Archdiocese of Newark obituaries: January 2023

We remember and pray for our dearly departed clergy and men and women religious whose Masses of Christian Burial were held in January:

Father John B. Baron, Ph.D.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, for Father John B. Baron, Ph.D., at St. Rose of Lima Church, Short Hills, N.J.

Father Baron, 75, of Avalon, N.J., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022.

Born in Orange, N.J., he resided in Maplewood, Short Hills, and Avalon. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Seton Hall University, Masters of Divinity from Immaculate Conception Seminary, Master’s Degree from Fordham University, and his Ph.D. from Drew University. Reverend Baron was ordained on May 26, 1973.

Father Baron served as Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of the Lake Parish-Verona, Our Lady of the Valley Parish-Orange, St. Bernard’s Parish-Plainfield, and St. Francis De Sales Parish-Lodi. He was Dean at the Essex Vicariate. He served as Campus Minister at Newman Catholic Center in Upper Montclair, and Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck. He was the Director of Campus Ministry at Newman Catholic Campus in Newark. He was on staff at RENEW International in Plainfield and Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck. He volunteered at the Bayside State Prison in Leesburg in their Literacy/ESL Program, where he received the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2018.

Father Baron was the beloved son of the late Patricia R. (Nee:Nolan) and Albert W. Baron, Sr. Cherished Brother of Patricia A. Nebel and her husband Howard; and Albert W. Baron, Jr. and his Wife Janet. Devoted Uncle of seven nieces and nephews and 14 grand nieces and nephews.

Sister M. Veritas Picardi, OP

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, Jan. 10, 2023, for Sister M. Veritas Picardi at Saint Aloysius Church, Caldwell, N.J.

Sister Picardi, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell for 68 years, died on Jan. 4, 2023, at Saint Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center in Caldwell at the age of 88.

A woman of deep faith and kindness, Sister Picardi first learned of God’s love for her from her parents, Thomas and Marguerite (nee Heimbach) Picardi. She entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic on August 15, 1954, received the habit on June 30, 1955, made her first profession on July 2, 1956, and her final profession on July 2, 1962.

Sister Picardi earned a BA from Caldwell University (formerly Caldwell College), N.J., in Elementary Education and Mathematics and an MA from Notre Dame University, Ind. in Philosophy. Sister Picardi held a Professional Degree in Administration and Supervision from Fordham University, N.Y., and took graduate courses in Global Interdependence at Seton Hall University, N.J.

A gifted educator, Sister Picardi taught elementary and junior high students at Our Lady of the Lake, Verona; Ascension, New Milford; Our Lady of Lourdes, Mountainside; Link Community Charter School (formerly Project Link), Newark and St. Ann, Newark; and was principal at Our Lady of Sorrows, Garfield; and Blessed Sacrament-St. Mary in Bridgeport, Conn. Sister Picardi was a lecturer of philosophy at Caldwell University, Caldwell; and Essex County College, Newark. Sister served on the leadership team of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Caldwell as a councilor and congregational treasurer before her ministries at Genesis Farm, Blairstown; and as the resident manager at Marian Manor, Caldwell.

Generous and hospitable, Sister Picardi loved gatherings with family and friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a great laugh. With a smile and a love for life, Sister Picardi brought the message of God’s never-ending love to all who came to know her.

Sister Picardi was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Marguerite Picardi, and her siblings Thomas Picardi and Michael Picardi. She is survived by her sister, Marguerite (Joseph) Buccino; her brother, Peter (Renee) Picardi; nieces and nephews; many grand-nieces and grand-nephews; dear friends and her loving Sisters of Saint Dominic.

Father Brendan H. Quinn

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, for Father Brendan H. Quinn at Immaculate Conception Church in Elizabeth, N.J.

Father Quinn, 76, of Elizabeth, formerly of Rahway, passed away Friday, Jan. 6, 2023, on the Feast of the Epiphany. Father Quinn was in residence at Immaculate Conception Church, Elizabeth at the time of his death after a brief illness.

Born in Rahway, N.J. he was a 1964 graduate of Rahway High School, and a 1968 graduate of St. Peters College, Jersey City, N.J. where he sang in the Glee Club. Father Quinn’s 50-year service to the Roman Catholic Church started as a deacon at St. Joseph of the Palisades, West New York in 1973. He was ordained a priest by Bishop John J. Dougherty, of the Archdiocese of Newark, on May 25, 1974, upon graduation from Immaculate Conception Seminary at Darlington, Mahwah, N.J.

He served in the following New Jersey communities as parochial vicar: St. Joseph, West Orange; St. Agnes, Clark; Our Lady of Sorrows, South Orange; Holy Trinity, Hackensack; St. Mary, Plainfield; Our Lady Queen of Peace, Maywood; Corpus Christi Hasbrouck Heights; St. Cecilia, Kearny; and Holy Rosary, Jersey City.  During his parish assignments, he also devoted his time to church fundraising, and youth sports programs, and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Father Quinn was also well known and loved throughout the community of Elizabeth N.J., having served as hospital chaplain, for 24 years, at Trinitas Hospital beginning in 1998. He worked tirelessly during COVID to meet the spiritual needs of patients and frontline responders.

He was predeceased by his father Harry, his mother Madeline, and nephew Craig. Surviving is four siblings: Kieran, John, Kevin, and Eileen as well nephew Michael and great-niece Madelynn.

Father Theodore W. Osbahr, III

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, for Father Theodore W. Osbahr, III at St. Aloysius Church Caldwell in Caldwell, N.J.

Father Osbahr, age 81, passed away at his home at the James F. Kelley Residence in Caldwell N.J. on Jan. 18, 2023. He served the Archdiocese of Newark for 55 years.

Father Osbahr was born July 17, 1941, in Rahway N.J. to Theodore W. Osbahr, Jr. and Mary Agnes (Weaver) Osbahr. He attended St. Joseph Parochial school in Roselle, N.J.; Marist High School Bayonne, N.J.; and Seton Hall University. He attended Immaculate Conception Seminary and the Canisianum in Innsbruck Austria where he was ordained on March 11, 1967.

On returning Father Osbahr was assigned to Oratory High School in Summit, N.J. where he began teaching and then became Dean. He served the Archdiocese of Newark at many churches in New Jersey. He served as vicar, pastor, and administrator at St. Ann Parish, Newark; St. Aloysius Parish, Jersey City; Sacred Heart Parish, Lyndhurst; Sacred Heart Parish, Bloomfield; Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, Franklin Lakes; St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Irvington; St. James Parish, Springfield; Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, Roseland; St. Margaret of Cortona Parish, Little Ferry; St. Joseph Parish, Maplewood; Chaplain at Irvington Police and Fire Departments, Irvington; and Chaplain at Knights of Columbus Council #4504, Union. His final assignment was at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Roseland.

Father Osbahr enjoyed his many trips with his family to Long Beach Island, Florida, and his many trips out West.

He was a kind and loving man who had a special relationship with his family and friends. He was a beloved brother, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend. He was predeceased by his parents and brother John Michael.

He is survived by his brothers Robert (Jaclyn) of Vestal, N.Y.; Richard (Janet) of Seminole, Fla.; sister Mary (John) Jones of Largo Fla.; nieces and nephews: Janine Reilly, Shannan Osbahr, and Brian Osbahr of Scotch Plains N.J.; Theodore Osbahr of Vestal N.Y.; Robert Osbahr of Cicero, N.Y.; one great niece and five great-nephews; longtime friend Dolores Megara and many cousins.

Sister Ines Marie DiBonaventura, OP

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, for Sister Ines Marie DiBonaventura at St. Aloysius Church Caldwell in Caldwell, N.J.

Sister DiBonaventura (formerly Sister Inez Raymond), a Sister of St. Dominic of Caldwell for 77 years, entered into eternal life on Jan. 24, 2023, at the age of 95 at St. Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center, Caldwell, N.J.

Sister DiBonaventura was a gentlewoman of deep faith and compassion, which she learned from her parents, Emidio and Candida (Amari) DiBonaventura. She entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic on Aug. 30, 1945, received the habit on April 30, 1946, made her first profession on May 1, 1947, and her final profession on May 1, 1953.

Sister DiBonaventura earned her BA from Caldwell University (formerly Caldwell College) in Social Studies and English, her MA in Administration in Religious Education from LaSalle University, and attended an advanced leadership program at Seton Hall University. Sister DiBonaventura touched the lives of countless children and adults in her ministries as a teacher, administrator, and pastoral associate. Sister taught at St. Brigid, North Bergen, and Sacred Heart, Dover; and served as principal at St. Catherine of Siena, Cedar Grove; and vice-principal at St. Mary High School, Rutherford. Her beautiful singing voice and her love of music enriched liturgical celebrations and the school choir. When she retired from full-time ministry, her sister volunteered in the bereavement ministry at St. Mary, Rutherford. She was a woman of joy and peace. She lit up any room she entered.

Sister DiBonaventura was predeceased by her parents, Emidio and Candida; her sister Dalia Svend Knaakkergaard; and her brothers, Raymond DiBonaventura, Anthony Ventura, and Sebastian DiBonaventura.  She is survived by her brother, Edward DiBonaventura; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews; her friend, Mary Lanni and her loving Sisters of Saint Dominic.

Deacon John W. McKeon

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, for Deacon John W. McKeon at St. Luke’s RC Church in Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J., where he served for many years.

Deacon McKeon of Ridgewood, N.J., was born in Endicott, N.Y. in 1946.

He was predeceased by his parents, Anthony McKeon and Mary McKeon (McManus); his siblings, George, David, and Mary; and his grandson Cole McKeon.

He is survived by his wife Joan; his children, Keith, Kevin (Stephanie), Ryan (Alicia), Erin, and Conor; his grandchildren, Emily and Calvin; and his siblings, Dennis, Kathleen, and Margaret. He is also survived by 43 nieces and nephews.

Sister Maureen Joseph Kirwan, SC

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, for Sister Maureen Joseph Kirwan at Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, N.J.

Sister Kirwan, 87, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 at McAuley Hall Health Center, Watchung, N.J.

Sister Kirwan was born in Staten Island, N.Y., the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Corbliss) Kirwan. She entered the Sisters of Charity on September 6, 1954, and was a member for 68 years. Sister Kirwan graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth with a B.S. degree in Business Administration and from the University of Notre Dame with a MBA degree in Economics.

Sister Kirwan was an educator in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Florida. She served as a teacher at St. John Commercial High School, New Haven, Conn.; and Immaculate Conception High School, Montclair, N.J. She also was an Assistant Treasurer at the College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, N.J. and a teacher at Saint Joseph & Saint Anthony School, in Pensacola, Fla.. She transitioned into the role of Finance Director & Pastoral Associate while doing Community Outreach and Immigration work at Saint Joseph & Saint Anthony School & Parish. She also worked with Catholic Social Services, in Pensacola, Fla..

Sister Kirwan had a heart and love that embraced all, and especially those in need. She was considered by some as a “little powerhouse” of generosity and warmth. Through her ministry, she was able to be a voice for the voiceless. She had a gift of joy and laughter that brought life wherever she went. Her presence and ministry in Pensacola, Fla. gave witness to “boundless charity,” a life she lived for 68 years as a Sister of Charity.

She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Mary and her 12 brothers and sisters. She is survived by the Sisters of Charity and her cousins, nieces, and nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews.