Death of Ballynacally/Lissycasey priest

The death has occurred peacefully at his home of Fr Tom O’Dea, assistant priest, Ballynacally/Lissycasey.

Born on December 16, 1933 in Newmarket-on-Fergus, he was a pupil of St Flannan’s College, Ennis and he studied for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Carlow.He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Tucson, Arizona on June 7, 1958.

Fr Tom served in various parishes in Tucson Diocese and later in Phoenix Diocese, including St Thomas the Apostle Parish in Phoenix, Queen of Peace Parish in Mesa, St Anthony of Padua Parish, Casa Grande; St Francis Parish in Superior, St Patrick Parish in Bisbee, St John Vianney Parish in Goodyear, St Matthew Parish in Phoenix, Christ the King Parish in Mesa and Holy Spirit Parish in Tempe.

He retired after serving as pastor of Ascension Parish in Fountain Hills in 2003.

After his return to Ireland he served as assistant priest in the Parish of Ballynacally/Lissycasey. He died peacefully at his home in Ballycorick on Saturday last.

Fr Tom is survived by his brother Dr Dominic (Dommie), Toronto; sisters, Evelyn Flanagan, Ballinasloe; Phyllis O’Halloran, Cashel; pre-deceased by brothers, John and Patrick, Newmarket-on-Fergus and sister, Irene Neylon, Ballyea. He his also mourned by his extended family and many friends and colleagues in the Killaloe and Phoenix, USA Diocese and parishioners in Ballynacally/Lissycasey.
Reposing is in the Church of Christ the King, Ballycorick, Ballynacally on this Tuesday evening, from 4pm to 8pm, with funeral prayers at 8pm. Funeral mass is on Wednesday at 2pm, followed by burial in the church grounds.