REV. THOMAS FRANCIS BAGAN, O.M.I.

MISSIONARY OBLATE PRIEST FOR 60 YEARS

TEWKSBURY, MA -- Rev. Thomas Francis Bagan, OMI, 87, died peacefully after a lengthy illness on May 4, 2013, at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence in Tewksbury, MA. He was born on May 12, 1925, in Benkelman, NE, and was a son of the late Wilfred J. and Marguerite (McAdams) Bagan. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his two sisters, Helen Noonan and Genevieve Bagan, and his brother, Gerald Bagan.

Fr. Bagan entered the novitiate of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Tewksbury on September 7, 1945. He professed his first vows on September 8, 1946, and was ordained to the priesthood in Washington, DC, on June 2, 1952, by Bishop Arsene Turquetil, OMI. He was to celebrate 61 years of priesthood this June 2.

Immediately following ordination, Fr. Bagan was a teacher until 1965, first at Bishop Fallon High School in Buffalo, NY, and then at Our Lady of Hope in Newburgh, NY. He was on the Province Director of Studies Committee from 1965 to 1969 and was bursar and then superior of the community at Our Lady of Hope until 1979. From 1979 to 1993 he was in parish ministry. He served at parishes in Lowell, MA, Opa Locka, FL, Perry, FL, Mullens, WV, and Douglas, GA.

Fr. Bagan was involved in preaching ministry from 1993 to 1999 while residing at Immaculate Conception Parish in Perry, FL, then at Our Lady of Hope Center in Newburgh, NY. From 1999 to 2007, he did reduced ministry at Immaculate Conception Parish in Perry and St. John Fisher Parish in West Palm Beach, FL.

Due to failing health, Fr. Bagan retired in 2007. He joined the community at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence in August of 2008.

Besides his Oblate family, Fr. Bagan is survived by a niece, Jane Dutton, and her husband, James, of Broomfield, CO, and many cousins.

BAGAN -- Services and calling hours will be in the Chapel at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury. Calling hours will be on Thursday, May 9, 2013, from 2:00-4:00 pm and 7:00-9:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at 7:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, May 10, 2013. Interment will take place in the Oblate cemetery at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Residence and Infirmary.

Donations in memory of Fr. Bagan may be made to the Oblate Infirmary Fund, 486 Chandler Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876-2849.

The McKenna-Ouellette Funeral Home, 327 Hildreth Street, Lowell, MA, is in charge of arrangements. For condolences or directions, please visit www.mckennaouellette.com.