Rev. Francis G. McCloskey

Albany-Rev. Francis G. McCloskey, 79, entered Eternal Life Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at Teresian House surrounded by his family and in the presence of the Holy Spirit. Born in Brooklyn, he was the son of Francis and Sheila Brennan McCloskey. Mr. McCloskey attended St. Francis Xavier School and St. Augustine High School, both in Brooklyn, and St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland. He received degrees from St. Peter’s College, Wexford, Ireland and Catholic University of America Theological College. Father McCloskey was ordained a Roman Catholic Priest for the Diocese of Albany on May 25, 1963 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany, NY. Father McCloskey served the good people of the Albany Diocese in many assignments, including St. Patrick’s High School, Catskill, NY (1963-65), Annunciation Church, Ilion, NY (1965-66), Albany Medical Center Hospital Chaplin (1966-70), St. John Church, Rensselaer, NY (1970-72), St. Jude Church, Wynantskill, NY (1973-75), St. Ambrose Church, Latham, NY (1975-77), St. Bridget Church, Copake Falls, NY (1977-81) and many Charismatic Renewal movements since 1981. During “The Troubles” in Ireland, he was involved with reconciliation of Catholics, Protestants, and political prisoners, and helped rebuild border roads. He founded “Christian Ireland Ministries” and a news service exclusively to promote peace in Ireland. Since the 1980s, he dedicated his priesthood to public advocacy for the unborn. As a street witness, he organized prayer vigils, and celebrated prolife Masses. He was the beloved brother of James McCloskey (Maureen) and the late Ann Fitzgerald, Maureen Broderick, George McCloskey; brother-in-law of Fionula McCloskey and Edward Broderick; Beth Lynch devoted friend to Fr. McCloskey; many loving nieces and nephews survive. Reception of the Body will be offered Friday, February 8, 2019 at 8:30 am at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany, NY 12206; relatives, friends, brother Priests and Religious may visit with Father McCloskey’s family until 10:30 am, when his Concelebrated Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Committal will be held at St. Bridget’s New Cemetery, Copake Falls, NY immediately following the Funeral Mass. Those wishing to remember Rev. Francis G. McCloskey in a special way may send a contribution to Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203, or 40 Days for Life/Schenectady and 40 Days for Life/Albany. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.McveighFuneralHome.com

Tributes

Rev. Francis G. McCloskey

September 20, 1939 - February 5, 2019