ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA

Reverend John J. Shellem, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square, died at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Darby, on Wednesday, October 21, 2009.

Father Shellem was born on April 11, 1926, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of the late Eugene Joseph Shellem and the late Barbara Dena Johnson. Father Shellem attended Saint Thomas Aquinas Parochial School, Philadelphia, and LaSalle College High School, Philadelphia, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Shellem was ordained on May 10, 1952, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by Most Reverend John F. O'Hara. Father Shellem served as Parochial Vicar at Mary Queen of Peace Parish, Pottsville; Saints Simon and Jude Parish, Bethlehem; Most Precious Blood Parish, Philadelphia; and Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Philadelphia. Father Shellem also served on the faculty at Cardinal Dougherty High School, Philadelphia; Cardinal O'Hara High School, Springfield; and Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Overbrook. Father Shellem served as Pastor at Saint Madeleine Sophie Parish, Philadelphia, for nine years. In 1988, he was appointed Pastor, Saint Anastasia Parish, Newtown Square, and named Pastor Emeritus of the parish in 2001.

The service of the Transfer of the Body will be held at Saint Anastasia Church, Newtown Square, on Monday, October 26, 2009, at 9:30 AM, followed by a viewing. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali at Saint Anastasia Church on Monday, October 26, 2009, at 12:00 NOON. Concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Most Reverend Francis B. Schulte, Archbishop Emeritus, Archdiocese of New Orleans, Most Reverend Louis A. DeSimone,
Reverend George J. Boyle, Reverend Monsignor Francis A. Carbine, Reverend Monsignor Philip J. Cribben, and Reverend Monsignor Ignatius L. Murray. Monsignor Carbine will be the homilist.

Father Shellem is survived by his nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon.

Contact
Bonnie Olinger
Communications Assistant
215-587-3747