Father John J. Kilgallon, 81, of Plymouth Meeting, a beloved Catholic priest, educator, and former pastor, died on Dec. 26 from complications of pneumonia, reports Gary Miles for the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Ordained in 1969, Father Kilgallon served as a parochial vicar at several parishes, including St. Patrick in Malvern, Our Mother of Sorrows in Philadelphia, and St. John of the Cross in Roslyn. He was pastor at St. Francis de Sales in West Philadelphia from 1989 to 1994, where he fostered an inclusive, multicultural community. He championed diversity in the parish school, welcoming children of all faiths and emphasizing unity through celebration.
An advocate for education, he taught religion at West Philadelphia Catholic Girls’ and Cardinal O’Hara High Schools, retiring in 2018. Parishioners remembered him for his empathy, humor, and unwavering support. He frequently officiated weddings, baptized relatives, counseled summer campers, and comforted families at funerals.
Father Kilgallon also led efforts to raise $250,000 for church repairs, supported programs for the visually impaired and AIDS patients, and maintained a strong outreach presence. Known for his wisdom and kindness, friends described him as “down to earth” and a source of “sensitive advice and guidance.”
Born in Philadelphia in 1943, he grew up in Conshohocken and cherished his Irish heritage. He is survived by his siblings and extended family. Services were held in January.
Read more about Father John Kilgallon in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
