Monsignor John Joseph Conahan

Monsignor John J Conahan, Pastor Emeritus of Immaculate Conception BVM parish in Jenkintown, died on Thursday, April 11th at Villa St Joseph in Darby. He was 88.

Msgr Conahan was born in Chester, PA son of the late Joseph H and Mary (Kelly) Conahan. His mother died the day of his birth, and thus he was raised by his aunt and uncle, the late Edna (Hoffmayer) and John L Kelly. Monsignor always referred to his Aunt Eddie as his mother, and his three cousins, the late Jack (Sherry), Edward (Debra), and Tom (Judy) Kelly as his brothers. The sons and daughters of his cousins were his nieces and nephews who he loved very much, including the late Matthew Kelly.

Monsignor graduated from Saint James High School in Chester in 1953 and entered Saint Charles Seminary immediately after graduation. He was ordained by Archbishop John Krol on May 19, 1962. His first assignment was as an assistant pastor at St. Timothy Parish in Northeast Philadelphia. He joined the faculty of Cardinal O’Hara High School in 1964 and remained there until 1976. At O’Hara, he filled many roles – French Teacher, Language Department Head, Athletic Director, Music Director, and Activities Director. He often referred to his years at O’Hara as “Camelot,” where many lifelong friendships were forged. After O’Hara, Cardinal Krol appointed him as the 2nd Principal of Archbishop Ryan High School for Girls. He remained at Ryan for 12 years and had many fond memories of his time there.

In 1988, Monsignor was appointed by Cardinal Krol as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Jenkintown. He served 23 years as pastor, leaving a legacy of accomplishments, too many to mention. What needs to be mentioned is that he will always be remembered by his devotion to the Blessed Mother, his gentle demeanor, his sense of humor, and most of all his kindness.

After retirement and until 3 years ago, he moved to the Jersey Shore and served as a weekend assistant at Resurrection Parish in Marmora, again forming some very special friendships.

Please join us at Immaculate Conception BVM, 604 West Ave., Jenkintown, PA, to say our final goodbyes to Monsignor. Reception of the Body at 4:30 PM on Wednesday April 17th, followed by a Visitation and a Memorial Mass at 7:00 PM. On Thursday, April 18th there will be Visitation from 9:00 until 10:45, followed by Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM, celebrated by Archbishop Nelson Perez. Internment will be at 10:30 AM on Friday April 19th at Immaculate Heart Cemetery in Linwood PA.

Condolences to the family can be made at www.mcgoldrickfh.com

Services have been entrusted to the Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home, Jenkintown, PA.