William
J. Wynne, O.S.A.1917-2005
February 2 is the anniversary of William J. Wynne.
William Joseph Wynne, was born to William Wynne and Elizabeth (Donovan) Wynne, on December 31, 1917, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was baptized on January 20, 1918 at the Church of The Sacred Heart. He received his early education at Our Lady of Hope elementary school and St. Michael Cathedral High School. In 1936, he became a postulant at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island, New York. On September 9, 1937, he was received as a novice at Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate, New Hamburg, NY, and professed first vows on September 10, 1938. In June 1941, he received his A.B. degree from Villanova College and made solemn profession on September 10, 1941. William continued his studies at Augustinian College, Washington, DC, where he completed his theology courses and was ordained to the priesthood on May 18, 1944 at Trinity College Chapel, Washington, DC. In 1945, he completed his B.S. degree in Library Science at Catholic University, Washington, DC.
In September 1945, Father Wynne was first assigned to teach at Villanova Preparatory School, Ojai, California. In 1946, he was appointed assistant Librarian at Villanova College, Villanova, PA. while residing at St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery. In 1947, he was assigned as one of the first members who formed the Augustinian community at the newly founded Merrimack College, North Andover, MA. His particular assignment was within his field of library science and teaching. Over the years Father Wynne studied music literature, music theory and chorus directing at institutions such as Boston University, Newton College and Catholic University. From 1958 to 1962, Father Wynne served in St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish and school in the Bronx, NY In 1959, Father Wynne studied at the Manhattan School of Music in NY, where he majored in piano with a minor in voice training, and, in 1961, received his Master of Music degree. In 1962, he was assigned to teach at Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, PA. From 1963 to 1974, he accepted parochial ministry in the following parishes: St. Mary’s Lawrence, MA., St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Jamaica, NY, and St. Patrick in Cambridge, NY Then, from 1974 to 1981, he assisted at Mount Augustine Retreat House, Staten Island, NY. From 1981-1987, he taught private lessons in piano and voice, while residing at Austin Preparatory School, Reading, MA. From 1987 to 2004, Father Bill served as sacristan and librarian of Our Mother of Good Counsel Monastery at Merrimack College, where he also offered piano and voice lessons. In January 2005, due to failing health, Father Wynne was transferred to the Healthcare Unit at St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery, Villanova, PA.
Father Wynne, in addition to his music skills, had a keen interest in architecture and building construction, and had developed a sense for evaluating antiques. He was also noted for his quick wit, humorous story telling and interest in the history of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova.
Father Wynne passed away peacefully on February 2, 2005, after a long bout with cancer. At his request he was buried in his family’s plot in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Springfield, MA.
†