Very Rev. Thomas M. Powers
Deceased: 2014-03-05
Diocese: ALBANY
Seminary Graduation Year: 1963
CSM Graduation Year: 1987
The Rev. Thomas M. Powers, 78, was born into Eternal Life on Wednesday morning, March 5, 2014 at Teresian House. Born in Albany, Thomas M. Powers was the son of the late Michael and Helen Powers. He was the beloved brother of Maryellen Leonard; brother-in-law of the late Thomas Leonard; dear uncle of Margaret Ebenhoch (John Jr.) and Helen LaRocco (Anthony); great uncle of Thomas, Patrick and Bridget Ebenhoch and Eileanor LaRocco. Father Powers attended St. Thomas Seminary, Hartford and Mater Christi Seminary, Albany and completed the Basselin program at Catholic University. He completed his theological training at the Gregorian University and the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Martin J. O’Connor on December 19, 1962. Father Powers was awarded his doctor of sacred theology degree (sacrae theologiae doctor) in 1983. Father Powers served as associate pastor in St. John the Baptist in Greenville, Sacred Heart in Cohoes, Sacred Heart of Mary in Watervliet and St. Patrick’s in Athens while teaching in Catholic high schools in Catskill and Cohoes. He was chaplain at Albany Medical Center for three years before becoming the pastor of the combined parish of St. Agnes/St. Patrick in Cohoes from 1975 to 1979. After briefly serving as chaplain at St. Mary’s Hospital, Troy, he was appointed in 1980 superior of the Graduate House of Studies (Casa Santa Maria) of the North American College in Rome and director of the Office of the Bishops for United States visitors to the Vatican. From 1987 through 1993, Father Powers served in a variety of ministries within the diocese of Albany: director of the Office of Clergy Education, chair of the board for the Ministry of Priests program, moderator of the St. Luke’s Guild and adjunct professor at Siena College and St. Bernard’s Institute. During this time he was also chaplain for the Academy of the Holy Names and for the Catholic students at Albany Medical College. While still serving in some of these positions, Fr. Powers was appointed pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Valatie, where he served from 1993 until 1998 when he became pastor of St. Teresa of Avila Church, Albany. He retired from administrative responsibilities in 2005, but continued his sacramental ministry for many years. Reception of the body will take place on Sunday, March 9, 2014 in St. Vincent De Paul Church, Albany, at 2 p.m., with visitation continuing until 5 p.m. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be concelebrated on Monday, March 10, 2014 at 11 a.m. in St. Vincent De Paul Church, Albany with Most Rev. Howard J. Hubbard, D. D. Bishop of Albany as principal celebrant. Interment will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont. Those wishing to remember Father Thomas M. Powers in a special way may send a contribution to Teresian House, 200 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12203.
