Reverend Monsignor Henry B. Degnan, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Joseph Parish, Aston, and Resident, Saint Paul Parish, East Norriton, died at Mercy Suburban Hospital on Monday, January 28, 2013.

Monsignor Degnan was born on August 20, 1921, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He is the son of the late Henry B. Degnan and the late Elizabeth E. Boyle. Monsignor Degnan attended Saint Patrick Parochial School, Norristown, and West Catholic High School, Philadelphia, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Monsignor Degnan was ordained on May 22, 1948, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by Most Reverend J. Carroll McCormick and named Honorary Prelate of His Holiness Pope John Paul II on March 16, 2005. Monsignor Degnan served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Paul Parish, Philadelphia. He served on the Faculty at Saint James Catholic High School for Boys, Chester, and Bishop McDevitt High School, Wyncote. Monsignor Degnan also served as Vice Rector, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. Monsignor Degnan was appointed Pastor, Saint Joseph Parish, Aston, in 1972 and was named Pastor Emeritus in June 1996.

The Reception of the Body will be held at Saint Joseph Church, Aston, on Friday, February 1, 2013, at 4:00 PM, followed by a viewing. A parish Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 PM. Most Reverend Louis A. DeSimone will celebrate a Funeral Mass for Monsignor Degnan at Saint Paul Church, East Norriton, on Saturday, February 2, 2013, at 11:00 AM. A viewing will be held beginning at 9:00 AM. Concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Reverend Monsignor Ralph J. Chieffo, Reverend Francis J. Cornely, Reverend Joseph C. Dieckhaus, Reverend Francis E. Kelly, Reverend Harry E. McCreedy, Reverend Charles R. O'Hara, Reverend Monsignor Richard J. Skelly, Reverend Monsignor Charles P. Vance, and Reverend Robert C. Vogan. Father McCreedy will be the homilist.

Monsignor Degnan is survived by his cousins. Interment will be at Saint Patrick Cemetery, East Norriton.

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