1894 – 1956 (January 3)
Albert Clement O’Loughlin, one of nine children of Colman P. O’Loughlin and Frances C. Burgoon, was born on September 23, 1894 in Brookville, Pennsylvania. He attended the local parochial grammar school and then entered the Augustinian Preparatory Scholasticate on September 24, 1909 at Saint Rita Hall, Villanova. Two of his sisters had previously joined the Sisters of Mercy at Merion, Pa. On June 13, 1913 Albert was admitted to the novitiate at Villanova and professed simple vows on June 19, 1914, and solemn vows on June 23, 1917. He pursued philosophical and theological studies at Villanova, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1917 and a Master of Arts degree in 1920. He was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Dougherty at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia on May 29, 1920.
In September, 1920, Father O’Loughlin was assigned to Washington, DC, for graduate work in history at the Catholic University of America. Father discontinued his studies at the Catholic University in March, 1922, due to ill health, and was assigned to Hoosick Falls, New York, where he remained in parish work until September 1923, when he was transferred to Augustinian Academy, Staten Island. In the provincial chapter of 1924 he was transferred back to Hoosick Falls where he remained until 1929. There followed tours of duty at Saint Augustine, Troy, New York and Villanova Preparatory School, Ojai, California. Beset by continuing ill health he returned to Villanova Monastery in 1936. From 1946 until his death he taught at Augustinian Academy, Staten Island.
Father O’Loughlin was a superb teacher of Latin, algebra, and American history. His fairness and deep concern for the spiritual and physical welfare of the students endeared him to the whole community. Father died on January 3, 1956, as he was returning by train from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. The cause was heart failure. His Funeral Mass was offered on Saturday, January 7, 1956 at Villanova by his cousin, Father Joseph Shannon, O.S.A. The homilist was Father James Gallagher, O.S.A.
Father O’Loughlin was buried in the Community Cemetery at Villanova.
