Deceased: 2014-05-13
Diocese: NEWARK
Seminary Graduation Year: 1982
Known as “Father Bob” to his congregation, Cormier had celebrated a First Communion Mass the weekend before his accident. He was fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, and had written three books.
His friend, retired pastor Rev. Eugene Squeo, told CBS 2 that Cormier had a series of mountains that he wanted to climb. “Mt. Hood was the last. This was to be his last climb,” said Squeo.
Due to warm weather conditions and fears of an avalanche, recovery of his body has not yet commenced. A mass in his memory will be held on Sunday.
He was a priest in Newark, New Jersey, at the St. Rose of Lima parish for 17 years. His congregation is mourning him on the Newark Archdiocese’s Facebook page.
“He was such a vibrant priest. Our family was blessed with a powerful spiritual journey in a short time we got to know him here in Jersey City,” said Brenda Santana. “Rest in peace Father Bob. Eternal rest grant to him. Amen.”