Rev. James W. DeAdder
Deceased: 2018-07-23
Diocese: BOSTON
Seminary Graduation Year: 1956
CSM Graduation Year: 1960
Reverend James W. DeAdder, 91, died peacefully on Monday, July 23, 2018 at The Archdiocese of Boston Regina Cleri where he had been a resident among friends for the past 21 years.
The eldest son of James W. and Alice (Brown) DeAdder of North Andover, Jim was raised in North Andover at Saint Michael Parish, and graduated Johnson High School Class 1944. He proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the United States Army, and was a World War II veteran. He volunteered in the community as a North Andover Auxiliary Fire Fighter for many years.
While in the Army he studied at the University of Maine and Norwich University. Upon discharge he continued his education at Boston College, Saint John Seminary, North American College, the Pontifical Angelicum, and the Pontifical Gregorian Universities in Rome.
Reverend DeAdder was ordained in Rome on December 17, 1955 and became known to many as Father Jim. Father Jim held doctorates in both Theology and Philosophy from the Pontifical Angelicum University and the Pontifical Gregorian University, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Suffolk University School of Law. He was a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association. Reverend DeAdder was a founding faculty member, and the longest-tenured full-time faculty member of Pope St. John XXIII Seminary in Weston, where he taught for thirty-two years and held the position of Rector from 1973 – 1981. He served on the Archdiocesan Tribunal Board as an advocate and judge.
In his retirement, Father DeAdder continued to say Mass at St. Barbara Church in Woburn and Hanscom Air Force Base for over 25 years. He celebrated the Golden Jubilee of his ordination in 2005.
Father Jim will be remembered as a kind and humble person, with a keen intellect, and a wonderful sense of humor. He was always ready to be of assistance to others. When asked for advice, he would respond “What is the loving thing to do?”.
He is survived by his brothers Robert and his wife Doris, Donald and his wife Bernadette and his sister Nancy and husband Anthony Barry, all of North Andover. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. He gave the gift of performing many sacraments such as, baptisms and matrimony celebrations for many family members and friends, leaving behind beautiful cherished memories.
Visitation Services will be held from 2 – 4 pm on Thursday July 26 at Regina Cleri in Boston and on Friday July 27, from 9 – 10:30 am at the Conte Funeral Home, North Andover. A mass to celebrate his life will be held at St. Michael Church, North Andover, MA on Friday, July 27th at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Reverend James W. DeAdder may be made to Regina Cleri, 60 Cardinal O’Connell Way, Boston, MA 02114.
