1902 – 1957 (January 26)
Richard John McNally, son of Patrick McNally and Dorothy Buckley, was born in Falls Creek, Pennsylvania, on October 29, 1902. His primary education was obtained at Saint Catherine Parochial School, DuBois, PA. After two years at Saint Catherine High School there, he entered the Augustinian Preparatory Scholasticate, Saint Rita Hall, Villanova, in September of 1919, and graduated in 1921. He was received as a novice on June 25, 1921, and professed simple vows on June 26, 1922, and solemn vows on June 26, 1925. After completing his philosophical studies at Villanova College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, June, 1925, he was sent that fall to Saint Monica’s International College, Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood at the Leonine College on July 29, 1928, by Bishop DeSanctis, and the following year was awarded his doctorate in philosophy by the Roman Academy of Saint Thomas on March 25, 1929.
Returning from Rome in 1929, Father McNally was assigned to the Fox Valley High School, which the Order conducted at that time in Aurora, IL. In 1930 he was appointed to teach at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, and in June, 1932, he was transferred to Villanova. Three years later, in 1935, he was appointed to teach at Saint Rita High School, Chicago, IL, and the following year, 1936, he returned to Villanova as a member of the faculty.Father McNally taught philosophy at Villanova, particularly to the Augustinian professed students for the remaining score of years allotted to him. He was also a professor at nearby Rosemont College, and for fourteen years assisted on weekends at Saint Patrick Parish, Norristown. Father McNally was a commanding figure as he strode across the campus, perfectly erect, with a friendly smile for all.
Stricken suddenly, he died at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital on January 26, 1957, at the age of 54, and in the 34th year of religious profession. The Requiem Mass was offered on January 29, 1957 with Father James Gallagher as principal celebrant and Father Joseph Burns, O.S.A. as homilist. Father Henry Greenlee, O.S.A., Prior Provincial, performed the final rites. Father McNally is buried in the monastery cemetery at Villanova University.
