RINGWOOD, N.J. – Father Matthew T. Conlin, a Franciscan friar who was pastor of St. Paul’s Parish in Wilmington for five years, died April 14 at Holy Name Friary in Ringwood, N.J. He was 92 and had been a Franciscan for 70 years, a priest for 66.
Father Conlin was the pastor at St. Paul’s from 1991-96. After his ordination in 1945, he spent the next 34 years in higher education, primarily at Siena College, including serving as president from 1970-76. He also served in administration for the Holy Name Province, as a prison chaplain and in parish ministry. He also helped found Anthony Houses Inc., residences for the needy based in Jersey City, N.J.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated April 27 at St. Mary of the Angels Chapel at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y. Father Conlin donated his body to medical research, and his ashes will be buried at a later date.
Condolences can be sent to the priest’s niece, Eileen Kelly, 6 Hodge Road, Arlington, MA 02474.
