1895 – 1946 (September 4)
John Francis Hammond, son of John Sewell Hammond and Eleanor Lee, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 12, 1895. In 1907 he was enrolled at Saint Nicholas Academy for boys on the campus of Villanova College. He entered the novitiate there on June 24, 1914 and professed simple vows on July 2, 1915. He received his B.A. from Villanova that same year, and was solemnly professed on July 3, 1918. He obtained his M.A. in 1919 and was assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago, Il to teach chemistry and short hand. He was ordained to the priesthood in Oconomowoc, WI. by Archbishop Messmer of Milwaukee, on July 2, 1919.
While teaching at Saint Rita’s High School, Chicago, for many years, he also pursued graduate work in chemistry at the University of Chicago. In 1935, he was transferred to Villanova College where he taught organic chemistry especially to pre-med students, as well as math and physics.
Father Hammond died suddenly in his sleep in the Villanova Monastery on September 4, 1946 at the age of 51. His death came as a sudden shock to the College campus, especially t his students who held him in high regard.
A Requiem Mass was offered on September 7th at Villanova by Father Joseph Hickey, O.S.A., Assistant General. Father William Deacy, O.S.A. preached the homily. Father Hammond was buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.
