January 26 is the anniversary of Richard J. McNally.

Richard John McNally, son of Patrick McNally and Dorothy Buckley, was born in Falls Creek, PA, 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 of 1932 he was brought 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, for the remaining score of years allotted to him. He was also a professor at nearby Rosemont College, and for fourteen years assisted over the weekends at Saint Patrick Parish in Norristown, PA. Father was a commanding figure as he strode across the campus, perfectly erect, with a friendly smile to all he met.

Stricken suddenly, Father McNally died at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital on January 26, 1957. He is buried in the monastery cemetery at Villanova University.

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