. Powell

With great sorrow, we announce the passing of Rev. Robert J. Powell, a retired priest of the Diocese of Fall River, who passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, after a brief illness. Fr. Powell was well-loved by his family, friends, and parishioners, particularly for his meaningful Homilies, spiritual devotion, quick wit and kind, compassionate heart. He will be remembered for the sharing of his faith and love of Christ with so many throughout the years.

Born in Acushnet, he was the son of the late Arthur E. Powell and Violette E. (Duval) Powell. Fr. Powell was a graduate of Bishop Stang High School, class of 1967. He then entered the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary making his first vows in August 1968. He graduated from St Mary’s College, Winona, MN with a major in philosophy and minor in music. He went on to attend graduate school at The Washington Theological Coalition in Washington, DC. In addition to receiving a Masters of Divinity degree he also received training as a group counselor at the Washington Psychiatric Foundation and took courses at Catholic University in counseling. He completed a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) unit at the William S. Hall Psychiatric Institution, Columbia, SC. He took his solemn vows in California in 1975 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1976 by Bishop Cronin at St. Joseph’s Church in Fairhaven, MA. He was assigned to the West Coast province as a teacher at Damien High School in California for three years followed by retreat work and spiritual direction for two summers at the United Institute of Bethlehem, CT. He became a member of the West Coast Association of Spiritual Directors and director of the Sacred Heart Retreat House in Gallup, NM for two years. He then went on to become assistant director of the Neuman Center at the University of California, Davis and vocation director for the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts followed by assistant novice master. Fr. Powell then earned a certificate in Formative Spirituality at the Institute of Religious Formation, St. Louis, MO. Seeking a life of deeper prayer and solitude he transferred his vows to the Camaldolese Benedictine Monks of Big Sur, CA where he spent nine years living as a hermit monk. Due to ill health, he took a leave of absence returning to his home diocese of Fall River. He then served as parochial vicar at St. Pius X Parish in South Yarmouth, MA, St. Julie Billiart Parish in Dartmouth, MA and St. Mary Parish in Seekonk, MA. At that time he also served as Chaplain at Sturdy Hospital, Attleboro, MA. He then was made temporary administrator at St. Mary Parish in North Attleboro. Fr. Powell served as pastor at St. Joan of Arc Parish in Orleans, MA for eight years. His final assignment was as pastor at St. Lawrence Parish in New Bedford, MA. He retired on July 1st, 2018 while remaining active in helping at various parishes throughout the diocese.

Survivors include his brother, Thomas; his two sisters, Susan Powell and her partner Angie Markwell, Laurie Kinney and her husband, John Kinney; his nephews Jeffrey Powell, John Kinney and his wife Ali; niece Audra Kinney, and sister-in-law Mary Powell. He is predeceased by his brother Richard Powell.

Visitation will take place at St. Julie Billiart Church, 494 Slocum Rd., Dartmouth, MA on Monday, January 27, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Relative and friends are invited. His Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Julie Billiart Church on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 11am, followed by interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Bedford. Arrangements entrusted to the Waring-Sullivan Funeral Home in Dartmouth.

In-lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101 www.stjude.org