ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hilferty, Pastor Emeritus, Queen of Peace Parish, Ardsley, died of Cardiac Arrest, Ischemic Cardiomyopathy at Saint Madeleine Sophie Rectory, Philadelphia, on Wednesday, June 4, 2008.

Monsignor Hilferty was born on May 17, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of the late Hugh L. Hilferty and Johanna McFaun. Monsignor Hilferty attended Holy Spirit Parochial School, Atlantic City, New Jersey; Saint Alice Parochial School, Stonehurst; and West Catholic High School, Philadelphia, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Monsignor Hilferty was ordained on May 10, 1952, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by Most Reverend John F. O'Hara, and named Honorary Prelate to His Holiness Pope John Paul II on May 29, 1991. Monsignor Hilferty served as Parochial Vicar at All Saints Chapel, Philadelphia; Saint Margaret Parish, Narberth; and Saint Mary Magdalen De Pazzi Parish, Philadelphia. Monsignor Hilferty served as a Military Chaplain in the United States Navy from 1957 through 1977. Monsignor Hilferty also served as Pastor, Saint Francis de Sales Parish, Philadelphia, from 1977 through 1989. He served as Regional Vicar, Philadelphia-South Vicariate from 1989 through 1992. In October 1992, Monsignor Hilferty was appointed Pastor, Queen of Peace Parish, Ardsley, and was named Pastor Emeritus in June 1998. Monsignor Hilferty served as Senior Priest at Saint Agnes Parish, West Chester, from 1998 through 2003. He has been living in retirement at Saint Madeleine Sophie Parish, Philadelphia, since June 2003.

The service of the Transfer of the Body will be held at Saint Madeleine Sophie Church, Philadelphia, on Monday, June 9, 2008, at 4:00 PM followed by a viewing and a Parish Mass at 7:00 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali at Queen of Peace Church, Ardsley, on Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at 11:00 AM. A service of the Transfer of the Body will be held at 8:45 AM followed by a viewing until 10:45 AM. Concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Reverend William J. Benonis, Reverend George J. Boyle, Reverend Monsignor James J. Howard, Reverend Monsignor James P. Matteo, Reverend Monsignor Robert T. McManus, Reverend Robert H. Mulligan, Reverend Francis J. Mulranen, Reverend Monsignor William J. J. O'Donnell, and Reverend Leo P. Oswald. Monsignor O'Donnell will be the homilist.

Monsignor Hilferty is survived by his nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his six brothers. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.

FUNERAL DIRECTOR: May Funeral Home
215-884-8410
CONTACT: Bonnie Olinger
215-587-3747

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747